Along the footpath from Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey passing the Strid
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The Strid

4.8
·499 reviews·, United Kingdom

A place of breathtaking beauty and deadly power, where the River Wharfe carves through ancient rock, creating one of the world's most treacherous wate...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for walks

CrowdMedium
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Along the footpath from Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey passing the Strid

The Strid

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for walks

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A place of breathtaking beauty and deadly power, where the River Wharfe carves through ancient rock, creating one of the world's most treacherous waterways.

4.8
(499 reviews)

"Beautiful yet terrifying! The Strid is the most dangerous stretch of river in the UK."

Vertical photo
TIP

⚠️ Respect the Danger Signs

The Strid has a 100% mortality rate. Never approach the edge; admire its power from a distance.

🚗 Book Parking Online

Save money by booking your parking at Bolton Abbey Estate in advance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Strid Gorge

The Strid Gorge

River Wharfe

A stunning yet treacherous section of river, known for its deep, narrow channels and powerful currents. Beautiful but deadly.

Instagram+1
Bolton Abbey Estate

Bolton Abbey Estate

Yorkshire Dales

Explore ancient abbey ruins, scenic walking trails, and diverse wildlife in this expansive estate.

TikTokInstagram
Strid Wood

Strid Wood

Bolton Abbey Estate

A lush, verdant woodland walk alongside the River Wharfe, offering a more tranquil experience.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the River's Power

The Strid is beautiful but deceptively dangerous. Its narrow, deep channels create powerful currents. Always heed warning signs and keep children and pets at a safe distance. TikTokInstagramReddit

Parking and Access

Parking is available at Bolton Abbey Estate, with costs around £15 per vehicle (book online for potential savings). Multiple car parks serve the estate, offering access to various trails. TikTok

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for walks
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

In Yorkshire, England, there’s a river that looks peaceful — but it hides deadly power. The Strid at Bolton Abbey has carved deep, narrow channels that turn calm water into a trap. Nature isn’t always what it seems. 🌊 #thestrid #boltonabbey #riverwharfe #DeadlyNature #funfact #sciencetok #curiousminds #naturefacts #ukplaces #dangerousplaces #greatbritain #river Credit: Tom Scott
@insightpage
52.8K likes • 786.8K views

⚠️ Respect the Danger Signs

The Strid has a 100% mortality rate. Never approach the edge; admire its power from a distance. InstagramReddit

🚗 Book Parking Online

Save money by booking your parking at Bolton Abbey Estate in advance. TikTok

A lovely sunny day at the Bolton Abbey Estate. Things to see: - Strid wood - The Strid - Valley of Desolation - Remains of Bolton Abbey Parking: we parked at the Riverside car park (BD23 6AN) but there are 3 other car parks on the Bolton Abbey Estate. Cost: £15 per vehicle on the day (£12.50 if you book online in advance). Access: There are paths accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs - see t...
@yorkshirefi
1.6K likes • 56.3K views
Is "The Strid" the deadliest stretch of water in the world? The Strid on Bolton Abbey estate has a reputation as one of the world's deadliest stretches of water. Relatively calm and unassuming on the service, due to a pinch point in the river, this thin body of water is a deadly killer. Immortalised in a poem by William Wordsworth in the early 1800s. Wordsworth tells us of a boy who tried to ju...
daniel_farrand1
11.3K likes • 323.7K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be challenging and slippery, especially near the river. Good grip is essential. Reddit

📸 Zoom for Photos

Capture the Strid's power from a safe distance using your camera's zoom function. Reddit

The Strid - Just north of Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales - One of the most deadly stretches of river in the world. Nobody has ever survived falling in. The river goes from around 30m wide and tunnels into a 1m wide and 60m deep crevace that causes crazy currents and vortices. #landscape #hiking #drone #droneshot #aerialvideography #adventure #nature #landscape #mothernature #river #danger #...
matsirrell
22 likes • 560 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⚠️ Respect the Danger Signs

The Strid has a 100% mortality rate. Never approach the edge; admire its power from a distance. InstagramReddit

🚗 Book Parking Online

Save money by booking your parking at Bolton Abbey Estate in advance. TikTok

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be challenging and slippery, especially near the river. Good grip is essential. Reddit

📸 Zoom for Photos

Capture the Strid's power from a safe distance using your camera's zoom function. Reddit

🐾 Keep Pets Safe

The fast-flowing water is extremely dangerous for dogs and children. Keep them on a lead and far from the river. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(499 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the stunning natural beauty of The Strid and Bolton Abbey Estate, often describing it as a verdant paradise with a rainforest-like atmosphere. The powerful, dramatic nature of the river is a major draw, though its extreme danger is consistently highlighted. While the walking trails are generally well-maintained, some can be challenging. Reddit

"A beautiful, verdant paradise. About a five hour round trip hike from Barden Bridge (£15 to park all day) to Bolton Abbey and back, with numerous stops to keep the dogs watered..

This was the hottest day of the year, and the river gorge was the closest you'll get to a rainforest in the UK.

Aromas of wild mint and Himalayan Balsam rose up as the river rushed through. Secret paths lead down to smooth rocks where Heron keep watch over the boiling rapids and trout flash silver as they jump for insects.

I can see why the monks considered this a holy place."

Andy House

"A well kept trail and in keeping with the wooded surroundings.
The path was challenging in places and with benches to rest.
The strid itself was at summer levels with ferocious narrow gorges.
Stunning"

Brian Tranter

"Really nice walk and great to see the waterfalls. Would highly recommend if you're walking or hiking in the area."

David Jones

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Dramatic river power
Scenic walking trails

What People Dislike

Extreme danger of river
Slippery paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Strid is located within the Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales. You can drive to one of the estate's car parks, such as Riverside car park (BD23 6AN). From the car park, follow the well-marked trails towards the River Wharfe and The Strid. TikTok

While public transport options exist to reach the general Bolton Abbey area, direct public transport to The Strid itself is limited. It's often best accessed by car. Check local bus routes for services to Bolton Abbey village. TikTok

Bolton Abbey Estate offers multiple car parks. The Riverside car park is a popular choice. Parking typically costs around £15 per vehicle, but booking online in advance may offer a discount. TikTok

The walk to The Strid from the main Bolton Abbey parking areas can vary. It's part of a larger estate, and a round trip hike from Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey and back can take around five hours, depending on stops. Reddit

Yes, there is a Pavilion cafe located near Bolton Abbey with seating inside and out, as well as toilets. Ice cream is also sold next door. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Bolton Abbey Estate and its grounds, including The Strid, requires payment for parking. There isn't a separate admission ticket for the natural landscape itself, but parking fees apply. TikTok

The Bolton Abbey Estate is generally accessible during daylight hours for walking and exploring. Specific facilities like the cafe will have their own operating times. It's best to check the official Bolton Abbey website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

The primary cost associated with visiting The Strid is the parking fee for the Bolton Abbey Estate. There is no specific 'ticket' for The Strid itself, but access to the area is managed by the estate. TikTok

Yes, it is recommended to book your parking at Bolton Abbey Estate online in advance, as this can sometimes be cheaper than paying on the day. TikTok

The main restriction is to respect the extreme danger of the river. Visitors are strongly advised to stay on marked paths and heed all warning signs regarding the powerful currents and deep water. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Strid is infamous for being one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the UK, and potentially the world. Its calm appearance belies incredibly powerful currents and deep, narrow channels. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely not. Swimming in The Strid is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged due to the powerful, unpredictable currents and extreme depths. It has a near 100% mortality rate for those who fall in. InstagramReddit

There are various walking trails around Bolton Abbey Estate, including paths through Strid Wood and along the River Wharfe. Some paths can be challenging, hilly, and slippery, especially near the water. Reddit

Dogs are welcome on the Bolton Abbey Estate, but they must be kept on a lead at all times, especially near The Strid, due to the extreme danger. Reddit

Visitors often report seeing wildlife such as herons, trout, and various insects. The woodland areas are also home to diverse flora and fauna. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most dramatic photos are often taken from safe viewpoints overlooking the gorge. Use your camera's zoom to capture the churning water and narrow channels without getting too close to the edge. Reddit

Drone footage can capture the scale and power of The Strid, showcasing the contrast between the wider river and the narrow gorge. Always check local drone regulations before flying. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, ideal for landscape photography. However, the dramatic nature of The Strid can be captured at any time of day. Reddit

The main challenge is the danger. The rocks near the water are often covered in slippery green moss, making it hazardous to get close for shots. Reddit

A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive landscape, while a telephoto lens is useful for zooming in on the turbulent water from a safe distance. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While The Strid itself is too dangerous for children to approach closely, the Bolton Abbey Estate offers a fantastic family day out. The estate has well-marked trails suitable for younger legs, and the ruins of Bolton Abbey provide a sense of historical adventure. Reddit Remember to keep children on leads and far from the river's edge at all times, and focus on the safer walking paths and the beauty of Strid Wood. The cafe and ice cream shop also make for welcome breaks. Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

The Strid and Bolton Abbey Estate are a paradise for hikers. You can embark on longer treks, such as the five-hour round trip from Barden Bridge, or explore shorter loops around the abbey and through Strid Wood. The varied terrain, from woodland paths to riverside trails, offers a rewarding experience. Reddit Be prepared for potentially challenging and slippery sections, especially after rain, and always prioritize safety when near the water. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The dramatic landscapes around The Strid offer incredible photographic opportunities. Capture the raw power of the river, the ancient abbey ruins, and the lush greenery of Strid Wood. InstagramReddit Use a zoom lens to safely frame the turbulent water and consider early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Be mindful of slippery moss-covered rocks near the water's edge. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Deadly Allure of The Strid

The Strid, a section of the River Wharfe near Bolton Abbey, has earned a fearsome reputation as one of the world's most dangerous stretches of water. On the surface, it can appear deceptively calm and picturesque, especially in its wider sections. However, beneath this serene facade lies a powerful and deadly force. The river narrows dramatically, funnelling into deep, submerged channels that create incredibly strong currents and dangerous vortices. TikTokInstagram+1

This unique geological formation, where the river is forced through a pinch point, is what gives The Strid its lethal power. Reports suggest that the water can tunnel into crevices as narrow as one meter wide but as deep as 60 meters. This extreme depth and constriction create undertows that are virtually impossible to escape. Tragically, the area has a near 100% mortality rate for anyone who falls in, a stark warning that has been immortalized in local lore and even poetry. Instagram+1

Despite its danger, The Strid is also a place of immense natural beauty. The surrounding Strid Wood is lush and verdant, with the river carving through ancient rock formations. The contrast between the tranquil appearance of parts of the river and its hidden ferocity is what makes it so captivating, drawing visitors who are both awed by its power and respectful of its peril. InstagramReddit

Exploring Bolton Abbey Estate

The Strid is just one highlight within the expansive and historically rich Bolton Abbey Estate. This vast area offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from exploring the atmospheric ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian priory to embarking on scenic walks through diverse landscapes. The estate is a haven for nature lovers, with well-maintained trails winding through woodlands, alongside the River Wharfe, and into areas like the Valley of Desolation. TikTok

Walking routes cater to different fitness levels. The paths around Strid Wood are particularly enchanting, offering a more sheltered and verdant experience, while other trails provide panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Visitors often encounter local wildlife, including sheep that roam freely, and various bird species. The estate also features amenities like a cafe and toilets, making it suitable for a full day out. Reddit

For those interested in history, the ruins of Bolton Abbey themselves are a significant draw, offering a glimpse into medieval life. The monks who once inhabited the priory likely found solace and inspiration in the natural beauty of this area, including the very river that now commands such respect for its power. Reddit

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