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

Yorkshire

Circular walk at Brimham Rocks

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

Rough terrain

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

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 6

Start point

Brimham Rocks car park, grid ref: SE206650

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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).

Step 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).

Step 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.

Step 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

Viewpoint over Nidderdale from Panorama Way

Trail

Brimham Rocks to Pateley Bridge circular walk

Explore the Nidderdale area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, on this circular walk.

A wide view across the surrounding countryside from Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire

Trail

Brimham Rocks boundary walk

Enjoy a circular walk around the boundary of Brimham Rocks and discover panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside.

Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW

01423780688

brimhamrocks@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

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.

Article

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.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

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.