Simon's Seat from Bolton Abbey
Woodland, waterfall, open moorland, and a gritstone tor — this route packs more variety into 15km than most hills manage in twice the distance.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E3·T2 — how we grade routesWoodland, waterfall, open moorland, and a gritstone tor — this route packs more variety into 15km than most hills manage in twice the distance.
A varied circular from Bolton Abbey through the Valley of Desolation to the dramatic gritstone summit of Simon's Seat at 485m.
The route
Starting from the Bolton Abbey car park, the route crosses the stepping stones over the Wharfe (or the footbridge in high water) before entering the Valley of Desolation — a wooded ravine named after a storm in 1826. A waterfall marks the entry to open moorland.
Simon's Seat
The gritstone outcrops of Simon's Seat (485m) are visible long before you reach them. The summit tor is a genuine scramble — hands required for the final metres. The views over Wharfedale and across to Great Whernside and Barden Fell are excellent.
The descent
Return via Trougate and the riverside path past the priory ruins for a satisfying circular.
Stepping stones can be impassable in high water — use the footbridge instead. The summit tor involves a short scramble.
Summits on this route
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Common questions
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