Bolton Abbey Ruins – Burnsall Bridge loop from Beamsley

Hiking trails & Routes

United Kingdom

England

Yorkshire And The Humber

Beamsley

Bolton Abbey Ruins – Burnsall Bridge loop from Beamsley

Hard

4.7

(19)

157

hikers

Bolton Abbey Ruins – Burnsall Bridge loop from Beamsley

07:07

27.3km

190m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.46 km

Bolton Abbey Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Bolton Abbey is situated in a peaceful location on the banks of the River Wharfe. It dates to the 12th century and is a former Augustinian monastery. The monastery closed in 1539 after King Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries. Today, you will find it an atmospheric and interesting place to visit.

Tip by

2.54 km

Bolton Abbey Stepping Stones

Highlight • Beach

The iconic stepping stones across the River Wharfe to Bolton Abbey were once used as a crossing for lay workers coming to the priory. The 60 stones make for a fun crossing of the river these days. But if the water is too high, or if you just don’t fancy it, there is a bridge nearby. North of the stepping stones is a large beach area which can be enjoyed in good weather.

Tip by

3.57 km

Friar's Stones

Archaeological Site

7.57 km

Springs Wood

Forest

8.35 km

View of the River in Yorkshire Dales National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

A lot of wildlife around especially young lambs, be careful

Tip by

13.7 km

Burnsall Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

After heavy rain in the Yorkshire Dales, the River Wharfe swells as it rushes through Burnsall Bridge in Lower Wharfedale. The Grade II-listed packhorse bridge dates from the 17th century and was restored in the 19th century.

Tip by

15.7 km

River Wharfe Riverside Walk: Onion Lane to Haugh Wood

Highlight (Segment) • River

A beautiful river walk on the banks of the River Wharfe between the curiously named Onion Lane near Appletreewick (not sure if I expect onions and apples to mix) and Haugh Wood near Howgill. Superbly green on the banks and on the wooded slopes near the river, and with gorgeous views of Simon's Seat to the east. What's not to like?

Tip by

20.8 km

Riverside path at Strid Wood on the River Wharfe

Highlight • Viewpoint

A place to rest at the top of the hill with beautiful view downstream

Tip by

22.0 km

Strid Wood

Forest

23.1 km

Cavendish Pavilion

Highlight • River

You'll find the Pavilion in the heart of The Bolton Abbey Estate. Great for grabbing some refreshments and something to eat then heading to the riverside to enjoy them. Whether part of your day out or your sole reason for visiting, the surroundings are simply idyllic. Fresh sandwiches, pizzas and delicious cakes are all made daily on site. During the colder months this area is less frequented, however during the warmer months this area will be very busy, as will the riverside, so be warned.

During non-lockdown/covid times this area can be hired for a wedding venue and is a fantastic party venue.

Dogs welcome in all outside areas.

Opening Hours:
Open every day except Christmas Day from 10am.
Sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and cakes are served throughout the day.

Tip by

24.4 km

Cavendish Memorial

Highlight • Monument

A memorial to Lord Cavendish a 19th century politician who was killed in Ireland.

Tip by

27.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.1 km

8.68 km

5.98 km

1.33 km

1.22 km

Surfaces

10.1 km

7.02 km

4.74 km

3.14 km

1.31 km

1.06 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 22 October

11°C

4°C

92 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 37.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 2, 2022,From Addingham to Burnsall

Solo walk from my front door to Burnsall, picking up the Dales Way near Bolton Abbey.

September 3, 2023,Day 1: Addingham to Grassington – Yorkshire Dales

This was a gorgeous and easy first day in the Yorkshire Dales, following the Dales Way long-distance footpath. There are some lovely swimming spots, as we headed along the River Wharfe. It was relatively quiet in places until we got to Burnsall Bridge, which was absolutely heaving and a real shock to the system. 🤣