Journeys 2025
Yorkshire Dales
Date
Monday August 18th to Friday August 22nd 2025
Nights
4
Cost
£600
Description
The Yorkshire Dales National Park was created in 1954. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, covering 841 square miles. In 2020 the National Park was named an International Dark Sky Reserve for its low light pollution and good conditions for astronomy.
Running from north to south, Wharfedale is one of the Yorkshire Dales' longest and most beautiful valleys. Wharfedale is often divided into what is arbitrarily known as "Upper Wharfedale" and "Lower Wharfedale" - lying respectively upstream and downstream of the villages of Grassington and Threshfield. Our pilgrimage will take in Lower Wharfedale.
The southern part of the dale offers riverside scenery and walking experiences like no other. We will explore Bolton Abbey, with its romantic priory ruins on the riverside. We will climb to the rocky outcrop of Simon's Seat looking over the picturesque village of Appletreewick. The grandstand view over much of the southern area of the Yorkshire Dales is worth the climb. We will experience open moorland and limestone fells.
Walks and Excursions
Walk 1: A circular walk in the Bolton Abbey Estate.
7 miles on well-established paths. Mainly flat, with one short incline above the river.
Beginning at Barden Bridge we will walk downstream along the bank of the River Wharfe. We may be fortunate to spot many species of birds and ducks. We pass the infamous 'Strid' the point at which the river Wharfe is literally squeezed into a tiny limestone channel, the narrowest point being less than 6 feet wide.
Arriving at the Cavendish Pavilion we will have a coffee stop. We continue to the Bolton Priory and the Abbey ruins.
The Priory Church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert is an active Church of England church, serving the village and parish of Bolton Abbey. The current church is the surviving part of the ruined 12th-century Augustinian religious community. Time will be given to explore this lovely area of the Bolton Abbey estate. Dedicated to Saint Mary, with an altar stone dating back to the time of Thomas Beckett.
Our pilgrimage continues upstream along the other side of the River Wharfe through Strid Wood. Strid Wood has many oak trees, the largest collection in the Yorkshire Dales. It hugs the banks of the river Wharfe. The majestic wood is home to a myriad of wildlife including roe deer, otters, kingfisher, and the greater spotted woodpecker. Our walk returns to Barden Bridge
Walk 2: A 6-mile circular walk from Parcevall Hall
The walk combines pleasant riverside with wild moorland and splendid views. We walk through Skyreholme, through a farm, before joining the river Wharfe. This river has a myriad of bird life so bring your binoculars. We leave the river and climb Kai Hill. High above on two contrasting hillsides, one of pure limestone and one of millstone grit, we will enjoy the open air and stunning vistas before descending through Troller's Gill. The latter is an old miner's track where the remnants of mine workings can still be seen. Trollers Gill brings us back to the driveway up to Parcevall Hall.
Walk 3: A 5 mile walk from Parcevall Hall to Simon's Seat
We leave the house and make our way up well-trodden paths to Simon's seat, one of the great Wharfedale landmarks. Crossing field paths to Howgill, we climb up the side of Barden Fell through the lower fell plantation. Stunning views await us over Wharfedale. The path continues on the moor before stone slabs lead to Simon's seat, the high point of Barden Fell.
Our descent takes us to Dalehead Farm and back through Howgill and Skyreholme to Parcevall Hall.
Accommodation
Parcevall Hall is the Retreat House of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds. It opened as a retreat house in 1963. Parcevall Hall was built on land which belonged to Bolton Priory, and is Grade II listed, its oldest part dating back to 1586. Deer are often seen in the grounds.
Sir William Milner bought the house in 1927 from a Skipton antique dealer, Frank Laycock. Sir William was a godson of Queen Mary and an architect by profession, and he set about restoring it with great skill and vision, preserving its original features. He had a passion for plants and a strong aesthetic sense, which he expressed in the design of Parcevall's gardens, including the planting of rare species collected in Western China and Tibet. The gardens are set in 24 acres and were awarded 2nd place in the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2022.
There are 17 charming, comfortable bedrooms at Parcevall Hall, and we will be made very welcome and looked after by a team of people. Just to be aware because of its heritage some of the staircases are narrow and steep. There are common rooms including a chapel, the solar lounge with an honesty bar, and the William Milner room. Views out from the terrace are outstanding including up to Simon's Seat. Please indicate on the booking form who you will be sharing with if you require a twin or double room.
We will be full board including three packed lunches. The food is plentiful and delicious at Parcevall Hall. Tea and cake is served from 4pm.
Getting there
Arrivals are from 4pm on Monday August 25th. The nearest train station is at Skipton. A taxi ride would follow taking about 25 minutes. Or we can arrange a shared pickup. The address is Parcevall Hall, Skyreholme, Skipton BD23 6DE.
Contact
Gill Page: gill91@btopenworld.com +44 (0)7866 936323
Jo Reed joannereed05@gmail.com +44 (0)7928 590155