Barden and Strid Woods

After Christamas shopping today we went into the Dales around Bolton Abbey for a walk and to take these shots.

This stone commemorates the repair of Barden Bridge in 1676

Barden Bridge

Swirling waters of the River Wharfe

During our walk we were fortunate to get good views of Dipper and Red Kite.

Sunlit Oak tree

The Strid in high water condition. Here the Wharfe is only about 2 metres wide. A friendly chap lent me his tripod so I could try this long exposure shot.

Many people have drowned trying to jump over the Strid. It seems tantalisingly possible. Local legend has it that the land at Bolton Abbey was granted to the monks by Lady Alice de Rumilly in 1154 in memory of her son, the "Boy of Egremont", who drowned in the Strid. However, this seems unlikely as his signature appears on the deeds.