Introduction
Situated approximately 35 km (22 mi.) northwest of Leeds and 25 km (15 mi.) of Bradford, the estate of Bolton Abbey boasts stunning ruins of an Augustinian priory founded in 1154.
The estate belongs to the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, who sometimes reside at Bolton Hall, when they are not at their family abode of Chatsworth in Derbyshire.
The Bolton estate stretches over 10km along the River Wharfe, and is the southernmost section of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Walks along the river are very popular in summer. An amusing attraction is the "stepping stones" forming a rudimentary bridge over the river.
There is otherwise a 150 km pathway network through woodland and moorland well suited to long walks and hikes in this particularily scenic region of England.
The estate is open from 9:00 am to dusk and admission is free, apart from a £4 fee for motor vehicles (£1.50 for motorcycles).
How to get there
Bolton Abbey is on the A59 road between Harrogate and Preston. The nearest train station is Skipton, about 8km away - it i the last stop on the Leeds Metro line.
