Simon's Seat (Wharfedale)

Simon’s Seat from the west

Location (summit): SE 079 596

Getting there: Typically reached from the west, the summit is within walking distance from the main Bolton Abbey parking area, The Strid and Barden Bridge. Either climb via the Permissive Footpath between Barden Bridge and The Strid, or follow the River Wharfe upstream, for ascent options from Howgill or Skyreholme.

Height (marked by trig point on summit): 485m

Prominence: 102m

Map: OL2 (Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Areas)

A relatively low summit within easy reach of the popular tourist destination of Bolton Abbey, Simon’s Seat’s commanding position above Wharfedale below, and 360 degree panoramic views gives the impression of something far higher.

Just within the border of the Yorkshire Dales, Simon’s Seat is easily accessible from nearby Bradford and Leeds. Far more so than Blubberhouses Moor and Rombalds Moor to the south, the summit gives the sensation that you’ve truly arrived in the Dales.

No-one knows for certain who ‘Simon’ is. The most exotic explanation is that it was named by Druids after Simon Magus, who claimed to be one of the Three Wise Men. Another tale is that the fell is named after a baby that as found up there, and named ‘Simon’. Most likely is that it was simply named after one of the landowners.

The approach to the summit

Most approaches from the west of Simon’s Seat involve a trip through the Lower Fell Plantation. Following this route, you will emerge from the trees onto a largely barren moor, and after a small climb, the craggy outcrops that make up Simon’s Fell will be visible ahead.

The approach from Skyreholme is a lot more dramatic - a steep climb up the fell, which though looks intimidating, is relatively straightforward.

The final popular route is via a permissive footpath through the Valley of Desolation, giving access to Great Agill Beck.

Any two of the approaches can be combined to create a circular route, and if you fancy a foray off-path, it’s well worth visiting Earl’s Seat nearby.

Simon’s Seat, viewed from Earl’s Seat

The summit contains several millstone grit crags, with the trig point nestled on the highest of these. The crags make for a fun distraction, particularly for adventurous little legs, with a mini-scramble needed to get to the trig point, and more complex bouldering options available.