Top 12 Natural Monuments around Kilburn High And Low
Best natural monuments around Kilburn High And Low offer diverse landscapes for outdoor exploration. This geographical area is characterized by its natural and man-made monuments, including lakes, forests, and historical sites. Visitors can experience tranquil waters, expansive woodlands, and significant landmarks. The region provides opportunities for walking and appreciating natural beauty.
Best natural monuments around Kilburn High And Low
- The most popular natural monuments is Gormire Lake, a lake surrounded by lush woodland. It is popular with wild swimmers…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Gormire Lake
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Kilburn White Horse
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Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve
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Roppa Edge trig point
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Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods
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Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; …
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Popular around Kilburn High And Low
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Tips from the Community
Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills
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following on the trip there is a beautiful downhill forest path
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Meaning "filthy swamp", there are many local legends and myths surrounding this lake, such as it is bottomless (it is 6.5m deep) and was created by an earthquake that swallowed a village resulting in the lake today (it is a glacial lake).
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The public footpath down to the nature reserve from the Cleveland Way (at the location on OS maps marked as "Great Relief Pot") is reasonably steep, but can be very narrow in places with short wooden planks driven into the ground along the downward side of the path, presumably to prevent the path from eroding and collapsing. In other places there are plenty of stones and tree roots to help stabilise your ascent/descent. As you approach Gormire Lake look out for a very curious and quite large boulder that is almost an 8-10 foot high perfect cube. The nature reserve consists of ancient woodland and is very peaceful. Easy to access the water's edge at Gormire Lake.
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Large car park under the White Horse, £2.50 all day as at July 2024. Free parking in a smaller off-road car park on Osgodby Bank at the southern end of Hood Hill Plantation. Very steep steps up to the top, but there is a metal handrail that alternates from the left to right side of the steps. Fabulous views from the top, although as others mention, you can only really see and appreciate the horse from the bottom of the bank.
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The Trig Point offers commanding views north across Helmsley and East Moors. On a great public footpath running from Clark Bank / Cowhouse Bank to the east, along the ridgeline at the northern tip of Rievaulx Moor, following Helmsley Bank, Rievaulx Bank, Ayton Bank and then towards Newgate Bank to the west. One of my favourite places due to the number of parking and routing options in the surrounding areas.
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This is a lovely place to stop. (If you don't, you're missing one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire!). Typically there's an ice-cream and tea/coffee van here, so you should be able to get a snack. There are a few benches provided from which you will be able to admire the massive Kilburn White Horse on the slopes above. Near where the van is usually parked, you will see the steep steps heading up to the Horse. It's worth securing your bike somewhere and walking up to enjoy the superb views from above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments to visit around Kilburn High And Low?
The area around Kilburn High And Low is known for its diverse natural and man-made monuments. Among the most popular are Gormire Lake, a tranquil lake popular for wild swimming, and the iconic Kilburn White Horse, a turf-cut figure offering panoramic views of the North York Moors.
Are there any nature reserves or protected areas in the Kilburn High And Low region?
Yes, the Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve is a significant protected area. This peaceful woodland nature reserve features a fresh lake and dramatic cliffs, supporting a diverse ecosystem with various plant and animal life. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its ecological importance.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments in this area?
You can expect breathtaking panoramic views, especially from elevated points. The Kilburn White Horse offers extensive vistas over the surrounding North York Moors National Park. Similarly, the Roppa Edge trig point provides amazing views north across Helmsley and the East Moors.
Are there family-friendly natural sites around Kilburn High And Low?
Yes, Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods is a lovely, family-friendly spot. It's a tranquil lake within a forest, perfect for a gentle walk with children. While maps might show two ponds, only this one remains, offering a peaceful natural setting.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. For detailed routes, explore the hiking guide or the MTB trails guide for Kilburn High And Low. Gormire Lake is also popular for wild swimming due to its clean and warm water.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different difficulty levels?
Yes, you'll find a range of hiking trails. For easy options, consider routes like the 'Kilburn White Horse – View from Sutton Bank loop from Hood Grange' (6.5 km). Moderate trails include the 'Kilburn White Horse & Sutton Bank loop from Kilburn' (10.1 km). More difficult routes, such as the 'Gormire Lake – View from Sutton Bank loop from Hood Grange' (18.7 km), are also available. You can find more details in the hiking guide.
Is there parking available at the natural monuments?
Yes, for the Kilburn White Horse, there is a large car park available. As of July 2024, it costs £2.50 for all-day parking. There's also a smaller, free off-road car park on Osgodby Bank at the southern end of Hood Hill Plantation.
What makes Gormire Lake special for visitors?
Gormire Lake is a tranquil and majestic lake surrounded by lush woodland. It's unique because it's thought to be fed by an underground spring, resulting in very clean and surprisingly warm water, making it extremely popular for wild swimming. Its secluded nature, only accessible on foot, adds to its charm as a hidden gem.
What is the history behind the Kilburn White Horse?
The Kilburn White Horse is a significant man-made monument, dating back to 1857. It is one of the most famous landmarks in North Yorkshire and the most northerly turf-cut figure of its kind in Britain, measuring 314 feet (96 m) long and 220 feet (67 m) high. It's an impressive sight and a testament to local ingenuity.
Can I find easy walking trails around the natural monuments?
Absolutely. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Kilburn White Horse – View from Sutton Bank loop from Hood Grange' (6.5 km) or the 'View from Sutton Bank – Gormire Lake loop from Hood Grange' (4.4 km). These trails offer accessible ways to experience the natural beauty of the area. More easy options are listed in the easy hikes guide.
What kind of natural features can I observe in the Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve?
The Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve features ancient woodland with a rich diversity of plant life. You'll find predominately birch, oak, and holly trees, along with thriving lichens, mosses, and ferns. Flowers such as fleabane, ragged robin, and common spotted orchid also grow here, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
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