IN this most busy of times Bolton Abbey can is usually full of visitors. However, this beautiful setting of abbey and river can be approached quietly from the south. Setting off from the peaceful village of Addingham over the moors, returning along the banks of the River Wharfe makes for an interesting (and quiet) circuit.

Addingham is a former textile mill town which has a long history and lies roughly a third distance between Ilkley and Bolton Abbey. It is the first place visited on the Dales Way, a long-distance footpath linking Ilkley and Windermere.

Park near the school to the east of the village and head west over the old railway to a lane heading north west and climbing steadily on to the moors.

After nearly a mile the lane peters out but the path carries on north west on to a golf course. Initially there is a small lake to the left and it is a good point to view the expanse of Ilkley Moor.

Keep heading north west after the golf course, still climbing but less steeply, past the buildings of Highfield House on the left and on to the farm of the same name.

Walk through the farmyard and continue north west on a signed but not very clear path. Where a path is not clear I look for stiles in the walls, a sure sign of the route of the path.

On your left is Chelker Reservoir but not directly accessible on the existing path network.

Head along a wall 200 metres to the north of the reservoir until arriving at a meeting of paths at Berwick East.

Initially take the path heading north east from the farm and where it divides take the right fork. I did at this point make the slight detour to the trig point of Haw Pike, a fine viewpoint over Beamsley Beacon to the right (east) and the Bolton Abbey estate to the north.

Leave the trig point and join a lane heading steeply down from Hawpike Farm to the A59. Cross the road with care and arrive at the Devonshire Arms, an imposing building and fine hotel.

Head north along the road to the remains of Bolton Abbey (three-quarters of a mile away). It will be busy but just take in the sites you want knowing a quiet return awaits.

Return to the A59 along the River Ribble. From the A59 to Addingham the route follows the Dalesway, well signed and straightforward. The first section is on open countryside with great views, but after crossing under the A59 the land closes in and some of the walking is through trees. The path sticks mainly to the river bank.

Follow it for one-and-a-half miles from the A59 until a caravan park marks the outskirts of Addingham. From here head towards the centre of the town.

Fact box:

Distance: Roughly 8 miles.

Height to climb: 280m (920 feet).

Start: SE 078500. Park roadside near the school.

Difficulty: Medium. The walk starts steeply and the paths near Chelker Reservoir are not easy to follow.

Refreshments: There is a café and selection of pubs in Addingham. There is also a café/pub at Bolton Abbey to break up the walk.

Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 297) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (useful on this walk). You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk. Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:

• He has published 2 books on walks in the Dales, ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’ and ‘The Dales 30’ mountains. Available direct from the Where2walk website.

• Book a Navigation Training day (Beginners or Intermediates). All dates and information on the website. Next available date August 13th.

• Join one of the Guiding Days; either the ‘one a day’ Yorkshire 3 Peaks or Helvellyn and Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

Jonathan’s popular website, Where2walk.co.uk also features 100’s of walks across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs