Bolton Abbey has begun the careful process of refurbishing and restoring the ancient stepping stones which cross the River Wharfe below the Priory Ruins following storm damage.

Once the ancient right of way for the Augustinian monks going to and from the Priory, the 57 stones have become steeped in nostalgia for generations of visitors, young and old, who have enjoyed using them to ford their way across the water.

An iconic landmark in the history of both the Priory and surrounding area, photographic records from the 1800s show the stepping stones standing proud of the water even before the first bridge was built in 1899. It’s believed the estate workmen who built the bridge were entertained with a knife and fork tea in the Rectory garden.

Multiple storms since 2022 have resulted in the loss of over a dozen stepping stones, leaving the much-loved crossing point impassable.