Moorland and meadows walk at Brimham Rocks
Explore the diverse landscapes around Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire, home to a range of pondlife, along with wild cotton and waist-high bracken. The walk culminates with stunning views across the Yorkshire Moors, and on a clear day you might even catch a glimpse of York Minster.
Near to
Brimham RocksStart point
Brimham Rocks car park. Grid ref: SE 206650Trail information
*The route has varying gradients and surfaces. Some areas may be quite boggy. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Some sections will be difficult or impossible for people with reduced mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Brimham Rocks car park. Grid ref: SE 206650
Stage 1
From the Brimham Rocks car park, walk down the road you came in on. However, before reaching the public road, turn right down the track marked 'private road' to Druids Cave Farm. After about 80yds (75m), and just before the track passes between a gap in a wall with a National Trust boundary marker, there will be a footpath to your left. Take this path, then immediately take the left fork to continue to the road. Cross the road and take the footpath signposted Nidderdale Way. Follow this path for about 0.6 miles (1km) until you reach a stile at the boundary of Brimham Rocks. Climb over the stile and continue straight on until you reach a farm track. Go straight on for about 275yds (250m), until you get to a junction where the paved track turns left and another track forks to the right.
Stage 2
Fork right through the gate and follow the track for 0.6 miles (1km) until you reach a road. Turn left at the road, then immediately turn left again onto the farm track signposted 'public bridleway / Nidderdale Way / Shaw Mills'. Follow the track through Brimham Lodge Farm, then through a wooded area, before continuing up a hill signposted 'Park House / Warsill'. After passing Park House Farm, continue up the slope. Just before the brow of the hill, take the footpath on the right through a gate. Follow the footpath, first passing some small lakes on your right, and then, a couple of hundred metres further on, some houses on your left. After another 110yds (100m), and immediately after passing a landscaped lake on your left, take the left fork marked 'public bridleway' between some houses. Continue up to the road.
Stage 3
Turn left at the road and continue straight on, up a rising concrete farm track. At the top of the track, bear right, then continue straight on through a small gate, where the track bears right to the farm. After 200 paces or so, cross the stile at the Brimham Rocks site boundary; then, in another 10 paces or so, take the path to the right, heading slightly downhill. When you reach a wall in a small copse of silver birch trees, follow the path to the left. In about 25 paces, cross the bridge over the spring, then follow the path as it swings to the left. Follow the path across the duckboard bridge, after which it turns sharply to the right. Follow the gently rising path through the silver birch trees, and on to the open heather and bracken moorland. You'll now be able to see Brimham Rocks ahead, and in another 450yds (400m) or so, you’ll reach Brimham Rocks Road, which runs right through the property.
Stage 4
Turn left at Brimham Rocks Road, and after about 150 paces you'll see a path to your right, opposite a rough layby. Taking the path into the bracken and veering to the left will take you towards the refreshment kiosk, toilets and visitor centre close to the highest point of the site. If you prefer, you can continue on the road to the Brimham Rocks site entrance. The refreshment kiosk, toilets and visitor centre are then straight up the main track (or you can meander amongst the rocks).
The National Trust visitor centre at Brimham Rocks | © National Trust Images/John Millar End point
Brimham Rocks visitor centre. Grid ref: SE 20664 65042
Trail map
Map of the route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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.
Brimham Rocks to Pateley Bridge circular walk
Explore the Nidderdale area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, on this circular walk.
Brimham Rocks boundary walk
Enjoy a circular walk around the boundary of Brimham Rocks and discover panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside.
Fountains Abbey Estate Boundary walk
See all the highlights of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on a circular walk, taking in the Abbey ruins, hall, deer park and 18th-century water garden.
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
Eating and drinking at Brimham Rocks
Looking for some refreshment during your visit to Brimham Rocks? You can find a selection of food and drinks at the refreshment kiosk open open everyday 10am - 4.30pm. Every bite of a sausage roll or crunch of an ice-cream cone helps to protect this special place.
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.
History of Brimham Rocks
Discover the millions of years of natural history evident at Brimham Rocks, which has been enchanting visitors for centuries.
Volunteering at Brimham Rocks
Find out how you can join the volunteering team at Brimham Rocks and play an important role in the smooth running of this special place.
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.
Walking in Yorkshire
Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.
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.