11/06/2026
One yet to try
Discover the mysterious ice age stones hidden in the North York Moors on this circular walk through Dalby Forest. Full route and map below. 🚶👇
Deep in the North York Moors, a trail through Dalby Forest leads walkers to one of the area’s most unusual natural landmarks: The Bridestones.
These strange sandstone formations rise from the moorland like ancient sculptures, with dramatic, top-heavy shapes that look almost too unusual to be natural. But these mysterious stones were not placed here by hand. They were shaped over thousands of years by frost, wind, rain, and the powerful forces left behind from the last ice age.
The Dalby Forest and The Bridestones Trail takes walkers on a varied 9.9-mile loop through peaceful woodland, forest tracks, grassy dales, open moorland, and panoramic viewpoints across the North York Moors.
The highlight is, of course, The Bridestones themselves. Managed by the National Trust, this atmospheric spot makes a perfect place to pause, take photos, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive landscapes.
The route is classed as moderate, with uneven paths, gentle climbs, and around 794 feet of elevation gain. Most walkers can expect to complete the loop in around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
📍 Location: Dalby Forest, North York Moors National Park
🥾 Distance: 9.9 miles / 15.9 km
⛰️ Elevation gain: 794 ft / 242 m
⏱️ Time: Around 4 hours 20 minutes
🚶 Difficulty: Moderate
🅿️ Start: Near Stain Dale car park
