The Bolton Abbey Welly Walk is now open for 2019 (25th May – 3rd November 2019), we visited last year and had a great day! If you’re thinking of making a visit this year have a read of our review for some hints and tips.
We’ve been to Bolton Abbey quite a few times but never seem to have timed it right so the welly walk was on – not quite sure how as it’s always on for a while!
We were unsure which car park to park at but we found out you can do the walk from either the Cavendish or Stepping Stones end. The walk is free and you just pay for car parking which is £10 per car. I have one child that loves a good walk and another who asks “how far is it” from his first step! However, on the welly walk, he didn’t moan once as he was looking out for the next obstacle all the time and walked 5km with no rides on shoulders (this was a first!)
As per the name the walk can be muddy, we chose a relatively dry day in comparison to the general weather at the time but if you dress accordingly (or take a spare set of clothes) the walk can be done in all weather. There are lots of opportunities for climbing and scrambling, my youngest did need help (a push up) with some of the climbing bits but most of the obstacles had parts at the side for adults to help. The obstacle activities include tunnels, swings, snakes and ladders slide, balance logs, stepping stones, balancing beams, tightrope wire and a mud bog!
I wouldn’t say the walk is pushchair friendly (carriers would be better) as there are a few steps and steep gradients but there were a few people with prams on the day we did it. We managed the roundtrip back to the car park and with an ice cream stop it took us about 2 hours. I have known people with younger children stay at one end and send others back for the car and pick them up on route if little legs are tired. We had a great outdoor adventure on the welly walk and would highly recommend.
This welly walk is free but the Estate’s usual admission fee applies.
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Make sure you wear appropriate footwear, especially when it has been wet – it’s called the Welly Walk for a reason! A spare set of clothing is also recommended.
For more details and special events visit the Bolton Abbey Website.
Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL
