Waterfall Swim Spots: Valley of Desolation
Since swimming in my first waterfall in February 2022, going on Swim Hikes and finding the best waterfall swim spots has become a great passion of mine.
The Valley of Desolation is part of the Bolton Abbey estate, in the Yorkshire Dales not far from Skipton. It was named after the desolation caused by a tremendous storm in 1826. The valley is a short walk from the nearest car park, and within it lies the majestic waterfall Posforth Gill. It’s a very picturesque waterfall, with a small pool and a stream that leads into a glen. The pool itself is pretty shallow, so it’s more a dip than a swim, but truly magical nether the less.
Parking For the Valley of Desolation
The nearest carpark is the Riverside car park on the Bolton Abbey estate, postcode BD23 6AW. Parking is expensive (£15 for the day at the time of publish), but it does allow you to use the other two carpark for easy access too if you wish to make a day of it. The car parks are open 9am-7pm with the last car entry at 5.30pm from 1 April- 30 September and 9am-5pm with the last car entry at 4pm from 1 October- 31 March at the time of publishing. Check on the Bolton Abbey website nearer your visit for the most up to date information and for the option to pre book.
Getting to the Valley of Desolation
The Valley of Desolation is well signposted from the carpark and is a reasonably easy 20 minute or so walk. There are some parts with unsurfaced paths so walking boots are advisable. It’s important to note that no dogs are allowed on some of the walk and it’s pedestrian access only to the valley.
Just before you reach ‘Waterfall Cottage’, you turn right through the gate and across the field following the footpath. You come across a sign saying ‘Valley of Desolation’ where lots of tress have been planted, but keep walking around the hillside keeping left, and you will come across a little foot bridge with the waterfall in front of you.
Access to Waterfall
The best access to the water is from the left hand side as you are looking at it. So cross over the little foot bridge and follow the track to the water’s edge. It’s a bit uneven under foot, but not a scramble. The waterfall pool is very shallow in most places so not suitable for jumping in, but there are small areas that are quite deep so only suitable for competent swimmers. It is a bit rocky, so swim socks or shoes are advisable.
Then enjoy the beauty of dipping in this breath taking spot!
Useful Information
- As a popular tourist attraction, the carparks get extremely busy in the Summer. So chose off peak times, get there early or consider pre-booking.
- There is full facilities including toilets, and refreshments available at The Cavendish Pavilion which is next to the Riverside car park and is open 10am-4pm all year round. There are lots of other facilities around the Bolton Abbey Estate.
- Part of the walk to the Valley of Desolation does not allow dogs, even on leads.
- It’s worth also walking up to The Strid gorge with striking curving rock shapes carved out by the water, however it is not advisable to swim him. It’s extremely deep, despite being narrow, and notorious for underwater caves and hidden under currents. Below the gorge however, are calm wide pools which are swimable (I have not swum here before, so am unable to advise on this).
- You can also swim in the River Wharfe below the priory ruins. There is easy access to the water via a little beech area next to the stepping stones, but as it’s a popular tourist attraction expect it to be busy.
Have you been to the Valley of Desolation before? I’d love to hear about it if you have.
Kerry x
