Up for a longer day out? This stunning walk takes you to some of the best hidden gems in the Yorkshire Dales

Start: Bolton Abbey Car Park, BD23 6EX

Distance: 10 miles

Elevation: 1,425 feet

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

Looking for a walk that combines stunning scenery, a bit of history, and a challenge? This 10-mile circular in the Yorkshire Dales ticks all those boxes — taking you from the historic Bolton Abbey, past the charming Posforth Gill Waterfall, and all the way up to the panoramic views found on Simon’s Seat.

Starting at the iconic Bolton Abbey, the route takes you through lush woodlands, before climbing up to Simon’s Seat. Along the way, you’ll visit Posforth Gill Waterfall, a peaceful spot that’s perfect for a picnic or photo stop. The path is well-marked, though some sections can be a little steep and rocky, so it’s best suited to walkers who’re up for a bit of a challenge.

Route difficulty

Walk type: Moderate – This walk is manageable for most walkers, but there are some challenging sections, especially when climbing to Simon’s Seat.
Terrain: Expect a mix of well-maintained paths, rocky stretches, and some steeper ascents, particularly when heading up towards Simon’s Seat. The descent is more gradual but still requires attention due to uneven terrain.
Accessibility: This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the uneven and rocky terrain.
Dog-Friendly: Dog friendly (on leads) around the Bolton Abbey Estate, but are no longer permitted for this full circular walk. Dogs not permitted to the Valley of Desolation or Simon’s Seat. They should also be kept on leads near livestock, waterfalls, and the steeper sections of the route.

Why you’ll love this walk

Stunning scenery: From riverside paths to panoramic hilltop views, and of course the stunning Posforth Gill waterfall.
Historical landmarks: Explore the centuries-old Bolton Abbey ruins and discover some hidden gems along the way.
A rewarding challenge: While not overly strenuous, the climb to Simon’s Seat will definitely make you work for those views. But once you arrive up top, you’ll realise it’s well worth the effort!

Route highlights

Bolton Abbey
You can’t start a walk at Bolton Abbey without taking in the beauty of this historic spot. The abbey ruins are set right next to the River Wharfe, offering a peaceful atmosphere to kick things off. Whether you’re wandering the grounds or admiring the views of the river, it's a perfect place to get into the walking spirit. Plus, the area has some great spots for a bite to eat—if you fancy a pre-walk coffee or a post-hike treat, check out the Abbey Tearooms or the Cavendish Pavillion. Both offer delicious snacks and hot drinks with a view of the abbey and river.

Posforth Gill Waterfall
As you head further into the route, make sure to stop at Posforth Gill Waterfall. This spot feels like something out of a fairytale—quiet, serene, and surrounded by nature. It’s a great place to pause, take a few photos, or simply take a snack break. It’s a perfect hidden gem that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Simon's Seat
Arguably the main event—Simon's Seat. The climb up to this iconic viewpoint is a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth every step. From the top, you'll get 360-degree views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. On a clear day, you can spot everything from the Lake District to The Moors.

The River Wharfe
At the start of your walk, you’ll follow the River Wharfe, and it’s one of those peaceful parts of the route that’s perfect to save for a summer’s day.

Options to extend the route

If 10 miles isn’t quite enough, there are a couple of options to extend the walk. After reaching Simon's Seat, you can continue along the ridge for even more spectacular views. Alternatively, head towards the village of Appletreewick for an additional 2-3 miles that will take you through more beautiful valleys and remote paths.

Getting to the starting point

By Car

Bolton Abbey Car Park (BD23 6EX) is the best place to park, and it’s right at the start of the walk. Parking fees apply.

By Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Skipton. From there, you can catch a local bus or taxi to Bolton Abbey, which will take you straight to the car park and starting point.

✔️ Good to knows

Difficulty: Moderate – some steep sections, particularly near Simon’s Seat.

Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are recommended, especially if it’s been rainy.
Dog-friendly: Part of the route is dog-friendly, unfortunately dogs are not permitted up to Simon’s Seat.
Facilities: There are public toilets at Bolton Abbey Car Park and a café for post-walk refuelling.
Food & drink: The Bolton Abbey Estate has a café and tearoom for snacks, drinks, or a well-earned meal after your walk.

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the full walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

A beautiful circular walk in Yorkshire: Bolton Abbey, Posforth Gill Waterfall & Simon’s Seat