Brimham Rocks

Mike Patefield

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Brimham Rocks draw large crowds to marvel at these natural sculptures. Few venture far away from the main attraction, so the rest of this walk is very quiet. There are extensive views both east and west, so a clear day is a must. These amazing columns of eroded millstone grit have attracted tourists since at least the 18th Century. Many have been given names such as the Crown, Anvil and Dancing Bear and of course there is the inevitable Lovers' Leap. At one time the story was that they had been carved by Druids, but the geological truth is just as fantastic. The rock was laid down about 300 million years ago as deposits of sand and mud washed down by rivers. They were then buried deep in the Earth's crust and cemented into rock. Later earth movements exposed the millstone grit to the elements that carved these natural sculptures. In late summer Brimham Moor is a sea of heather and a lovely sight. Nestling among the heather are bilberry bushes that bear a good crop, as the area is not grazed by sheep: fiddly to pick but delicious!
The moor is a maze of informal paths, so do try to follow the waymarks. However, it doesn't really matter if you stray as the rocks are a prominent landmark, so just follow any path towards them.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Nidderdale

Features

Birds, Flowers, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, National Trust, Toilets, Woodland

9/12/2019 - Bryony Pearson

Fabulous walk, lovely views all the way and the car park is free for NT members.

4/29/2019 - Jim Leigh

Great walk with many interesting rock formations. Note the NT car park was £9.00 per day in April 2019. There is a small free off road car park for about 4 cars at 54.079983, -1.676509, very close to way-mark 5 on Brimham Rocks Road.

4/22/2013 - Peter and Philippa Melhuish