Simon's Seat

Simon's Seat

Simon's Seat Group Walks | Join a Walk

587m Elevation
84m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Dodd Dewey

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Elevation

587m

1,926 ft

Prominence

84m

Coordinates

54.3940, -2.5253

SD659999

OS Map

97

Explorer: OL19S

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent gritstone outcrop which provides a perfect resting spot and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Moorland paths with rocky sections

Simon's Seat is primarily composed of gritstone, which forms impressive crags and dramatic cliff faces that have been sculpted by millennia of weathering and erosion.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Wharfe Valley, the rolling hills of the Dales, and on clear days, the distant peaks of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Simon's Seat' is thought to refer to a local legend involving a Simon who took his seat on the summit to gaze over the valley.

Historical Significance

The area has historical ties to the Brontë sisters and is steeped in folklore, making it a popular destination for both hikers and literary fans.

Popular Routes

Barden Bridge to Simon's Seat

Moderate

A popular route that winds through beautiful moorland and offers stunning views before ascending to the summit.

5.5 km 2.5 hours

The Bolton Abbey Circuit

Moderate

A circular walk that explores the picturesque Bolton Abbey estate and includes a memorable detour to Simon's Seat for panoramic views.

7.5 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Barden Bridge car park (postcode: BD23 6AN) offers ample space and good access to the walking paths leading to Simon's Seat.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is at Ilkley, approximately 6 miles away. Local buses run to the area, but check schedules as they can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the summit itself, but the nearby Bolton Abbey estate has toilets and refreshments available in the visitor centre.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of slippery rocks, particularly after rain; also keep an eye out for sudden weather changes common in the moors.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Simon's Seat?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Simon's Seat through the maps

Are there other walkers around Simon's Seat?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Simon's Seat search or of course create your own walk for Simon's Seat

Can I organise a walk to Simon's Seat?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Simon's Seat.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Simon's Seat?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Simon's Seat here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible