A Window on a Prehistoric Playground

Brimham Rocks. A must-visit destination near where we live, simply to marvel at the unlikely tottering piles of fantastically shaped rocks gathered there, or, if you’re athletic and in touch with your inner-child, a challenging climbing frame.

These sandstone blocks were laid down and formed during the last 100,000 years – before, during and since the last Ice Age. Glacial action, weathering and water erosion have fashioned the rocks, leaving some apparently precariously balanced, as wind blasting continues to sculpt their contours.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, many believed that Druida could have been responsible for carving them. It was only in the 20th century that their origins became well understood, and we also came to recognise the wealth of natural life flourishing here: it’s now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Not that William and Zoë cared when they visited last week. For them, this visit was an adventure. William climbed and Zoë looked for natural windows to gaze through. And asked to come again next time they visit.

Monday Window

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and living in North Yorkshire, where I walk as often as I can, write, volunteer, and travel as often as I can.

51 thoughts on “A Window on a Prehistoric Playground”

  9. Margaret, this is one of my absolute favourite places to visit! We went so often when I was young since we lived quite close by and I loved every single visit! It was wonderful to go with my son there later! The rocks are such fun to climb, as seen in your beautiful photos, and the views are stunning! Thank for sharing your special day out!

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    1. I’m glad you know and love it too. And thanks for commenting. It’s reminded me I’m subscribed to your blog and am not getting notified – I’m hopeless with the reader. Anyway, I’ve re-subscribed.

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  10. Not been there yet! And far too late for me to scramble up those rocks – how did that person get so far up in your first photo? Looks nigh on impossible. We were up on ‘our’ hill yesterday and had to smile at two youngsters running and leaping on the rocks, envious at their ability, lack of fear and springy joints! We struggle to get over the stiles nowadays!

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  11. That’s my son with my six year old grandson. It’s much less impossible than it looks, approached from behind. But yes, these ARE challenges that are no longer for me. Like you, I’ll stick to finding stiles difficult. But continue to enjoy Brimham for the spectacle.

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      1. oh my, you’re so busy.

        Well if you asked me 2hrs ago I’d have said tomorrow was a day to say goodbye to him, but he’s perked up slightly. So fingers crossed I won’t have a vet visit on same day as dentist.

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  15. Our children loved these rocks as well. Just back from A-V and our dogs now have French passports! I’ve been reading you but having probs with this site, sure it’s my fault.

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    1. I’m sure not. WordPress seem to be having a few problems. Did your dogs have to pass a language or citizenship test? 😉

      Ah, hope all is well at AV. It’s been hot and humid, I hear.

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  16. It looks like an amazing area! I’ve always been fascinated by geology and I enjoy seeing these concrete proofs of how dynamic and ever evolving our planet is.

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    1. It is a dynamic space in many ways. The flora, fauna, wind and water must change those rocks infinitesimally all the time. And they look wonderful – many people give them names. You’ll have to see if you can make it up here.

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  17. I never knew – how absolutely wonderful. UK still has SO much to offer and thanks to you I started also to appreciate your region, and not only blabber about ‘my Devon’…. Those photos are breathtaking, isn’t nature still the very best?!

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  20. Great looking place and ideal for energetic youngsters to clamber and perhaps be amazed too. Places like this make me think of the Dawkins’ quote “I think that when you consider the beauty of the world and you wonder how it came to be what it is, you are naturally overwhelmed with a feeling of awe, a feeling of admiration and you almost feel a desire to worship something.”

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    1. Indeed. What I love about this place is the sense that just as people are enjoying the challenge of this mega-climbing-wall, they are also in awe and wonder at what they see.

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