Bridestones, Crosscliff and Blakey Topping

• Around 300 acres of heather, rough pasture, wooded hillsides and flower-rich grassy dales.
• Footpaths climb to the rocks, where the views are panoramic.
• Bridestones Griff leads on toward Dovedale and ancient woodland.
• Blakey Topping, an isolated flat-topped summit standing about 60 m above its surroundings, shaped by meltwaters at the end of the last ice age.
• Crosscliff and Allerston High Moor for rugged, more open moorland walking.

The short official Bridestones trail is a circular 2.4 km (1.5 miles) route, graded moderate: a steep forest track with roots and rocks, then undulating open moorland.

A wider outing takes considerably longer, and the distance depends entirely on where you start. You can link in Blakey Topping and Crosscliff, follow the easy-access waymarked Blakey Topping trail from Crosscliff car park, or approach on Old Wife's Way from Saltergate and the Hole of Horcum. Routes vary, so plan around the one you choose rather than assuming a set distance or time.

• Reach the reserve via Dalby Forest Drive, where a Forestry England toll is payable, including by National Trust members.
• Nearest parking is Bridestones car park.
• Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are near the car park and are forest facilities, not at the rocks themselves.
• Going is partly level, then steep and uneven. The short trail is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Dogs are welcome but must be under close control, and on a short lead around livestock and wildlife.

Heather across the moor, with sundew in poor soil and rare dwarf cornel on Blakey Topping. Listen for skylarks, wheatears and meadow pipits over open ground, and look for nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and jays in the woods. Small pearl-bordered fritillary is possible in late May, and adders may bask early in the morning, so watch where you step and keep dogs close.

• Paths get muddy and slippery after rain, and sections are steep, rooty and uneven.
• Expect long grass and nettles in summer, plus livestock and droppings on grazed ground.
• The forest drive toll and parking logistics need planning before you arrive.
• Wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time if you are combining the Bridestones with Blakey Topping or Crosscliff.