Bridestones, North York Moors UK
• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 10 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 75-530m (250-1,750ft)
• Dalby, UK | North Yorkshire
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The most precarious of the Bridestone rock formations.
Known by the ancient Norse as edge-stones, these geologic remnants of 150 million year old sedimentary rock stand proud above the North York Moors landscape. Wind-worn and rounded by the elements they make a worthy destination for a hike, or as part of a longer stroll around the valley's ridgeline and down into the grassy, wildflower-strewn meadow below.
These short trails are accessible from a parking lot in Dalby Forest. A fee is payable to visit the forest, but this allows you to park in any area and includes several picnic locations and additionally restroom facilities. We visited the site by way of a longer ten mile hike that we describe at the end of this article.
| ⬤ 4★ Bridestones
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
| ⬤ 4★ Bridestones & Valley Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
| ⬤ 4★ Topping & Bridestones
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
⬤ The Bridestones
The easiest way to reach the Bridestones is on a single-track woodland trail a short distance from the parking area. Short but steep, however. Those averse to inclines will prefer to take a clockwise route, but this still requires a brief uphill slog. A well-built cobbled footpath leads you past parade of Bridestones which you'll want to investigate from all angles, and are free to climb should you wish. Perhaps you can identify which stones are named Indian's Head, the Villain, the Cheeseblock? After the last of them, you'll reach a viewpoint where you'll want to decide between turning around or continuing on the longer loop trail.
⬤ Bridestones & Valley Loop
Bridestones can be found on both sides of the valley. Though the best are to be found on the valley's east ridge, the rest are also worth a visit, especially when combined with a return trek among woodland and through grassy meadow within earshot of the nearby stream.
Looking across from the far side of the valley to the Bridestones.
⬤ Blakey Topping & Bridestones
We visited the Bridestones by connecting to a loop trail of Blakey Topping, which we've reviewed separately and linked at the bottom of this article. Though we recommend both of these as great short hikes, stringing them together added substantial additional mileage that didn't involve much in the way of extra features. We've linked the route here in case you wish to follow it, but we've excluded it from the above embedded Google Map.
This longer hike can be started at the Saltergate trailhead and parking area which is also served by the Coastliner 840 double-decker public bus. Known as Britain's most scenic bus route, it serves Leeds, York, Pickering and Whitby among other destinations.
The Valley Loop includes grassy meadowland and a stream crossing.
Walking to the bridestones includes a short inclined woodland trail.
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