Simon’s Seat and the Valley of Desolation

• Cross the wooden bridge at Cavendish Pavilion and follow the path upstream beside the River Wharfe.
• Use a stile to reach the road and continue to Waterfall Cottage, then take the uphill track into the Valley of Desolation.
• Visit the lower and upper waterfall at the head of the valley, then retrace to the footbridge.
• Climb by a ladder stile through woodland and out onto open moor for the pull up to Simon's Seat.
• Retrace briefly, then descend toward the plantations, cross Howgill Lane and the main road.
• Follow the beck down to Barden Bridge, then continue through fields and wood, cross Posforth Gill and return to the wooden bridge at the start.

The valley links the River Wharfe corridor to Barden Fell, with the waterfall at its head reached by a short there-and-back from the footbridge. The payoff above is Simon's Seat at 485 m, a prominent millstone grit outcrop with a trig point and large gritstone boulders, and broad views over Wharfedale. The ground rises from roughly 137 m near the river to the summit, so the climb is continuous rather than rolling.

Lower sections use good paths through woodland and beside the water. Higher up the route follows a narrow, often wet moorland path through heather and bracken, then crosses open ground to the outcrop. The descent uses a broad gravel track across Barden Fell before dropping to lane and road crossings. The moor and summit are fully exposed to wind, rain and cloud, and the fell is described as country for more experienced and well equipped walkers. Take proper boots, waterproofs, food, water and a map and compass.

The waterfall sits in shaded woodland, so expect low light and slow shutter speeds there. The gritstone outcrop and the Wharfedale views work best in low, angled light early or late in the day, when the boulders pick up texture and the dale below holds shadow. Overcast, still conditions suit the enclosed valley; clear air suits the summit.

For water and woodland without the summit climb, walk one of the shorter riverside routes from Bolton Abbey towards the Strid instead. They stay on lower, easier ground beside the Wharfe and can be turned back at any point, which makes them a better choice in poor visibility or with young children.