Picture Post: Beguiling beauty of fast-flowing River Wharfe

Riverbanks are a great barometer of the changing seasons and this stretch of the river, known as the Strid, at Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire is no different.

The Strid is where the broad River Wharfe suddenly becomes narrow channelling the rushing, frothing water.

It gets its name from the Anglo Saxon ‘Stryth’ meaning turmoil or tumult and was formed
by the gradual wearing away of softer rocks by small stones in hollows.

This formed a series of potholes that over time joined up to form a deeper pool.

In full flow the Strid is an impressive sight but it’s also a beguiling one and the slippery rocks and fast-flowing water also make it dangerous, hence the warning signs dotted around.

However, you can still enjoy this force of nature safely from the path that snakes its way through Strid Wood.

The Strid is easily accessible from the nearby Sandholme car park and it’s roughly a 20 minute walk through the wood from the Cavendish Pavilion.

The wood itself is well worth a visit especially towards the end of April when bluebells transform the verdant floor into a breathtaking sea of violet.

This ancient woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the largest areas of acidic oak woodland in the Yorkshire Dales.

It’s well known for its flora and fauna, including all manner of woodland plants and birds such as tawny owls and woodpeckers, and visitors can follow the colour coded nature trails and enjoy the views from one of the many well positioned seats.

There are walks to suit all ages and abilities including the green trail. This popular route, which is suitable for wheelchairs, follows the west bank of the Wharfe from the Cavendish Pavilion to the Strid.

So next time you’re in the neighbourhood it’s worth taking a detour to soak up this little jewel in nature’s crown.

Technical details: Fuji X20, 20th@ f11 100ISO.

Picture: Tony Johnson

Words: Chris Bond