Best natural monuments around Wildon Grange include Wildon Hill and offer access to the North York Moors National Park. This civil parish in North Yorkshire provides a gateway to diverse natural features. Wildon Hill itself presents geological interest with its sandstone and limestone composition. The surrounding area features expansive moorlands, ancient woodlands, and tranquil lakes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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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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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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A very curious and isolated boulder on the track down to Gormire Lake. Nearly, but not quite a perfect cube. It is around 8-10 feet on all sides.
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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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This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.
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Among the most popular natural monuments, you'll find Gormire Lake, known for its tranquil waters and popularity for wild swimming. Another significant spot is Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, offering ancient woodlands and dramatic cliffs. Additionally, the Kilburn White Horse, a historical turf-cut figure, provides panoramic views of the North York Moors.
Gormire Lake is unique because it is believed to be fed by an underground spring, as no rivers or streams flow into it. This results in surprisingly clean and warm water, making it a popular spot for wild swimming. It's surrounded by lush woodland, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Yes, Higher Fish Pond, Yearsley Woods is a lovely, family-friendly lake ideal for walks. The broader North York Moors National Park, which is adjacent to Wildon Grange, also offers numerous easy walking opportunities through its woodlands and moorlands suitable for families.
The area around Wildon Grange and the adjacent North York Moors National Park is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various cycling routes, from moderate to difficult, as detailed in the Cycling around Wildon Grange guide. Hiking is also very popular, with options ranging from easy walks like the 'Kilburn White Horse – View from Sutton Bank loop' to more moderate trails. Find more details in the Hiking around Wildon Grange guide.
Wildon Hill, located in the south of Wildon Grange parish, rises to 302 feet (92 m) above sea level. Evidence of quarrying on the hill reveals its geological composition of sandstone and limestone, making it a point of natural interest within the parish.
Yes, the Kilburn White Horse is a notable historical site and man-made monument. This impressive turf-cut figure, dating from 1857, is 314 feet long and 220 feet high, offering a blend of historical interest and natural beauty with its panoramic views.
Many of the trails and natural areas within the North York Moors National Park are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock and wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or during nesting seasons. The extensive moorlands and woodlands offer plenty of space for walks with your dog.
The North York Moors National Park, adjacent to Wildon Grange, is rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species such as curlews, lapwings, and oystercatchers on the heather-clad moorlands. The dramatic coastline within the park is home to gannets and puffins, and the ancient woodlands support diverse flora and fauna.
Yes, within the North York Moors National Park, you can visit Mallyan Spout Waterfall. Standing at 21 meters (approximately 69 feet), it is the tallest waterfall in the park. The walk to Mallyan Spout from Goathland Station is a popular route showcasing the area's natural grandeur.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil and majestic beauty of places like Gormire Lake, often highlighting its clean, warm water for wild swimming. The panoramic views from the Kilburn White Horse and the peaceful, ancient woodlands of Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve are also highly praised for their serene atmosphere and natural beauty.
As you approach Gormire Lake, particularly on the public footpath down from the Cleveland Way, you can find a very curious and quite large boulder. This Cube-like Boulder near Gormire Lake is almost a perfect cube, around 8-10 feet on all sides, making it an interesting natural curiosity.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Wildon Grange: