3. Bolton Abbey, Barden Tower, Eastby, Embsay, Halton East

18.3 miles, 3850 feet of ascent (29.4 km, 552 metres of ascent)

An interesting ride passing the historic and picturesque sites of Bolton Abbey and Barden Tower in the Wharfedale valley, before climbing over Barden Moor, to drop down through Eastby and Embsay to return to Bolton Abbey via Halton East.

Started by riding down the village and then heading out of Addingham on Bolton Road towards Bolton Abbey. After leaving the village follow the road to Bolton Abbey  for approximately 2 miles (note this road can be very busy on weekends, bank and summer holidays).

At the roundabout follow the signs for Bolton Abbey cycling past the Devonshire Hotel on the right on to Bolton Abbey. Here there is the priory itself, walking by the River Wharfe and tea shops. A little further on turn right down the hill to the Cavendish Pavilion, where there are more walks (one of which takes you to the Strid) and another cafe/restaurant. Cross the bridge in front of the Cavendish Pavilion go through the gate and turn left to follow the road towards Appletreewick. (Please note that there are road closed signs here saying that there has been a landslip, however bikes and walkers can get through fine).

At the T-Junction of this road turn left down the hill to the river, over the bridge and up the hill to Barden Tower. Turn left at the top of the hill and in a short while turn right up the hill over Barden Moor. At the top of Barden Moor there are beautiful views back over Wharfedale and forward towards the Aire valley.

Now a long descent down through Eastby and Embsay before taking a left to follow the road to Halton East. Before reaching there you pass Billy Bob's Ice Cream parlour on the left (pop in for a delicious ice cream or breakfast/lunch). Follow the road up with a steady climb through Halton East to follow a gated road over the hill and back down to Bolton Abbey. On the way down passing Hesketh Farm Park on the right.

 Turn right at the bottom of the hill to retrace the route back to Addingham (note this road can be very busy on weekends, bank and summer holidays).

To display a larger map and see the option to download the gpx file please click on the GPX Track link above.