Brimham Rocks, Yorkshire

Rock formations to spark the imagination of children and adults alike within the stunning setting of Nidderdale in North Yorkshire. The Sphinx, The Camel or The Dancing Bear? What will be your favourite?

Here at Little Trekkers we already know that Yorkshire is the best place in the country and Edwin Thomas one of our Yorkshire Little Trekkers’ Ambassadors believes out of all of the great places we have on our doorstep, this place is a must to visit….

Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge, would be my favourite...Whether you’re a full-on rock-climber, or a two year-old with a yen for adventure, they’re perfect for scrambling up, over and through.

Craggy Gritstone Life Forms

It may be overlooked by many on the tourist trail as everyone heads for Fountains Abbey but this place has to be seen to be believed.

Total wonder awaits you when you are confronted by the magnificence of the rocks formed over hundreds of millions of years of erosion and glacial activity.

Trekking, Climbing, Exploration and Safaris

You can follow the example of our Yorkshire ambassador Edwin and with the guidance of an Ordnance Survey map take a 10 mile walk in and around the rocks and Nidderdale. The National Trust manage this fascinating landscape and they work closely with local climbing groups, rangers and other experts to provide various activities throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.

Events for all the Family

For up to date information about events happening, visit the National Trust’s website and search for Brimham Rocks. Here is a taster of the kind of activities usually on offer.

• Guided tours by geological experts who explain how these rocks developed over the course of 320 million years.
• Family climbing sessions with local climbing groups and also kids only climbing sessions with full supervision.
• Mini safaris and pond exploration with the Rangers to seek out the wildlife in this incredible habitat.
• The visitors’ centre provides detailed information regarding the geological, social history and conservation of this area. There is also an array of light refreshments, ice cream and Yorkshire produce for sale for hungry Little Trekkers.
• For something a little more sedate, you can admire the work of local artists inspired by this landscape. Let’s face it if this place doesn’t inspire you to get your paints out, nothing will.

A Stone’s Throw Away

• Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – The largest abbey ruins in the country and a World Heritage site.
• Malham Tarn and Moor – The site of the highest lake in England which was the inspiration for Charles Kingsley’s book “The Water Babies”.
• Nidderdale Museum – A snapshot of everyday Yorkshire life from yesteryear.

OS Explorer Map 298 Nidderdale