Yorkshire Dales Walks
Strid Woods
Date: 29th December 2013
Distance: 4 miles
Ascent: 475 feet
Time: 2 hours 45 mins
With: Lisa, Rhiannon, Rob, Emma, Anna & Freya
Start Grid Ref: NZ169011
Walk Summary:
A lovely walk from the Cavendish Pavillion up and down Strid Woods either side of the River Wharfe.
Route Summary: Cavendish Pavillion - The Strid - Stone Footbridge - Strid Woods - Cavendish Pavillion
Photos: Click on the photos below to enlarge.
Walk Detail: This was my third visit to Strid Woods this year with Rhiannon. The first time was to do an Easter Egg Hunt, next it was the Pumpkin Trail and on this occasion it was to do the Twelve Days of Christmas trail. Along with Lisa, also joining us on this walk was my friend Emma, her partner Rob and his two daughters.
As with the previous visits the seasonal trail starts at the Cavendish Pavilion and heads upstream on the west bank of the Wharfe to finish just before The Strid. The scenes that had been erected representing each part of the 12 days of Christmas song were quite good and there was even a real drum kit for the children to bash about on when they reached the 'Twelve Drummers Drumming' display.
These seasonal trails and hunts the Bolton Abbey Estate put on are great for getting children out for a walk without them necessarily thinking they have gone out just for a walk. With the added distraction of Rob's two daughters, Anna and Freya, Rhiannon didn't once complain her legs were tired and we were able to continue the walk on up past The Strid until we reached the stone footbridge before returning back down the east bank.
We picked a great day for it with lots of lovely winter sunshine to enhance the beautiful woodland and riverbank scenery. The path returning along the east bank climbs quite high above the river enabling some dramatic views back down to the environs of The Strid. The only downside was that during this section there seemed to be an endless number of dogs who were running about off the lead. While this doesn't bother me personally Rhiannon, who doesn't like dogs, got quite distressed. This was a real shame as otherwise she really enjoyed herself.
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