Nidderdale cycling loop at Brimham Rocks
Set in and around the Nidderdale AONB, this loop around one of the most beautiful areas of the Yorkshire Dales is a challenging route for more experienced riders.
Near to
Brimham RocksStart point
Wath Car ParkTrail information
*Almost all off-road with varied terrain, from gravel tracks to open moorland. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Trail not accessible due to steep gradients and uneven terrain. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs welcome, on leads where cattle and sheep are grazing.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Wath Car Park
Stage 1
Start from the small public car park next to the bridge. From there, cross Wath Bridge over the River Nidd and after approximately 200m turn left onto a bridleway which climbs up through Spring Woods. As the track leaves the woods take the left-hand fork which takes you onto the Nidderdale Way.
Stage 2
At the Bouthwaite junction turn right up the steep climb onto Fountains Earth Moor. Bonus points for those who can remain feet up here as this is the hardest climb of the route! Once onto the moor the track forks twice and on both occasions you need to take the left-hand route.
Stage 3
At the road turn left then almost immediately right onto another bridleway or alternatively take the easier road route straight down into the village of Lofthouse. If you are on the bridleway at the shooting lodge you need to take a left down Thrope Edge. Caution is required here as the bridleway is poorly marked and the decent rapid with a poorly laid surface. You will reach the Nidderdale way at Thorpe Farm. The final field before the farm may have lambs in it so please show respect and walk your bike if appropriate. Turn left for the easy run to Lofthouse.
Stage 4
Turn right at the bottom of the village then left onto a smaller road signposted for How Stean Gorge. Turn left when you hit the Nidderdale way which will take you to Ramsgill.
Stage 5
When you reach the road, turn left then right straight after the bridge over the River Nidd back to Bouthwaite. Turning right at the junction means you are back on the Nidderdale way and the route back to Wath.
End point
Wath Car Park
Trail map
Oak leaves in September in Florence Court garden, Co Fermanagh | © National Trust Images / John Millar
More near here
Circular walk at Brimham Rocks
This short walk will show you the highlights of Brimham from the dramatic rock formations, to the heather moorland.
Moorland and meadows walk at Brimham Rocks
Explore the diverse landscapes around Brimham Rocks, home to a wide range of pondlife, plus wild cotton and waist-high bracken.
Monks' walk from Brimham Rocks to Fountains Abbey
Walk in the monks' footsteps from Brimham Rocks to Fountains Abbey, following an ancient trail with views from Riva Hill to Brimham Rocks.
Brimham Rocks boundary walk
Enjoy a circular walk around the boundary of Brimham Rocks and discover panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside.
Get in touch
Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Exploring Brimham Rocks
From rocks to moorland, Brimham offers a whole host of different features for visitors to explore. Here are a few highlights and what not to miss on your first, second or thousandth visit.