The Bridestones walk

The stones themselves

Sculpted over millennia by wind, water and frost picking at bands of harder and softer sandstone, the Bridestones stand like weathered mushrooms and anvils above the valley. The upper group, the High Bridestones, are the most dramatic, with capstones balanced on narrow pedestals. They sit in a National Trust nature reserve of heather moorland and old oak woodland, and they are far less crowded than the region's better-known landmarks.

Parking charges and facilities

This guide uses Forestry England's waymarked Bridestones Trail, 1.5 miles (2.4 km), not a longer circuit over Needle Point. It starts at Bridestones car park near Staindale Lake, climbs a steep forest track with roots and rocks, and crosses undulating moorland. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Forestry England trail details, checked 17 October 2026.

Access is via the Dalby Forest Drive, where a Forestry England hourly parking charge applies, see our Dalby Forest guide for how the charge and the forest hubs work. Park at Staindale Lake, from where the walk is signed. The National Trust lists toilets, including an accessible toilet, 85 m from the car park. Refreshments are at forest visitor hubs; check current opening before relying on facilities. Charges, opening times and facilities change, so check the current Forestry England and National Trust pages before you set off.

When to go

Late August and September are the showpiece weeks, when the heather around the stones turns purple. Spring brings bluebells and birdsong in the valley woodland, and clear winter days give the sharpest views with almost nobody about. The valley section can be wet underfoot after rain, so wear boots.

Walking with dogs

The National Trust asks for dogs on a short lead. The reserve is grazed and supports wildlife, so keep to paths and avoid disturbing birds. Our dog-friendly guide covers the wider picture across the park.

Combine it

The Hole of Horcum is a separate walk; no combined circuit distance is given here. Pair the Bridestones with the forest trails and dark skies of Dalby Forest, or an afternoon in Thornton-le-Dale just down the road. For a base within easy reach of both, see where to stay.

Bridestones walk FAQs

How long is the Bridestones walk?

Forestry England's waymarked Bridestones Trail is 1.5 miles (2.4 km), starting at Bridestones car park near Staindale Lake. The route has a steep forest track with roots and rocks, then undulating open moorland. No walking time is given on the trail page.

Do you have to pay to visit the Bridestones?

The reserve itself is free and cared for by the National Trust, but access is via the Dalby Forest Drive, where a Forestry England hourly parking charge applies. Check the current charge before you set off.

Is the Bridestones walk suitable for children?

The National Trust describes steep and uneven terrain beyond the limited level approach. Supervise children near drops and loose or weathered rocks. This guide does not recommend scrambling on the stones.

Can you take dogs to the Bridestones?

Yes, under close control. The reserve is grazed and there are ground-nesting birds on the moor in spring and early summer, so a lead is the safe choice from March to July.

Where do you park for the Bridestones?

At the Staindale Lake car park within Dalby Forest, from where the waymarked path leads up towards the stones.