Parking – £10 per car, parking currently need to booked online through Bolton Abbey

Stretch the legs (for a walk with older kids and those looking for more of a challenge) – Simon’s Seat – 8.25 miles

Bag a summit, visit a stunning waterfall, trek through the ‘Valley of Desolation and stop for some of the best brownies around – the circular walk to ‘Simon’s Seat’ is one of our top recommendations for families looking for a bit of a challenge and plenty of variety.

It starts at the River Wharf and heads up through the evocatively named ‘Valley of Desolation’, visiting Posforth Gill Falls before crossing the moor to ‘Simon’s Seat’, the summit of Barden Fell. Drop down through woodland to reach the ‘Brownie Barn’, where the ever popular ‘LOVE Brownies’ are made and you can warm up with an indulgent hot chocolate, before following the River Wharf through Strid Wood, past the dramatic rapids at the Strid, back to the start. While the moor can be wet underfoot, most of these paths are on the Bolton Abbey Estate so are very well looked after, making it a great option for the winter months. A short extension at the end along the river takes you to the stunning ruins of Bolton Priory, which is well worth adding on, and can be at its most beautiful on a frosty day.