Wildlife spot
Fen Bog nature reserve
By Jon Cosson · Updated 17 October 2026
A Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 'quaking bog' and SSSI in the bottom of Newtondale near Goathland, bog wildlife with steam trains passing right by it.
Reserve and wildlife
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages Fen Bog in Newtondale. Its reserve page lists large heath and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, golden-ringed dragonflies, sundew and bog plants. The reserve is free to enter and open at all times.
Parking and the approach
There is a small car park off the A169 at Ellerbeck, postcode YO18 7NT, grid reference SE 857 982. A rough track leads to a viewpoint; beyond it the ground is steep, uneven and unsurfaced.
Dogs, access and etiquette
Dogs must be on leads. Stay on the paths, do not step out onto the quaking bog and avoid damaging plants. The Trust does not describe the route beyond the viewpoint as step-free.
Sources checked 17 October 2026: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Map and how to get there
- Area
- Newtondale, near Goathland
- Coordinates
- 54.3750, -0.7100
- Parking
- Off-road parking available Check before you travel.
- Nearest fuel
- Pickering or Whitby
- Access
- Not step-free: boggy and difficult underfoot, with a small car park off the A169.
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Nearby guide
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The steam line runs right through Newtondale below the reserve.
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Hole of Horcum walk
A few minutes south on the A169. The classic moorland circuit.
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Goathland
The nearest village, with parking, tea rooms and Mallyan Spout.
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