Your accessible visit to Brimham Rocks

Man sat on a black mobility scooter travelling along the accessible path with a large rock formation in the background — Give us a call and book one of our mobility scooters for your visit. | © Joanne Crawford

Brimham Rocks with its spectacular rock formations and panoramic views across Nidderdale has attracted visitors from far and wide for centuries. The landscape that we care for presents challenges in creating access for all, but we have taken steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Brimham Rocks.

This page is designed to help support your visit by providing information on how to access the different areas of the site, and to make the most of your visit.

We're always looking to improve our experiences and recognise the variety of needs our visitors may have. We always welcome feedback and suggestions which can be emailed to us at brimhamrocks@nationaltrust.org.uk

For more information about access, visit the AccessAble website.

You can find our map for visitors with additonal needs here. A hard copy of this map can be picked up at the welcome hut on arrival.

Arrival and parking facilities

The entrance road into the car park is 160m long and has a firm surface with three speed bumps. The car park surface is firm, but uneven in places with a top layer of loose gravel, bays are divided by raised timber sleepers. There are 4 marked, designated spaces for disabled users in the bottom car park and 3 in the top car park. These are level, firm spaces with a top layer of loose gravel. The spaces are separated by a shortened raised timber that delineates the bays but was designed not to interfere with wheelchairs either side of the vehicles. Once you've parked, head for the welcome hut in the bottom car park, approximately 10m from the parking bays.

Accessible routes and paths

Brimham Rocks by its nature can present challenges in creating access for all. Parts of the site have steep gradients and mixed terrain but much of the site is still accessible to all visitors - Some of the most iconic rock formations can be viewed just a ten minutes’ walk from the car park.

There are several routes leaving the car park. The most accessible one follows the main vehicle track between the car park and the visitor facilities. A smooth, stable footpath branches from this main track and winds through the main rocks.

Take a look at our full access statement here

Take a look at our access map here

Approximate distances and terrains

A couple walk along the accessible paths at Brimham rocks on an autumnal morning — There is an accessible circular route taking visitors through the rocks. | © Paul Harris

Free Personal Mobility Scooters (PMV) hire

We have two Tramper style mobility scooters available to hire free of charge. Whether you’re a comfortable and experienced user or you’ve never used a PMV or wheelchair before, our friendly Welcome Team will be on hand to help. The mobility scooter route follows the smooth, stable footpath that winds through the main rocks.
Despite there being availability most days, we recommend advance booking to avoid disappointment. Call us on 01423 780688 to book your date, all we need is a booking name, approximate arrival time and some contact information.

Quieter moments

Popular with geologists, naturalists, climbers, walkers, and families, some days can be busier at times. We want Brimham Rocks to be a place where visitors can come and spend some quiet time connecting with nature as well as exploring, climbing and playing. If you’re searching for a quieter visit to connect with nature, history or yourself, here are some top tips:

Visit during the week
School holidays and bank holidays are always busier days. If you’re looking for a quiet visit on these days, visit early in the day or later in the afternoon. We tend to be much quieter after 3pm.
Take the lesser trodden paths. Follow the quieter paths through the moorland, experience a flood of purple heather in the summer and a haven of calm in the winter.
Noise cancelling headphones can be borrowed from the Welcome Hut in the car park to help visitors with autism, sensory processing disorder, or anyone who thinks they'd benefit from them during a visit.