Turner Trails - The Strid

Opening Times:

All year: 9.30am - 4pm

Prices:

£6 per vehicle, £3 per motorcycle or 50p per person for groups of 12 or more in one vehicle

Free Midweek Admission - 31 Oct 2011-16 Mar 2012 ex. Christmas (19 Dec 2011 - 6 Jan 2012 inclusive) and February half term (13-17 Feb 2012)

Venue contact details:

T: 01756 718009
E: tourism@boltonabbey.com
W: www.boltonabbey.com

Nearby:

Barden Tower
Bolton Abbey

The Strid

The spectacular Strid is where the broad River Wharfe suddenly narrows and the water rushes with great force. The Strid was formed by the wearing away of softer rock by the circular motion of small stones in hollows, forming a series of potholes, which in time linked together to form a deep, water filled chasm.

Like visitors today, Turner enjoyed the paths following the Strid and the views across to Barden Tower.

gift shop picnic site wheelchair access dogs accepted

Turner's Viewpoint

In 1808 Turner made a small sketching tour on the Rivers Wharfe and Washburn which led to the development of his watercolour of The Strid (The Strid, Bolton Abbey, Private collection, Wilton number: 530). This was probably completed around 1809 and clearly shows a figure fishing, a recurring theme and reflecting Turner's enthusiasm for this pastime.

Discover The Landscape

Turner's view of the Strid can be seen on the Strid Wood Nature Trails (green trail) between Hawkstone Seat and Elm Tree Seat.

The Turner Trails bench and panel (Pembroke Seat on the Strid Wood Nature Trails), are located at the spot where Turner sketched Barden Tower, which overlooks the Tower in the distance through the trees.

Water in Turner's Yorkshire

Download our themed leaflet and let the rivers and waterfalls guide you around Turner's Yorkshire as water literally flows through many of his sketches and paintings.