Bolton Abbey riverside

As I've said before, it's a joy to live quite near the Bolton Abbey estate, which belongs to the Dukes of Devonshire. It's a very beautiful area, with the River Wharfe flowing through, and is justly popular with visitors from all over the world. In summer it can get really busy so I particularly value the chance to explore in winter when there are fewer tourists. 

These photos were all taken near the Riverside Pavilion tearoom and visitor centre. It's one of the few river crossing points within the estate, with a wooden footbridge spanning the water. There are some information boards (not yet brought up to date for 2023!) and a working Royal Mail postbox. There are quite a few estate houses dotted around, so no doubt a postbox is handy for residents and visitors. 

As with most of England's ducal estates, the houses tend to have a distinctive style - here they are made of good Yorkshire stone with some attractive embellishments. 

The middle part of the river valley within the estate, the area known as Strid Woods, is narrow and attractively forested.  To the north and south of that stretch the views open up to the surrounding fells. The photo below is looking south east from the far side of the bridge.