Bolton Abbey and Simon's Seat Walk

Our second Ramblers walk started at Bolton Abbey, a highly photogenic ruin, especially on a sunny day. The Rambler's website said this about the walk:

'This walk begins at the ruin of Bolton Abbey, a 12th Century Augustinian monastery on the River Wharfe.The walk takes in a section of the Dales Way before leaving the river to ascend across heather moorland to the rocky outcrop of Simon's Seat, at 485m, which commands panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From there we descend north to Parcevall Hall. About 6 miles, 365m ascent and descent.'

I think the best view of Bolton Abbey is the one you get looking back at the abbey having crossed the river:

 This is the first view I had of the abbey, it's a bit like seeing Wells Cathedral for the first time, quite breathtaking

 here's a closer view

 and here are more stepping stones over the river Wharfe, we took the bridge

 We then walked steadily climbing through the Valley of Desolation which is now a forest so no longer looks desolate.

 We stopped for a drink before heading up the climb to Simon's Seat

 When we got to the top, the views were fantastic, much better photographs appear on the Simon's Seat link above

 On the way down, we got a fabulous view of the lower ground

 and in the afternoon sun, a Red Admiral butterfly was enjoying Achillea millefolium

 Another great day of walking, although I don't remember walking past Parcevall Hall