Geo-Trips :: Ilkley to Eastby
Wharfedale
A walk from Ilkley, Wed, 18 Sep 2019 by Chris Heaton
Starting from the Old Packhorse Bridge in Ilkley, which coincides with the eastern end of the Dales Way proper.
The route basically follows pastures beside or close to the River Wharfe to reach the village of Addingham. Once passed a caravan site, the long distance path follows pastures through wonderful scenery dominated by Beamsley Beacon to the east. On reaching the B6160 a path has been created in fields parallel to the road, to keep walkers safe from speeding traffic. After Bolton Bridge the river is followed through one of Yorkshire's best loved regions to the priory at Bolton Abbey - a feature on many calendars.
The Dales Way was abandoned at Bolton Abbey, as I ascended onto high ground through Westy Bank Wood and onto Hare Head with huge ranging views to all points of the compass.
Descending to Halton Moor, a track was taken southwards to Calm Slate Farm - better known these days as Billie Bob's Ice Cream Parlour. From here a path through fields, and a farm track entitled Bark Lane brought me to the village of Eastby.
Distance 11 miles
Click the blue circles to see a photograph taken from that spot and read further information about the location. The blue lines indicate the direction of view. There is also a slideshow of this trip. ( )
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Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
The clubhouse seen from the Dales Way long distance footpath which passes through... more
Dales Way near Hadfield Farm
The long distance footpath about a mile from its eastern terminus at the Old... more
Ilkley Golf Course from the Dales Way
Looking across the River Wharfe towards the golf course
Western End of Ilkley Golf Course
As seen from the Dales Way at Low Mill Village
St. Peter's Church, Addingham
Christian worship has taken place on this site since 700AD or possibly even... more
Dales Way North of Addingham
The long distance footpath heading north after passing through Olicana Caravan Park.
Small Stone Laithe in Low Park
Unusual looking stone laithe encountered while walking the Dales Way in Low Park.
Farfield Cottages
As seen from the Dales Way long distance footpath approaching the B6160... more
Farfield Friends Meeting House
This quaker meeting house was built in 1689 by Anthony Myers of Farfield Hall in... more
River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey
Dales Way walkers witness wonderful riverside scenes around Bolton Abbey
River Wharfe heading towards Bolton Priory
Following the Dales Way long distance footpath through the Bolton Abbey Estate,... more
Dales Way approaching Bolton Priory from the South
One of the highlights of this long distance footpath in the section around the... more
Ruins of Bolton Priory
Seen from the Dales Way long distance footpath, the Augustinian ruins take up the... more
Bolton Priory
Augustinian Priory beside the River Wharfe, and passed by the Dales Way long... more
Bridleway heading towards Westy Bank Wood
In Westy Bank Wood
On a bridleway from Bolton Abbey, that climbs through these woods en route for... more
On the Bridleway between Bolton Abbey and Halton Heights
Middle Hare Head
The bridleway from Bolton Abbey makes a gradual 2 mile ascent to the summit of... more
Bridleway below Little Hare Head
The bridleway gradually descends for 2 miles towards Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale
Moor Lane (North) Revisited
I had forgotten I had taken this photograph almost 12 years previously. Although... more
All images © Chris Heaton and available under a Creative Commons licence .