Bolton Abbey
Location - Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX
Distance (around) - this is variable, depending on where you go
Terrain - There are a number of possible routes and the ground varies.
Points to note -
Parking including disabled is available, at a cost
Toilets including accessible available
Café, pub and other places to buy souvenirs
Lots of fields, woods and water areas for dogs to explore
Bolton Abbey is a regularly visited place from when we were young, I remember days preparing a picnic and getting up early to sit by the river for hours on end, listening to the cricket, getting an ice cream, kicking a ball and in more mobile days, having a dip in the river. This was long before Betty, so it was lovely to go back with her.
Located in beautiful North Yorkshire, near Skipton, on the river Wharf, you can visit various spots within the location including the priory ruins, Strid Wood, stepping stones, an aqueduct, Valley of Desolation, Simon’s Seat and more, depending really on your mobility equipment, will really determine where you can visit. There is a cost for parking, along with set opening times, disabled spaces are available in the various locations to visit. The path from the parking to the main area is solid and flat, suitable for a number of mobility devices, with lots of grass surrounding for your dog.
We parked by the river, and walked along the riverside path to the main area, we always keep Betty on a lead, but there is plenty of grass for her to have run, she isn’t a dog who likes water, so we didn’t take her to it, but you can take dogs along the waterside for a little paddle, but remember the river does have a current so be safe. We perched on a little bench carved into a wall to eat our picnic, before going into the woods taking one of the more gentle accessible paths, Betty loved sniffing around and venturing in a new area, the trees allowed shaded cover for her too, on what could have been a warm day. We then returned to the main cafe area having an ice cream, before heading to the car to relocate to the aqueduct carpark. Now this was a very steep hill downwards, but the scooter managed fine, we then continued along the waterside, over a small wooden humped bridge which was accessible to see the aqueduct, then returning up the hill, which was a little more strenuous for walkers. But it was worth it. Again, Betty loved sniffing around and exploring, the hills didn’t seem to bother her at all and more shaded cover made for a perfect walk. On our return to the carpark there was a lovely cafe where we had a pot of tea, and a rest at the picnic benches, Betty was able to have her bowl filled for refreshing drink too.
It was lovely to visit again, I was able to see most of what I wanted, but understandably not everywhere is accessible, but taking Betty was the best too…I want to try and make sure she gets to see as much as possible in her time.
Tip - be safe near the water.
