Askham Bryan, near York, North Yorkshire
Askham Bog Nature Reserve
Bog
Source image
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5A surviving remnant of Yorkshire’s ancient peatland, Askham Bog occupies the site of a lake left by a retreating glacier around 15,000 years ago. It is also the birthplace of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
This is more than a short nature walk: a rare surviving peatland and a landscape shaped by glacial history sit just outside York. The Trust’s boardwalk offers a way to experience the bog without inventing a longer route or promising wildlife sightings.
Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapAskham Bryan, near York, North Yorkshire
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Start with the reserve’s boardwalk and take time to notice how the wetland, open water and woodland meet. Keep the visit focused: the available evidence describes a short loop, not a longer route.
Things to do
Follow the reserve boardwalk
Take the short boardwalk loop through the reserve. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust says it is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies; check current route conditions before visiting.
Read the landscape’s glacial shape
The Trust describes the bog as occupying the site of an ancient lake left behind by a retreating glacier around 15,000 years ago. Its page also identifies a terminal moraine to the south.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: the boardwalk
- 01
Check the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve page for current access information.
- 02
Follow the reserve boardwalk loop.
- 03
Pause to take in the bog and its wetland setting; do not enter the water.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: explore the bog slowly
- 01
Check current reserve access and conditions before travelling.
- 02
Walk the boardwalk loop at an unhurried pace, allowing time to observe the wetland habitat.
- 03
Use the reserve’s published information to understand the site’s glacial origins and its importance to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Verified history
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust describes Askham Bog as the birthplace of the Trust. The reserve occupies the site of an ancient lake left by a retreating glacier around 15,000 years ago; the Trust identifies the low hill to the south, along which the A64 runs, as the glacier’s terminal moraine.
Hidden details
The glacial hollow beneath the bog — The reserve lies on the site of an ancient lake left by a retreating glacier around 15,000 years ago. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust page identifies a terminal moraine on the low hill to the south.
The Trust’s birthplace — Askham Bog holds a special place in Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s history: the organisation identifies the reserve as its birthplace.
When to go
· Check before visiting; no specific time-of-day advice is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied official source notes that Dexter cattle may graze during summer. It does not establish a best wildlife season or peak viewing period.
Check local weather and current reserve information before visiting; no specific weather guidance is established by the supplied sources.
What to look for
Notice the changing wetland habitats along the boardwalk. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust identifies the site as a remnant of ancient peatland and describes its location on the site of a glacial lake.
The story
Glacial landscape; birthplace of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Best time to go
Check the reserve’s current advice before visiting. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust notes that Dexter cattle may graze during summer.
Check current reserve information before setting out. Summer grazing by Dexter cattle is noted by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust lists the reserve as open and free to enter. Check the official reserve page for current access information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust lists a car park at the reserve entrance. Confirm current arrangements before travelling.
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust says the boardwalk is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies. Check current conditions and the full route information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Bog, fen and open water; swimming or paddling permission is not established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Askham Bog Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph5.8Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park
Askham Bryan, near York, North Yorkshire
2.0 km away
Place photograph7.8Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial
Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
10.7 km away
