Natural monuments around Angram Grange are situated in a small civil parish in North Yorkshire, approximately 7 miles southeast of Thirsk. The area is characterized by its tranquil rural setting, with the broader region encompassing parts of Upper Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This landscape offers diverse natural features, including serene lakes and significant geological formations. The region provides opportunities to explore varied natural environments.
Last updated: May 3, 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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Visitors frequently enjoy Gormire Lake, known for its tranquil waters and popularity for wild swimming. Another highly regarded spot is Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, which offers a peaceful woodland experience with dramatic cliffs. The Kilburn White Horse, a significant historical landmark, also provides panoramic views of the North York Moors.
Yes, Higher Fish Pond in Yearsley Woods is a lovely, family-friendly lake perfect for a gentle walk. The area around Kilburn White Horse also offers an engaging experience for families, with its impressive scale and rewarding views after a climb.
The area around Angram Grange boasts diverse natural features. You'll find serene lakes like Gormire Lake, nestled within lush woodlands. The broader region of Upper Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, features significant reservoirs like Angram Reservoir and Scar House Reservoir, known for their picturesque settings and impressive dam structures. There are also unique geological formations, such as the Cube-like Boulder near Gormire Lake.
Absolutely. The Kilburn White Horse is a prominent historical site, a turf-cut figure dating back to 1857. While not a natural monument in the strictest sense, its integration into the landscape and the panoramic views it offers make it a significant attraction. Additionally, the construction of Scar House Reservoir in Upper Nidderdale has historical interest, with remnants of a former village visible along walking routes.
The region offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Oulston Reservoir and High Leys loop'. For those seeking easier walks, there are easy hikes such as the 'Kilburn White Horse – View from Sutton Bank loop'. Road cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Byland Abbey – Byland Abbey Ruins loop' available. For specific routes, explore the road cycling guides around Angram Grange.
Many natural attractions are integrated with walking paths. For instance, there are well-established walking routes around Angram and Scar House Reservoirs in Upper Nidderdale. Near Angram Grange, you can find various hiking routes, including those that lead to viewpoints like the Kilburn White Horse. For easier options, check out the easy hikes around Angram Grange.
Yes, for the Kilburn White Horse, there is a large car park available for a fee, as well as a smaller free car park nearby on Osgodby Bank. For other natural areas like Gormire Lake and the reservoirs, parking options may vary, often involving roadside parking or designated car parks at trailheads.
The natural environments, particularly around Gormire Lake and Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, support diverse flora and fauna. The ancient woodland thrives with lichens, mosses, ferns, and various flowers. The broader reservoir areas in Upper Nidderdale are home to local wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, so visitors are encouraged to be responsible, especially during certain seasons.
The natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer temperatures, ideal for walking and wild swimming in places like Gormire Lake. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer serene, crisp landscapes. For stargazing, Angram Reservoir is noted for its 'Dark Skies,' making it excellent during clear nights, particularly outside of summer months when nights are longer.
Beyond the well-known spots, you can find unique features like the Cube-like Boulder near Gormire Lake, a curious and isolated geological formation. Gormire Lake itself is considered a hidden gem by many, as it's only accessible on foot, adding to its secluded charm and ecological importance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Angram and Scar House Reservoirs, located in Upper Nidderdale, are significant for their stunning natural beauty and tranquil settings within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They offer picturesque views, especially Angram Reservoir with its dramatic spillway arches, and Scar House Reservoir with its impressive earth embankment dam. These reservoirs provide excellent opportunities for walking, photography, and enjoying serene landscapes, with the added historical interest of their construction.


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