SE2065 : Trig point, Brimham Rock
Visitor paths; tor-top climbing is separate

Brimham Rocks

301m Elevation
46m Prominence
England Country
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SE2065 : Trig point, Brimham Rock

Philip Halling Photo source

Overview

Brimham Rocks is a 301 m gritstone-tor hill in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, within a National Trust rock landscape. Visitor paths and moorland circuits explore its formations. The summit tor is separate from the nearby trig-bearing tor.

Brimham Rocks

Brimham Rocks is a 301 m hill within the National Trust’s gritstone landscape in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire. Its exact summit is a rock tor at SE 20594 65064. The trig-bearing tor about 15 m northeast is approximately 10 cm lower, according to the Database of British and Irish Hills.

Walking and the summit

Visitor paths offer views of the rocks without requiring a climb onto them. The routes below explore the rock landscape and do not describe a climb onto the summit tor. Rock climbing requires suitable skills and equipment.

The National Trust gives 2.08 km and 1 hour for the full return visitor circuit. It runs through the main rocks, past Brimham House, the Dancing Bear and Idol Rock, then returns beside Middle Crags. It includes rough paths, steps and drops and is unsuitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or prams.

A separate accessible out-and-back follows the main track and surfaced paths through the rocks. Gradients and mixed terrain still need consideration; consult the estate’s access information. The wider boundary circuit is 5.6 km, with a published time of 1.5–2 hours for the whole loop. It crosses rough, boggy moorland and returns past Druid’s Cave Farm. Follow current waymarkers and the signed bog diversion.

Geology and history

The tors are formed from Lower Brimham Grit, a Carboniferous sandstone deposited by river channels. Differences in the rock’s cementation and later weathering produced the varied shapes; freeze-thaw probably helped sculpt the tors. The eighteenth-century idea that Druids built the formations is a historical belief. Brimham House was built for visitors in 1792, and the National Trust acquired the site in October 1970.

Safety and conservation

There are sudden drops, steep slopes and slippery rocks. Supervise children closely and avoid climbing in wet conditions. Check National Trust notices and the BMC Regional Access Database for local climbing restrictions, including nesting birds. The protected rocks and moorland need care: do not damage the stone, keep dogs on short leads and do not use fires or barbecues.

Visiting

Use the main National Trust car park and check current charges and opening times. Parking is limited; keep surrounding roads and private tracks clear. A refreshment kiosk, toilets and visitor centre are available subject to opening times.

Bus 24 serves Summerbridge, with an onward road walk. Seasonal DalesBus 825 serves the entrance on its published summer Sundays and bank holiday Mondays; its advertised 2026 season ends on 18 October. Check current services and the return journey before travelling.

Explore routes near Brimham Rocks

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Circular

8.8 km ~2h 40m Easy

View route

Studley Royal Deer Park and Rough Bridge

5.3 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Nidderdale Greenway: Ripley to Bilton Lane

9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Ripon Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Brimham Rocks visitor circuit

From the main National Trust car park, follow the path through the rocks past Surprise View to Brimham House. Continue past the Dancing Bear and Idol Rock, then follow the moorland edge towards the Gorilla and return beside Middle Crags to the car park. National Trust figures for the complete return circuit are 2.08 km and 1 hour. This landscape walk does not include a summit-tor climb. Expect rough, narrow paths, steps and steep drops; this full circuit is unsuitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams.

2.1 km ~1 hours Easy walking with rough paths and drops

Brimham Rocks boundary circuit

A full loop from the main car park via the Nidderdale Way, South Moor and North Moor, returning on farm tracks past Druid’s Cave Farm. National Trust distance: 5.6 km; allow its published 1.5–2 hours. Follow red waymarkers and the signed bog diversion. Includes ruts, stiles and road crossings; South Moor can be extremely boggy in winter. This circuit explores the wider moorland and woodland landscape.

5.6 km Rough and boggy moorland walking

Accessible main-rocks out-and-back

From the main car park, use the main vehicle track and the surfaced path branching through the rocks; return the same way. Use the National Trust visitor map and choose a turnaround that suits your access needs. Gradients and mixed surfaces can be strenuous for manual wheelchair users; watch for site vehicles. Pre-book a mobility scooter with the estate if needed. This route views the rock formations from the visitor paths.

Surfaced paths with gradients
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill

Elevation

301m

988 ft

Prominence

46m

Coordinates

54.0811, -1.6867

SE205650

OS Map

99

Explorer: 298

At the Summit

The summit is the rock tor at SE 20594 65064. DoBIH records the trig-bearing tor about 15 m northeast, at SE 20604 65072, as approximately 10 cm lower. The walks listed here explore the surrounding rock landscape and do not describe an ascent of the summit tor.

Terrain & Geology

Gritstone tors and steep drops surfaced visitor paths rough and narrow footpaths heather moorland boggy ground woodland and farm tracks

The tors are carved from Lower Brimham Grit, a coarse Carboniferous sandstone with cross-bedding formed in fast-flowing river channels. Differences in cementation and subsequent weathering produced the irregular shapes; freeze-thaw probably helped shape the tors. The rocks are natural formations.

Views & Scenery

Established viewpoints offer views over Nidderdale and the surrounding moorland. The visitor circuit also passes the Dancing Bear and Idol Rock. Keep clear of the steep drops.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Recorded as Birnebeam in the Domesday Book. The National Trust notes that this early name suggests a wooded place.

Historical Significance

Brimham Rocks attracted eighteenth-century visitors, some of whom wrongly attributed the natural formations to Druids. Brimham House was built for visitors in 1792. The National Trust acquired Brimham Rocks in October 1970.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the main National Trust car park, HG3 4DW. Parking is limited; do not obstruct nearby roads or private tracks. Check current tariffs and closing times. Enter the vehicle registration at the machines; National Trust members must also validate their free parking.

Public Transport

Bus 24 between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge stops at Summerbridge, with a 1.5-mile one-way walk via Hartwith Bank and Brimham Rocks Road. Seasonal DalesBus 825 serves the entrance on summer Sundays and bank holiday Mondays; its published 2026 season ends 18 October. Check current timetables and the return journey.

Nearby Facilities

Refreshment kiosk, picnic benches, toilets including an accessible toilet, and a visitor centre with a second-hand bookshop. Toilets are about 550 m from the car park. Check opening times. The bookshop has no level access; mobility scooters can be pre-booked with the estate.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Sudden drops and steep slopes among the tors; supervise children closely
  • Rocks and paths become slippery when wet; avoid wet-weather climbing
  • Climbing requires appropriate skill and equipment and is separate from the visitor walks
  • Rutted and boggy moorland, stiles and road crossings on the boundary circuit
  • Site vehicles use the main access track
  • Protect the rocks and moorland: keep dogs on short leads; no fires, barbecues or gas burners

Seasonal Hazards

South Moor on the boundary circuit can be extremely boggy in winter; follow the signed diversion and avoid impassable ground. Respect temporary climbing closures for nesting birds and check National Trust notices and the BMC access database before a climbing visit.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Brimham Rocks?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Brimham Rocks through the maps

Are there other walkers around Brimham Rocks?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Brimham Rocks search or of course create your own walk for Brimham Rocks

Can I organise a walk to Brimham Rocks?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Brimham Rocks?

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Location

Brimham Rocks location map

Grid reference: SE205650

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