For a few weeks every year the moors around Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty changes colour as the heather that covers this special landscape blooms a rich purple.

What starts in small sun trap hollows and south facing banks spreads across the moors in one of the iconic floral displays in the natural world.

To enjoy the heather this year here are a few suggested walks and points of interest you can visit this August!

Scar House Reservoir – This popular walk in the upper reaches of Nidderdale is a loop of Scar House Reservoir; crossing imposing Scar House dam before following the old farm track, through the lost village of Lodge and also crossing the dam at Angram, which sits immediately above Scar House, all under the rolling moorland fells of the upper valley.

Wath Lane, The Curlew Trail – Curlews are a staple of the wet moorland birdlife across Nidderdale. This short walk packs in a serious climb to take you up to the moors above Pateley Bridge. These moors border the wet grasslands where the heather has not fully established and mix of flora is a popular nesting spot for birds like the curlew.

Dallowgill Moor - remote and beautiful, this section of moorland reaches to the horizon in some directions. One popular walk in this area is Nidderdale AONBs Crackpots Mosaic Trail, a 7 mile exploration of the surrounding countryside, with decorated way markers of hand-made mosaics. For a purely moorland experience you can use the same car park and enjoy a stroll along the surfaced lane in an easterly direction. This lane receives only farm traffic as it doesn't lead anywhere, so is ideal for those with mobility aids or who prefer level walking surfaces.

GROUSE SHOOTING

Please be aware that the grouse shooting season begins on 12 August. The walks we have included in this page all use public rights of way and byways which are not closed for grouse shooting.

You may wish to explore some of the access land which covers much of the heather moorland. This access land can be closed for shooting, and signage will be displayed at the entrance points. Further details of planned closures can be found on the Natural England website.