Loop - Bolton Abbey & Barden Moor Reservoirs - Y. Dales - 12.5mi/20km

Start Time: 10:45am - due to bus times.
Miles/Kilometres: 12.5mi/20km (Approx)
Total ascent: 435m (Approx).
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated length of time: Hike will take approx 5-6 hours (including a lunch break).
Dogs Allowed: Yes but must be on a lead at all times when on moorland.
Public Transport: Yes, the 874 bus runs from Wetherby, Leeds, Headingley, Otley and Ilkley. Happy to give people a lift from Halifax or Keighley.
Parking - Recommend car sharing due to car park costs a stupid £15. It is slightly cheaper if book online. Park at the main car park at the village hall. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JzEnXiq9U3NDmKW47
Payment: £1 - Use this link to pay: https://settleup.starlingbank.com/jamiepope1 - please put "Bolton Abbey" as reference.

Itinerary

Meet outside the post office/village shop, car park side. There are toilets here should anyone need them. We start by walking through the village and north along the main road walking underneath an ancient gateway. We soon veer off onto a dirt road and ascend up the hill, through a farm and fields and then through Westy Bank Wood.

We continue ascending up through more fields until they turn into moorland. We then follow a footpath all the way to Barden Road and descend down the road briefly before heading up to the Halton Heigh trig point. We can stop for lunch here.

Once ready we cut across the moorland to a dirt road and follow this and then a footpath across the moors, where the heather will hopefully be starting to bloom. We continue until we reach Upper Barden Reservoir, we walk across its dam and then follow a mixture of dirt roads and footpaths down to Lower Barden Reservoir. We follow a dirt road above the reservoir for views over it and continue on until we reach the main road again.

We will make a minor detour down the road to look at the ruins of Barden Tower. Then head back along the road and then veer off through The Strid's car park down into the woodland. We then walk through the woodland alongside the river to The Strid - the most dangerous stretch of water in the world.

Once ready we continue through the woodland and comeout at the Cavendish Pavillion where there are toilets (if get there before 4pm then a cafe and ice cream). We cross the bridge and walk through the woods until we come to the stepping stones (anyone not wishing to do them can cross on the footbridge). We then walk through the ruins of the abbey and its a small ascent back up to the village and the car park.

Disclaimers

The walk organisers do not have training or insurance. Therefore, anyone who joins the walk is accountable for their own safety and anyone they bring with them. By signing up you accept this.

Check the weather (on multiple websites) before leaving your residence. Bring clothing & footwear suitable for the forecast. We advise you to bring walking boots for any medium or harder walk. Trainers are only recommended for easy walks. Bring a coat just in case (this is Britain after all...) and extra layers if it is going to be cold.

All proceeds go towards equipment for leading walks, group events & trips. A percentage will go to charities.

Bring a packed lunch and snacks. Bring enough food & water to last the estimated time.

We recommend bringing some cash just in case. Especially if parking. Not everywhere is contactless yet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the walks organiser.