Route diagram, drawn from the recorded track — for the shape of the walk, not for navigation. Carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Four miles and about an hour and three quarters around the outside of the National Trust's gritstone estate, taking in the Idol Rock and the Druid's Writing Desk before swinging out through woodland, farmland and open heather moor with 90 metres of gentle climbing. Start from the Brimham Rocks visitor centre car park above Summerbridge, which is free to Trust members and pay-and-display otherwise; the south moor section becomes very wet and boggy after rain, so waterproof boots earn their keep. Dogs are welcome all over the estate but must be on a lead on the moorland and around grazing stock, and the rock formations have sudden unfenced drops that a bounding dog will not see coming.
The National Trust's surreal 320-million-year-old gritstone tors scattered across open moorland above Summerbridge, with miles of sandy paths weaving between balancing rocks and heather. Dogs are welcome everywhere on site, including the moorland, but must stay on a short lead throughout to protect ground-nesting curlew and the cattle that graze May to October. Parking charge for non-members; kiosk refreshments near the visitor centre.
Cosy Samuel Smith's village pub on the rise above the Nidd at Summerbridge, just over a mile from Brimham Rocks. Dogs are welcome in the back bar, and there is a muddy boot room for walkers; B&B rooms sit in the cottage alongside.
One short email when we add places or a council changes its beach rules. No noise, easy out.
NO SPAM · UNSUBSCRIBE ANY TIME · WE NEVER SELL THE LIST
Wagfinder Members · Coming soon
NO PAYMENT NOW · FIRST IN WHEN DOORS OPEN · EASY OUT