Yorkshire

Circular walk at Brimham Rocks

Stacked rock formation at Brimham Rocks, with blue sky above — Rock formations at Brimham Rocks | © National Trust Images/John Millar

This short circular walk will show you the highlights of Brimham from the dramatic rock formations, to the heather moorland.

Near to

Brimham Rocks

Start point

Brimham Rocks car park, grid ref: SE206650

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.3 (km: 2.08)

Duration1 hour

Dog friendly***

*Sloping paths with slight incline, steps and track with steep drops. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Not suitable for mobility scooters, prams or wheelchairs because of steep gradients and uneven and narrow terrain. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs should be kept under close control at all times and on a lead during nesting and lambing season. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Rough terrain

Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to rough footpaths. Sturdy footwear is advisable.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads where cattle and sheep are grazing.
Car park
National Trust members free, please scan your membership card at the car park machines.
Toilet
Toilets are open 10am–4pm daily (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Cycle parking
Cycle racks are available. Please note that cycling and mountain biking is not permitted at Brimham Rocks.
Shop
Visitor centre and second-hand bookshop.
Kiosk
Refreshment kiosk serving picnic food and ice cream (check opening times).
This trail is not suitable for mobility scooters, prams or wheelchairs because of steep gradients and uneven and narrow terrain. There are accessible trails taking visitors to the main rocks and returning the same way for mobility scooters and wheelchairs marked on the visitor map. There are accessible parking spaces, toilets and level access to the refreshment kiosk here at Brimham. We also have mobility scooters available to borrow free of charge to help you explore the site.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Brimham Rocks car park, grid ref: SE206650
Stage 1
Take the sloping all-weather path behind the notice board out of the car park. Follow the all-weather path through the rocks passing Surprise View, with views up Nidderdale.
Stage 2
You will pass the famous oak tree growing out of a rock. The all-weather path then meets the track to Brimham House directly in front of you, with the kiosk and toilet block to your right. At this point it is worth a slight detour up the steps near Brimham House to the view point.
Famous oak tree and views
You will pass the famous oak tree which has been growing out of a rock for more than 250 years. We know this because it is shown in a sketch of Brimham by Moles Griffiths in 1804, and mentioned in poetry by Ebenezer Elliot published in 1833. At the view point you will have superb views towards York and Harrogate. You'll also find the visitor centre for further information about the geology and social history of the site and a second-hand bookshop.
Stage 3
Turn left and follow the tarmac road up a slight incline, then take the left fork by a large rock through the staff car park. Directly in front of you is the Dancing Bear (Begging Dog).
Stage 4
Follow the track past the Dancing Bear and after about 110yd (100m) you will glimpse the Druids Writing Desk, now often called ET and, further along, the Druids Idol (Idol Rock), which is probably the most famous rock at Brimham. Keep going past the Idol Rock and on your left-hand side are views over Dallowgill Moor (beware of steep drops).
Stage 5
After about 110yd (100m) the track turns sharply to the right giving views of Mushroom Rock in the distance, and an expanse of moorland. Keeping the moorland on your left-hand side and the rocks on your right follow the path past the rocks on the right, towards Middle Crag, the large body of rocks in the distance.
Stage 6
At the habitat pile turn right towards a lone rock called the Gorilla. Just past this rock the path turns back on itself to the left following a small valley, keeping Middle Crags on your left hand side. Follow this path for approximately 440yd (400m), until it enters the main car park.
End point
Brimham Rocks car park, grid ref: SE206650
Trail map
Map route for circular walk at Brimham Rocks | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW

01423780688

brimhamrocks@nationaltrust.org.uk

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