OS Landranger Map 99 (Northallerton, Ripon & surrounding area)

Map Reference: SE 206650

Over 20 miles south of the Jenny Twigg rock structure lie Brimham Rocks, an area of millstone grit that has been carved into fantastic contorted shapes which cover an area of some 50 acres. They can be found approximately 7.5 miles west of Ripon and 3 miles east of Pateley Bridge and are sign-posted on the B 6265 Ripon to Pateley Bridge Road. The rocks are in the care of the National Trust and an entrance fee is payable; car parking is also provided.

The rocks at Brimham were formed by the same geological process that formed the rocks of Jenny Twigg and the Sypelands some 320 million years ago. However at Brimham the rocks are in the public domain and the visitor can freely wander around the site and marvel at their creation. In the middle of the complex stands Brimham House; a visitors centre displaying information about the site. Refreshments are also available.

Footpaths throughout the complex take the visitor on an incredible journey of beauty and weirdness through a landscape that has been sculptured by eons of weathering and erosion to produce what are probably the most incredible rock formations in Britain.

Many of the contorted shapes have been given names like 'The Dancing Bear', 'Idol Rock' and 'The Druid's Writing Desk' or 'ET'. Many of the shapes look as if they have been deliberately sculptured, however the only artist at work here has been time and the elements!