Brimham Rocks is owned and managed by the National Trust. Naturally formed over 320 million years this amazing collection of weird and wonderful millstone grit rock formations makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the labyrinth of paths through this unique landscape and keep an eye out for some fantastically shaped rocks. Spot the Dancing Bear, The Eagle and The Gorilla, crawl through The Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones.
The walk from the main car park to this cache takes you out of the main, busy rocks area and onto the heather moorland. The Countryside Team, made up of staff and volunteers, have done much work over the past few years to maintain the heather. Brimham moor is being home to three local varieties of heather: ling heather, bell heather, and cross-leaved heath. Bracken, with its rapid growth and extended root system, shades out the heather and other species such as bilberry. If left unattended it would take over the moor and the heather would be lost.
The Countryside Team use different bracken control techniques. A recent Higher Level Stewardship grant has made all the difference to the team’s ultimate success or failure in bracken control, as it has made possible the purchase of the necessary equipment. A selective herbicide is used, which thoroughly eradicates bracken at its root, resulting in seven to eight years of managed countryside. It is hoped that in this time the heather, bilberry and other moorland plants can re-establish, creating a mature moorland and making it more difficult for the bracken to come back.
The small rocky outcrop where the cache is located can be seen from all approaches, with the mushroom perched on top. Access is via footpaths which are uneven in places and can be muddy.
Parking can be found at N 54° 04.586 W 001° 40.955. Parking is free to National Trust members, non-members pay and display.
Please abide by any geocaching guidelines and note that attempting geocaches on this property is undertaken entirely at your own risk.