Norber Erratics
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Norber Erratics

4.8
·25 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover the Norber Erratics, a stunning collection of Ice Age glacial boulders perched on limestone in the Yorkshire Dales.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Crisp air, clear views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Norber Erratics

Norber Erratics

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Crisp air, clear views, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Norber Erratics, a stunning collection of Ice Age glacial boulders perched on limestone in the Yorkshire Dales.

4.8
(25 reviews)

"These huge irregular shaped rocks are high on the hillside. It’s quite a trek to get to them but they are spectacular."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain can be uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe exploration.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the stunning scenery with a packed lunch. Many spots offer perfect picnic views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glacial Erratic Boulders

Glacial Erratic Boulders

Southern slopes of Ingleborough

Massive, ancient sandstone boulders perched on limestone bases, a testament to Ice Age power.

InstagramReddit
Panoramic Yorkshire Dales Views

Panoramic Yorkshire Dales Views

From the Norber Erratics site

Breathtaking vistas of Ingleborough, Crummack Dale, and the Lune Valley.

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Walk from Austwick Village

Walk from Austwick Village

Austwick Village

A charming village walk leading to the erratics, perfect for a picnic and family exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Hike

The Norber Erratics are best explored on foot. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for varied terrain. The walk from Austwick or Clapham offers stunning countryside views, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the expansive scenery. InstagramReddit

Timing is Key

While accessible year-round, consider visiting on a clear day for the best views of Ingleborough and the surrounding Dales. Weekends can be busier, so a weekday visit might offer a more tranquil experience. Check weather forecasts before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the Dales. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, clear views, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather for picnics
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear winter days
Why
Dramatic landscapes, stunning light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is one to add to your UK bucket list! 📍GORDALE SCAR 📍in the Yorkshire Dales National Park #yorkshiredalesnationalpark #yorkshiredales #gordalescar #malhamcove #Hiking #ukbucketlist
@jennie_bamford
6.9K likes • 314.7K views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain can be uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe exploration. InstagramReddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the stunning scenery with a packed lunch. Many spots offer perfect picnic views. Instagram

📍Yorkshire Dales, locations pinned! #roadtrip #yorkshiredales #yorkshiredalesnationalpark #yorkshire #hike #hiketok #waterfallchasing #malhamcove #gordalescar #ribbleheadviaduct #hardrawforce #cauldronfalls #aysgarthfalls #brimhamrocks #daysout #adventure
@bmarkham76
3.9K likes • 138K views
The stunning Norber erratics. . . #norbererractics #austwick #yorkshiredales #yorkshiredalesnationalpark #clapham #scenesofyorkshire #youryorkshire #discoveryorkshire #osmaps
mj_piccys
21 likes • 167 views

🗺️ Use OS Maps

For navigation and to fully appreciate the geological features, consider using Ordnance Survey maps. Instagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking near the minor road from Austwick can be limited. Consider walking from the village. Reddit

Have you been to see the Norber Erratics? 📍 Find this truly amazing landscape from Austwick village located on the nearby Robin Proctors Scar. 🥾 A short walk through the village takes you up to some of the finest groups of glacial Erratic Boulders in Britain. The kids would have played here all day so we highly recommend taking a picnic on a beautiful day. 🍰 Stop off for a cake at the Game ...
friends_who_traveluxe
40 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The terrain can be uneven. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe exploration. InstagramReddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy the stunning scenery with a packed lunch. Many spots offer perfect picnic views. Instagram

🗺️ Use OS Maps

For navigation and to fully appreciate the geological features, consider using Ordnance Survey maps. Instagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking near the minor road from Austwick can be limited. Consider walking from the village. Reddit

📸 Capture the Landscape

The unique rock formations and expansive views make for incredible photography opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(25 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Norber Erratics for their unique geological formations and the stunning panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales. The walks from nearby villages are described as lovely, offering expansive countryside scenery. While the trek to reach them is noted, the spectacular and weirdly wonderful nature of the rocks makes it a worthwhile experience for many.

"Nice boulders up the hill.

Lovely views and expansive countryside on the way. A short walk from the villages."

Tom Daff

"These huge irregular shaped rocks are high on the hillside. It’s quite a trek to get to them but they are spectacular. There is a narrow minor road from Austwick that will get you a little closer to these rocks but it’s not easy to find anywhere to park as it is a narrow road with just a few passing places."

Jed Morgan

"What a weird and wonderful field of rocks. The Norber erratics are one of the finest groups of glacial erratic boulders in Britain. They are found on the southern slopes of Ingleborough, close to the village of Austwick in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Norber erratics are classic geomorphological features from the glaciation of northern England."

Darran Gale

What People Like

Spectacular rock formations
Beautiful countryside views
Unique geological features

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Can be a trek

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Norber Erratics are located on the southern slopes of Ingleborough, near Austwick and Clapham villages in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You can drive to Austwick and park, then walk up. Some suggest a minor road from Austwick gets you closer, but parking is very limited. InstagramReddit

While there isn't direct public transport to the erratics themselves, you can take a bus to Austwick or Clapham and then embark on a walk. Check local bus timetables for services into these villages. TikTok

Most visitors start their walk from Austwick village, which offers a direct route to the erratics. Clapham is another option, providing a slightly longer but equally scenic circuit. Instagram

There's a narrow minor road from Austwick that leads towards the erratics, but parking is extremely limited and the road is not ideal for all vehicles. Walking from the village is generally recommended. Reddit

Yes, the Norber Erratics are part of the wider Yorkshire Dales National Park, which includes iconic landmarks like Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Ribblehead Viaduct. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Norber Erratics are a natural geological site within the Yorkshire Dales National Park and are free to visit. There are no admission fees. Instagram

As an outdoor natural attraction, the Norber Erratics are accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit the Norber Erratics. It's a public access area within the national park. Reddit

While official guided tours might not be common, local walking groups or guides may offer excursions. It's best to check with local tourist information centers or walking holiday providers. Instagram

Please respect the natural environment. Stick to marked paths where available, do not disturb the rocks, and take all litter with you. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The time spent exploring can vary. A short visit to see the main formations might take an hour, but if you combine it with a longer walk from Austwick or Clapham, it could be several hours. Instagram

The terrain involves walking over moorland, which can be uneven, rocky, and sometimes boggy, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often enjoy exploring the unique rock formations. However, supervision is crucial due to the uneven terrain and the height of some boulders. A picnic makes it more engaging for them. Instagram

There are no facilities directly at the Norber Erratics site itself. Basic amenities like toilets and shops can be found in the nearby villages of Austwick and Clapham. Instagram

Absolutely! The dramatic rock formations, the perched boulders, and the sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic shadows and highlights, accentuating the texture of the rocks and the contours of the landscape. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the scale of the erratics. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or for capturing long exposures of the landscape. Instagram

The entire area offers unique perspectives. Experiment with different angles to capture the boulders perched on their limestone bases and the vast Dales scenery. Instagram+1

The Yorkshire Dales are home to various birdlife and small mammals. If you're patient and quiet, you might capture some interesting wildlife shots. Instagram

Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations and guidelines for the Yorkshire Dales National Park before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Norber Erratics offer a fantastic opportunity for families to explore the outdoors and learn about geology. The large, unusual boulders are sure to spark children's imaginations, making it feel like an adventure playground. Instagram+1

Pack a picnic and make a day of it! The walks from Austwick are generally manageable for families, but ensure children wear appropriate footwear as the ground can be uneven. Keep a close eye on them, especially near the larger boulders. The chance to see these 'perched' rocks is a unique educational experience. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers

For solo hikers, the Norber Erratics provide a rewarding and relatively accessible route within the stunning Yorkshire Dales. The trails offer a sense of solitude and a chance to connect with nature. Instagram+1

Consider using an Ordnance Survey map for navigation and to fully appreciate the landscape. The views of Ingleborough and the surrounding valleys are particularly breathtaking. It's a great spot for landscape photography and quiet contemplation. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

The Norber Erratics are a dream for photographers. The unique geological formations, with boulders perched on pedestals, offer endless compositional possibilities. Instagram

Aim for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for dramatic lighting that accentuates the textures and shapes. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing both the erratics and the vast Dales scenery. Don't forget a tripod for sharper shots in varying light conditions. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geological Marvel: Understanding the Norber Erratics

The Norber Erratics are a spectacular example of glacial erratic deposits, a key feature of the Yorkshire Dales' Ice Age history. These massive sandstone boulders, originating from the Lake District fells, were transported by glaciers thousands of years ago and deposited on top of the much younger limestone bedrock of Norber. InstagramReddit

What makes them particularly fascinating is how the softer limestone has eroded around the base of the harder sandstone boulders. This process has left many of the erratics perched precariously on slender limestone pedestals, creating a surreal and visually striking landscape. This phenomenon is known as differential erosion. InstagramReddit

Geologists and visitors alike are captivated by these natural sculptures. The sheer scale and the unique way they are presented make the Norber Erratics a must-see for anyone interested in geology or simply appreciating the raw power of nature. InstagramReddit

Hiking and Exploring the Norber Erratics

The journey to the Norber Erratics is an integral part of the experience. Most visitors access the site via a walk from the picturesque villages of Austwick or Clapham. These walks offer stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales, including prominent peaks like Ingleborough. Instagram+1

The terrain can be varied, ranging from well-trodden paths to more rugged moorland. It's essential to wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for potentially uneven or boggy ground, especially after rainfall. The walk from Austwick is often cited as a good route, offering a direct approach to the erratics and beautiful countryside. InstagramReddit

Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to fully enjoy the expansive scenery. The open landscape provides numerous spots to relax and take in the views. The walk is generally considered moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, though the distance can be extended by creating longer circular routes. Instagram+1

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