Brimham Rocks Summit and Nidderdale Loop
North Yorkshire
Brimham Rocks is a National Trust site on the eastern edge of Nidderdale AONB, where wind-sculpted millstone grit boulders rise out of heather moor like giants' stacked furniture. This dog friendly boundary loop takes in the main outcrops, circles the Druid's Writing Desk and Dancing Bear formations, then drops off the moor onto farm pasture before returning along the ridge.
Dogs can be off lead across most of the open moor under close control, and the higher rocks are broad enough to keep a sensible dog well away from the odd steep face. Lead up through the field sections on the southern side, where sheep and cattle may be grazing, and anywhere you see livestock in view. Climbing onto the rocks themselves is fine for sure-footed dogs but not for nervy or elderly ones. Underfoot is close-cropped moor grass, sand and some rockier stretches, with a short boggy section after wet weather. The National Trust car park has toilets, a seasonal kiosk and water, and charges apply for non-members.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 50 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- National Trust car park with toilets and seasonal kiosk; water available; dog friendly Sportsman's Arms and New Inn in Summerbridge.
- Parking
- National Trust pay and display at HG3 4DW (grid SE208645); free for members, £5 per four hours for non-members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brimham Rocks Summit and Nidderdale Loop dog friendly?
Yes, Brimham Rocks scores 8.5 out of 10 for dog friendliness on Wildpack Collective, making it a solid choice for a day out with your dog. The moor-top circuit suits most dogs well, and there are dog-friendly pubs — the Sportsman's Arms and the New Inn — in nearby Summerbridge if you fancy rounding off the walk with a meal.
Can dogs be off lead at Brimham Rocks Summit and Nidderdale Loop?
Dogs can be off lead across most of the open moor, as long as they're under close control. You'll need to put them back on the lead through the field sections on the southern side, where sheep and cattle may be grazing, and whenever livestock are in view.
What should I know before visiting Brimham Rocks Summit and Nidderdale Loop with my dog?
The rocky outcrops are fine for sure-footed dogs to clamber on, but they're not ideal for nervous or elderly dogs given the occasional steep face. Underfoot you'll find a mix of moor grass, sand, rockier patches and a potentially boggy section after rain, so it's worth wearing appropriate footwear. The National Trust car park at HG3 4DW has toilets, water and a seasonal kiosk — parking is free for NT members and £5 per four hours for non-members.
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