Bolton Abbey Stepping Stones – Bolton Abbey Ruins loop from Bolton Abbey

Hiking trails & Routes

Yorkshire And The Humber

Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey Stepping Stones – Bolton Abbey Ruins loop from Bolton Abbey

Easy

4.8

(4)

hikers

Bolton Abbey Stepping Stones – Bolton Abbey Ruins loop from Bolton Abbey

01:08

4.23km

40m

Hiking

Easy hike. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

184 m

River Wharfe

Highlight • River

The Wharfe drops into the Bolton Abbey estate as a broad, lively river, flowing past the priory ruins and the famous stepping stones. Just upstream lies The Strid, where the river is squeezed from about 30 feet wide to barely a stride across, flipping from shallow-and-wide to narrow-and-deep, a geological quirk that creates powerful, hidden currents beneath the rocks. After leaving Bolton Abbey, the Wharfe continues through Addingham, Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Otley, Wetherby, and Tadcaster, before finally joining the River Ouse near Cawood.
A funny (and slightly dark) fact, The Strid, that innocent-looking narrow gap on the Bolton Abbey estate, is famously said to have a 100% fatality rate for anyone who falls in. It looks like a place you could hop across… but absolutely isn’t. Local folklore insists no one has ever survived falling into it, thanks to the undercut caves and swirling tunnels beneath the surface

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261 m

The Tea Room, Bolton Abbey

Highlight • Cafe

A Very nice Tea Room with tasty food and great staff. Lots of space for bikes there 16 of our group there today. Food was served quickly and very tasty indeed.
If there is a group let them know in advance please.

The Tea Room, Bolton Abbey, BD23 6EX 01756 710 495 Lee Chapman

Tip by

1.51 km

Bolton Bridge

Highlight • Monument

This beautiful arched bridge over the River Wharfe dates from the 18th century and is Grade-II listed. The bridge is also on the southern boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

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3.37 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.

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3.44 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

3.69 km