ONE of the best walking locations in North Yorkshire, Brimham Rocks is an exciting place for both adults and children.

The amazing shapes of rock formations, caused by millstone grit being eroded over time by ice, wind and water, are a fascinating sight.

When you walk to the site, near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, the rocks take you by surprise - their size for one thing is staggering, and there are so many interesting shapes.

Many formations have been named after the shapes they resemble, though the correct viewing angle is helpful. Examples include the Sphinx, the Eagle, the Gorilla, the Turtle and the famous Dancing Bear.

Children - who can use their imagination to identify and name other shapes - can crawl through the Smartie tube and balance on the rocking stones.

We last visited with my daughters, who, despite being in their teens, were keen to climb and scaled the very first rock we came upon. They lay on ‘beds’ along ridges and hid in recesses.

Walkers are encouraged at Brimham - which is owned by the National Trust - and many people use the landmark as a base for walking. Set high above the valley, among moorland of heather and fern, it is a spectacular location to ramble.

The National Trust’s Brimham website contains details of a variety of walks including a circular walk around the dramatic rock formations, a pastures and panoramas walk with views across Nidderdale, and a moorland and meadows walk enjoying long-distance views. There’s also a longer walk to Fountain’s Abbey in the footsteps of monks, who trod this route in times gone by.

Brimham Rocks can also be included on a beautiful eight mile walk from Pateley Bridge, taking in part of the Nidderdale Way, along the high northern side of the valley, and back via the tranquil banks of the River Nidd.

On our last visit we meandered around the edge of the site, taking a series of randomly-chosen footpaths, which eventually led us onto open moorland.

This time we took along details of a walk - one of many on the internet available to download to mobile phones or print out.

Our walk took us through the central part of Brimham Rocks, the accompanying details explaining how the rocks were formed 325 million years ago during the carboniferous period, when Brimham was part of a huge river delta.

We walked past rock towers, huge slabs and areas that look more like a mini Monument Valley than anything we see in Yorkshire.

The different layers of rock, we were informed, are known as ‘bedding planes’, and have been eroded at different rates, according to how hard they are. Holes, fissure and vertical cracks can be seen.

We passed climbers clinging like limpets, to areas of rock that seemed impossible to ascend, and ramblers pouring tea from flasks. The views across across the moors from the higher points are breathtaking.

The area abounds with wildlife. From a perfect vantage point upon a rock, we watched a buzzard wheeling around in search of prey. In summer the heather moors turn purple, attracting bees and butterflies.

The walk took us to the 18th century building that now houses the visitor centre, where there is a refreshment kiosk, shop and picnic tables alive with chattering families.

The great thing about this atmospheric attraction is that children can be children, and clamber about on the boulders to their hearts’ content. The rocks are not draped with warning signs, although visitors are expected to explore them sensibly.

A number of free events are taking place throughout summer including climbing, pond dipping, dry stone walling and photography. Parking is charged for those who are not members of the National Trust.

Visitors should be aware that the site is busy during school holidays and parking is not allowed on verges.

Bike racks are available for cyclists touring the area.

For photographs the late afternoon and early evening sun provides wonderful mellow tones and casts intriguing shadows on the ground.