Bolton Abbey Parking: Bolton Abbey Car Park, Skipton, Yorkshire Dales BD23 6EX. This is the closest car park to the Priory, which requires a daily admission fee per vehicle. Make sure you check the official Bolton Abbey opening times beforehand, as gate hours can vary throughout the year. There is limited free parking near the estate if you don’t mind extending your walk. If you prefer to shorten the Bolton Abbey Waterfall Walk, you can park at the Riverside Car Park.
Distance: Approx. 5 miles return walk
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Ascent: Approx. 200m. The climb is gradual but the ascent through the Valley of Desolation will certainly get your heart rate up.
Time: Approx. 3 hours (return walk)
This riverside trail to Bolton Abbey waterfall, known as Posforth Gill Force, is a mix of flat riverside paths, woodland tracks, earthy forest floors and some rocky, uneven steps. Starting at Bolton Abbey Priory, a 12th-century Augustinian monastery, you’ll walk along the River Wharfe and through the atmospheric ravine known as the Valley of Desolation.
Bolton Abbey Walking Route to Posforth Gill Waterfall
- From the car park, follow the signs for the Priory. Walk along the road briefly, turn left at the signpost and follow the wall to the estate entrance.
2. Head down to the river crossing and the famous Bolton Abbey stepping stones, passing Bolton Hall on your left.
3. If you don’t want to risk crossing via the stepping stones, there’s a footbridge you can use instead. Once across, take in the stunning views of the Priory framed by the riverbanks.
Exploring the Bolton Abbey Estate
4. Where the path forks, head along the trail through Bolton Abbey woods as it winds above the river.
5. This part of the Bolton Abbey Estate is a haven for nature lovers. As you stroll beneath the a canopy of ancient oaks and sycamores, keep your eyes peeled for squirrels, roe deer and a wide variety of birds. I highly recommend this Bolton Abbey waterfall in autumn, especially towards the end of October when the colours are at their most vibrant.
6. The path undulates through the woodland and you soon come to an elevated viewpoint and bench.
7. Further on, you’ll come to a small wooden bridge that crosses a stream.
8. On the other side, you can either walk straight down towards the children’s play area, which is part of the Bolton Abbey Welly Walk, or take the path that veers to the right.
9. As you continue along the riverside path, the Cavendish Pavilion and bridge come into sight.
10. Go through the gate but instead of crossing the bridge, continue straight on, unless you want to stop off for refreshments, of course.
11. The path hugs the river before gradually turning away from the main stream to follow the quieter waters of Posforth Gill. When you reach the river confluence, follow the path on the right, signposted the Valley of Desolation.
12. The path climbs up to the road where you need to turn left.
13. A bit further on, take a right through the gate and onto Barden Moor.
The Valley of Desolation to Bolton Abbey Waterfall
14. As you leave the valley floor behind, the landscape begins to change as you enter the Valley of Desolation. Despite its gloomy name – which originated from a storm that stripped the area of many of its trees – the valley is now a regenerating landscape full of wildlife. Turn left after the gate, cross the field and pass through a kissing gate.
Finding Posforth Gill Force
15. You’ll soon hear the sound of cascading water growing louder through the trees. Straight ahead, a narrow grassy path winds down to the water’s edge. Follow this and turn right so the stream is on your left. Be careful with your footing here as it can become slippery after rainfall.
16. Cross over the small wooden footbridge and continue right, along the woodland trail.
17. Take another right where a few rocky steps leading down towards the Posforth Gill Force.
This stunning waterfall tumbles down over dark rock ledges into a shallow pool below, surrounded by moss-covered stones and colourful trees. This is a great spot for lunch and a well-earned rest.
18. Return along the same route back to the car park, perhaps making a final stop at Bolton Abbey tea rooms.
Bolton Abbey Skipton
There are several Bolton Abbey walks that lead you through this beautiful estate in the Yorkshire Dales, showcasing the diverse landscape and wildlife. So, don your walking boots and start exploring!
Take a look at the walking route.
