Bolton Abbey

Thursday
Went walking along the Wharfe near Bolton Abbey today. We started at the Cavendish Pavilion and wlaked through Strid Woods to the Strid, where the broad River Wharfe is forced through a narrow rocky section, so named as it is supposed to be about a stride across, though there are signs warning you not to attempt it as the water can flow really hard at times. We continued a bit further up to a bridge, so we could cross the river and return on the other side. We had a lovely lunch at the Cavendish pavilion. Roger, Laura and I had Cornish pasties (one of the treats we always try to fit in on a trip back home) much to Peter's regret, as he loves them too, but they dont exactly fit into his low cholesterol diet! Sorry, Peter!!

Having been fed and watered, we set off walking the other way down to the ruins of the 12th centry priory and parish church. I have to admit to chickening out of the stepping stones, and crossed on the bridge instead - whilst it was a lovely day, I didnt fancy going for a swim! After the dissolution of the monastries in 1539 the nave of the Priory was allowed to continue as a parish church. However, all the other priory buildings were stripped of their lead roofs, leaving the stonework to the weathering of the elements, and over the years of course much of it was pillaged for other buildings in the valley.

After Bolton Abbey, we drove into Skipton for a look round. We decided a cup of tea was in order, which turned out to be a good decision, as we had no sooner stepped into the tea-room, than the heavens opened and we had a really heavy shower and some thunder in the distance. Fortunately it didnt last too long, and we were able to have a walk around the town, a look in the church, a peek at the castle, and I took several pictures beside the canal, with the colorful canal boats.