Simon's Seat is a prominent outcrop of Millstone grit on the Bolton Abbey Estate. This walk approaches this feature from Howgill after which the walk descends down the escarpment to the Valley of Desolation. Refreshment on the walk can be found at the Pavilion on the Wharfe after the descent into Bolton Park.
The homeward trek takes in the well know water feature of the Strid. The walk as described starts close to the Craven Arms in Appletreewick but a shortened version could start at the car park at Barden Bridge.

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The return path is due south and takes the walker by Truckle Crags; Earl's Seat is seen high up on the right. This rough path continues until the walker meets a T-junction. On turning left a steady walk downhill along the track follows the contours alongside the valley. The walker eventually meets a stone wall which leads to a small wooden gate. Carry on through the wood the follow the sign on the left leading to the Valley of Desolation. (50 min)
There is now a fairly steep decline to the river which is crossed by a footbridge. The path continues for about a mile to the road. Turn left and take the footpath down to the bridge over the Wharfe to visit the Pavilion. (40 min)
From the Pavilion the walker can take the return route to Barden Bridge using the path either side of the river. Take the southerly path for the best view of the Strid. (50 min)
The final stage is straightforward; the path follows the River Wharfe - the Dales Way - all the way back to Appletreewick. (40 min)

The walk starts at the small car park opposite the Craven Arms in Appletreewick. Walk downhill to the camp site and take the FP on the left to the River Wharfe. Follow the FP sign to Barden Bridge. The path is straightforward following the River Wharfe. When the river turns south the path enters a small wood. On leaving the wood the path bears left away from the river to a small gate which leads on to the bridge. A FP sign directs the walker to Howgill Lane. (35 min)
A steady climb takes the walker into the Bardon Fell Access Area. On meeting the wood the track turns sharp left following the stone wall and after about 400 yd the track now turns sharp right into the wood. At the barred gate there is a slight diversion on the left for 20 yd. Carry on along the track and look for the FP sign to Simon' Seat; the rough path follows the stone wall on the left with the open moorland on the right. A spectacular view towards Appletreewick and the Wharfe is seen over the wall. On the final approach to Simon's Seat the path improves somewhat; part is paved and a little less demanding. The final stretch is through heather moor. (55 min)