Bridestones Trail at Dalby Forest

A circular walk of 1.5 miles (2.4 km), measured as the complete loop back to the start, allow about 1 hour if you want time to wander among the rocks and stop for the views. Maps of the forest trails are available at the visitor centre.

From Bridestones Car Park the path climbs through woodland, then opens out onto heather moorland where the first of the Bridestones sandstone formations appear. The walk continues past several of these outcrops, drops to cross a small stream in the valley, and picks up more formations on the opposite side before descending through woodland and grass fields back to the car park.

The payoff is the stone itself: weathered Jurassic-era sandstone shaped over long periods by frost, wind, and rain, standing above a quiet valley with open moorland and woodland views in most directions. The rocks are cared for by the National Trust.

Short does not mean easy here. Expect:

The grade is best treated as moderate. There is only limited level ground near the start before the slopes and rougher terrain begin, so it is not a surfaced stroll and is not suitable for everyone.

• a steep incline early on from the car park up to the moor
• steps and uneven ground, with roots, rock, and grass underfoot
• exposed open moorland sections between the sheltered woodland stretches

Start at Bridestones Car Park, near Staindale Lake, reached along Dalby Forest Drive. The forest drive operates a toll and parking arrangement, so check the current arrangements before you set out. Toilets are around 85 m (280 ft) from the car park.

Dogs are welcome. Keep them under control at all times, and on moorland keep them on a lead no longer than 2 m between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. Stay on rights of way where that is required.

If the climb, steps, and uneven terrain do not suit your group, the Staindale Lake loop in the same forest is shorter, flatter, surfaced, and easier.