The Bolton Abbey Aqueduct

Bolton Abbey Aqueduct

Have you ever ventured beyond The Strid at Bolton Abbey?

If you fancy more of a challenge after taking in one the Bolton Abbey trails through the woods, this is a super little extension to the regular Strid trail and is great for kids ready to take on more distance!

Have you ever ventured to the Bolton Abbey Aqueduct?

Found between the Strid and Barden Bridge, the Aqueduct is a marvellous construction built to hide water pipes that carry water from the reservoirs of Upper Nidderdale... I’ll bet you didn’t know that eh?! Quite a journey for our drinking water! But as well as serving as a practical means of carrying water, the aqueduct is also a pretty fancy footbridge across the River Wharfe.

Perfect for those families who are ready to take on a bit more of a challenge than the short amble along the River Wharfe to the Strid, this circular is still packed with cool stuff to see!

This walk starts and ends at the Cavendish Pavilion car park where there are ducks to feed, places to paddle and obviously the Cafe for some treats!

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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!

I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).

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Looking down at the River Wharfe

The path along the edge of the River Wharfe on the approach to the Aqueduct (note there are exposed edges on this walk if you have younger children)

Walk details for Bolton Abbey

Distance: 3.5 - 4 miles

Terrain: Well maintained footpaths, some ascent. 🛑 Some steep drops to the edge of footpaths, for those who are more wary of heights.

Parking: Bolton Abbey, Riverside Car Park. A charge of £12.50 is made per car when booked in advance. It is £15 on the day.

Dog Friendly? Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed on this walk.

Public Transport Links: It is possible to get to Bolton Abbey by bus, although the service is mainly weekends and bank holidays. Check out the Dales Bus Service for more info.

Location: Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire.

Map: Check out the trail maps on the Bolton Abbey website.

Toilets/ Baby Change: Cavendish Pavilion.

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: Cavendish Pavilion.

Child sitting on a wooden bench looking through a hole in the trees with a river and aqueduct in the distance with golden green colours

The viewing bench that you’ll pass on the return route shortly after entering the woodland with the aqueduct behind it.

Directions to the Aqueduct:

From the Cavendish Pavilion (See Bolton Abbey’s Trail map here)

  1. Head towards the Strid Wood through the wide access gate, keeping the Cavendish Pavilion on your left. Continue straight along the main wide route along the river, through Strid Woods, ignoring any paths to the right and left (unless you fancy exploring the Sulphur Well, which is a minor diversion to the right).

  2. Follow this for around 2km, until you reach The Strid. Here is a large information board about the area, and the water is pretty dramatic coming through the rocks here. Take some time to explore, but keep WELL clear from the edge, the Strid is incredibly dangerous (read more about that below).

  3. From the path next to the Strid, continue straight on into the woodland, the path begins to ascend and continues to roughly follow the river from height. Ignore any paths heading to the left (these will take you to the Strid tearooms… of course unless you WANT to go to the Strid tearooms!) It will eventually descend back down into a wider area of woodland where there is a wooden bridge crossing the beck. Here, the path heads back out of the woodland and into the open. The river will be to your right, and you should be able to see the Aqueduct ahead of you.

  4. Cross the bridge to the other side of the river, turn right and head back along the clearly marked route, this time keeping the river to your right. The path is now high up above the water, and taking care you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Strid below as you walk back past it on the other side. Be aware with younger children that there are some steep unguarded edges along this side of the river.

  5. Pass the little hut (unless you fancy a sit down! Keep quiet and you’ll spot loads of birds here!) then keep to the path as it descends back to the riverside. This path will eventually reach the very edge of the water (pictured below) before reaching a gate out of the woodland. Here you should be able to see the wooden bridge with the Cavendish beyond. Turn right on the bridge and you are back at your start point!

Last walked September 2025.

Walking along the path back from the Aqueduct

The woodland is GREAT for fungus spotting, this is on the return route to the Cavendish

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

⭐ If you choose to paddle, be aware of bio security. Always wear clean dry water shoes (if worn) to avoid cross contamination of species between watercourses, this is a particular issue in the Yorkshire Dales, to help protect the white clawed crayfish.

⭐ If you decide to paddle, be aware that wild water can be dangerous, and water levels will vary season to season. Always supervise children around water. Check out the safety information on the Royal Life Saving Society website.

For more help and safety advice, head to our dedicated page.

Playing in the water of the river Wharfe

The point where the river is accessible near the end of this walk.

What’s cool for kids on this walk?

☕ The Cavendish do a fabulous coffee, tea, hot chocolate, whatever takes your fancy! Many a day has a stroll along the Strid been accompanied by a steaming brew and cake. Oohh and you can get ice cream there too!

🏰 During the Summer there is a large sandpit located near the start of the trail through Strid Wood.

✨ The Strid is an incredible place. The entire contents of the River Wharfe are literally squeezed into a narrow rocky channel causing a raging torrent of water, which has carved out subaquatic tunnels, ledges and caves underneath the surface of the limestone rock. The name ‘Strid’ is derived from Stride, which pertains to the tempting look of simply stepping to the other side. Definitely do NOT do this, as the true depth of the water here is unknown and is virtually wholly unchartered due to the power of the water, despite scuba divers attempting to explore it. What we do know is that The Strid has a 100% mortality rate, and is the reason why The River Wharfe is named as one of the most deadly in the UK, so steer clear of the edge, if you fall in, you will not come back out again.

The terrifying nature of the Strid is probably why it is the stuff of legends. It is said that in the water lives an evil fairy and its kelpie, who lie in wait ready to drag an unwitting human to their demise….

So definitely stick to that viewing platform ok?!

💦 There are points where you can get down to the water to throw some stones in the river.

🦆 Ducks to feed! Remember your duck food!

🌳 During the Easter Holidays, Halloween Break and Christmas, the Strid is home to seasonal trails! If you are visiting out of season, then why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!

Cartwheeling in front of the Ribblehead Viaduct

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