WALKING to find wildlife is often more interesting in winter when the leaves are off the trees and rivers are in full flow.

I enjoy weekend walks around the wharf when the Bolton Abbey and Embsay railway is running.

There are station cafes at both Embsay and Bolton Abbey and with cheery coal fires burning in the fireplaces and providing a real feel of good old fashioned England.

A well-marked footpath from Bolton Abbey station leads down to the river and the ruins of the old Priory dissolved by Henry VIII in 1537.

Actually, he did leave the church intact because it was not only used by the monks but was also the parish church for local people. This church is a splendid example of medieval architecture dating to the 13th century.

I love to sit by the footbridge over the wharf and look for the exciting birds of the area including dipper, grey wagtail, heron and kingfisher.

There is a footpath leading alongside the river to the Cavendish Cafe and then into Bolton Woods. There is a small entry fee to the woods and plenty of parking for which a fee is also payable.

The footpath through the woods leads to a narrowing of the river in a place called The Strid. Here I love to sit and just listen to the whirling water as it twists through the narrow gap between the rocks.

Once again this is a winter birdwatching area with lots of chaffinches, siskin, long-tailed tits and the colourful nuthatch.

To my way of thinking, this is one of the best winter walks and reached from Skipton along the A59.

It is best to start early and finish as daylight fades.

There is so much to see at this time that I want to be sure to miss ‘nowt.’