Bolton Abbey

Location - Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6EX - (what3words location)

Distance (around) - this is variable, depending on where you go

Accessibility at a glance:

• Access: ⭐⭐

• Dog friendliness: ⭐⭐

• Facilities: ⭐⭐⭐

• Enjoyment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More in depth:

Parking and entrance:

• Several designated disabled bays across the estate

• Paid entry with set opening times.

Paths and distance:

• Main riverside paths near the priory are generally solid, wide, and flat, suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and rollators.

• Some areas, such as the Valley of Desolation, Simon’s Seat, and parts of Strid Wood, may not be accessible depending on mobility equipment.

Facilities:

• Cafés with outdoor seating and space for assistance dogs.

• Shaded woodland areas offer good rest spots in warmer weather.

Bolton Abbey has been a much-loved spot since childhood. I remember days spent preparing picnics, settling beside the River Wharfe for hours, listening to the cricket, kicking a ball around, and, back in my more mobile days, dipping a toe into the cool water. All of those memories were made long before Betty came into our lives, so returning with her felt especially meaningful.

Set in beautiful North Yorkshire near Skipton, Bolton Abbey offers a wide range of places to explore. From the atmospheric priory ruins to Strid Wood, the famous stepping stones, the aqueduct, the Valley of Desolation, and Simon’s Seat, there’s something for everyone. However, what you can realistically visit depends a lot on your mobility needs and equipment. Thankfully, the main path from the car parks to the central riverside area is firm, flat, and very accessible, great for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, with plenty of grass around for dogs to enjoy.

We parked by the river and followed the gentle paths towards the heart of the estate. Betty stays on her lead, but there’s ample open space for dogs who enjoy a good run. She’s not much of a water-lover, so we kept her away from the river, though paddling is possible for dogs if you take care, the current can be strong.

We found a little bench carved into a wall and settled there for our picnic. Afterwards, we headed into the woods along one of the more accessible trails. Betty was thrilled, nose to the ground, tail wagging, exploring every new scent. The trees offered cool, shaded cover, which made the woodland stroll especially pleasant.

Returning to the main area, we treated ourselves to ice cream before relocating the car to the aqueduct car park. The path down from here is quite steep, but the scooter handled it without trouble. We continued along the waterside and crossed a small humped wooden bridge, still fairly accessible, to get a lovely view of the aqueduct. The return journey uphill was a little more demanding on foot, but worth every step for the views and tranquility.

Back at the car park, we enjoyed a well-earned pot of tea at the nearby café, relaxing at the picnic benches while Betty rehydrated with her water bowl topped up.

Revisiting Bolton Abbey was a joy. I managed to see most of the places I’d hoped to, even though not every part of the estate is accessible. Sharing it all with Betty made the day even more special, I’m determined that she gets to experience as many beautiful places as possible in her time.

Tip - be safe near the water.