Brimham Rocks

Yesterday, we made the most of the Bank Holiday Monday and took a drive to Brimham Rocks, a National Trust-owned natural spectacle of interesting rock formations. Near the Nidderdale National Landscape and not far from Harrogate, Brimham Rocks is a great, family-friendly place for a walk, a climb on the rocks and a coffee or ice cream from the kiosk. We found out about it through Alastair Ross’ book, ‘Yorkshire Dales: 40 favourite walks’, but ended up following the National Trust’s map instead. We were recommended the longer walk around and up to the impressive ‘Idol Rock’, down to the road and back up to ‘Mushroom Rock.’ We really enjoyed this walk, especially in the sunshine! We struggled a bit getting back up toward ‘Mushroom Rock’ from the road, as the paths recommended were really overgrown and hard to follow. In the end, we walked along the main road for a bit further until we could cross a stile onto a better-trodden path. It wasn’t a huge diversion, and we didn’t mind walking for a bit longer. There were lots of families having picnics and children climbing up the rocks, which was lovely to see.

Parking: It is a National Trust car park, so it is free for members. We aren’t members and paid £6.50 for 4 hours.

Length: Our route totalled 6.90km and 144m elevation gain, taking just under 2 hours.

Food: There is a kiosk with coffee, ice cream and some food options 500 meters from the car park. I am unsure whether it is open all year round, so I would definitely check in the Autumn and Winter.

Drive: We drove via Otley on the way and via Harrogate on the way back. We stopped off in Harrogate, which really added to the afternoon.

Route: Easy to follow using the National Trust map, which was available at the pay machines. You could also idly wander around to specific rocks that you really want to see, without a specific route, and I don’t think you would get lost.

Accessibility: Well-trodden, obvious paths.

Landmarks: The rocks were really interesting and cool to look at. There were also lovely views over the Yorkshire Dales too.