The 13 Most Amazing Peaks around Bolton Abbey

The Bolton Abbey area, part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, features fells, crags, and hills rather than towering mountains. The most prominent 'peak' is Simon's Seat, a grit stone outcrop at 485 meters offering panoramic views. Other notable spots include Sharp Haw Summit, Rombalds Moor Trig Point, and Crookrise Trig Point, all providing excellent views and rewarding hikes.

The terrain around Bolton Abbey's elevated features is diverse. For instance, the route to Simon's Seat involves traversing through woodlands and heather-clad moorland, leading to a large rocky outcrop. Other areas feature good trails, rocky summits, and moorland paths, sometimes muddy, sometimes rocky, suitable for fell running.

Yes, some routes are considered challenging. The hike to Simon's Seat, for example, is a more demanding walk requiring good fitness, but it rewards with spectacular scenery. For a difficult hiking route that includes Simon's Seat, consider the Simon's Seat and The River Wharfe loop, which is approximately 18.4 km long.

Many of the elevated points offer stunning views. Simon's Seat provides panoramic vistas across Wharfedale and the wider Yorkshire Dales. From Rombalds Moor Trig Point, you can see up Wharfedale and over Leeds and Bradford. Sharp Haw Summit has a well-placed bench just below the top to enjoy the scenery, and Crookrise Trig Point offers views for miles.

Beyond the peaks themselves, the area is rich in natural beauty. Routes often pass through tranquil woodlands, heather-clad moorlands, and river valleys like Wharfedale. The Valley of Desolation, en route to Simon's Seat, features a waterfall. You'll encounter gritstone outcrops, limestone cliffs like Kilnsey Crag (further afield), and expansive views of the Yorkshire landscape.

While some routes to the higher peaks can be challenging, the broader Bolton Abbey estate and surrounding areas offer many family-friendly walks. These often stick to riverside paths or lower fells. For specific family-friendly options, it's best to check local guides or the Hiking around Bolton Abbey guide for routes with easier difficulty ratings.

Dog policies vary by specific route and land ownership. For example, dogs are generally not permitted on the direct route to Simon's Seat due to it being open access land with ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage and specific route details for restrictions, especially during lambing season or in areas with livestock.

The Yorkshire Dales offer beauty year-round, but the best time for hiking the peaks is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Summer brings vibrant heather to the moorlands. Be prepared for changeable weather conditions at any time of year, as the Dales are known for their unpredictable climate.

Beyond hiking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including those featuring waterfalls like the Waterfall hikes around Bolton Abbey. The region is also popular for road cycling, with routes like the 'Back Road to Bolton Abbey' loop. Some moorland paths, such as those near Crookrise Trig Point, are also great for fell running.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The Bolton Abbey Estate itself is a historic site with its priory ruins. On Lippersley Pike, you'll find a substantial summit cairn and nearby boundary stones dating back to 1757, offering a glimpse into the past. Many trig points, like Rombalds Moor Trig Point, are historic surveying markers.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from summits like Simon's Seat and Crookrise Trig Point. The sense of scale and the diverse landscapes, from tranquil valleys to vast moorlands, are also highly appreciated. The well-maintained trails and the opportunity for challenging yet rewarding hikes are also popular draws.

A circular walk from Bolton Abbey to Simon's Seat via the Valley of Desolation is a popular route. This challenging hike can take several hours, depending on your pace and starting point. For example, the Simon's Seat and The River Wharfe loop is approximately 18.4 km and would typically take 5-7 hours to complete.