Aqueduct

The large turreted bridge which crosses the River Wharfe north of Strid Wood is the aqueduct. The splendid castellations hide the pipe that carries water from the reservoirs at the top of Nidderdale to the cities of West Yorkshire.

The bridge provides the perfect place to cross the river if you wish to shorten the Strid Wood to Barden Bridge circular route.

Upper and lower Barden Reservoirs also provide the cities of West Yorkshire with water. The water from the reservoirs is piped down the west side of the valley to the pumping station below Bolton Bridge. From here the water is pumped up the hill to Chelker Reservoir where it is held until needed. The wind turbines on the bank of Chelker Reservoir provide the energy to power the pumping station.