Broxa Forest, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Broxa Forest

Forest

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

ForestHillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersWildlife loversDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.2

Forest tracks climb to the escarpment edge of Barn’s Cliff, where the woodland opens to views across Harwood Dale. The wider forest mixes conifer plantation and broadleaf woodland, with heath-like clearings that provide summer habitat for nightjars.

Broxa earns its place for the contrast between long woodland tracks and the open escarpment views above Harwood Dale. Heath-like clearings and summer nightjars give the forest more character than a straightforward plantation walk, though its scale means a planned route is useful.

Peaceful · Big-sky · Wild

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Broxa Forest, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Choose a short forest visit or follow the 5.8-mile circular route from Reasty Hill Top. Expect a mix of stone forest lanes and unmade tracks, possible mud, gradients and occasional forestry vehicles. The escarpment views are the route’s signature reward.

Things to do

Walk the Broxa Forest circular

Follow the 5.8-mile loop through conifer plantation and mixed woodland, with a section along the Barn’s Cliff escarpment and views across Harwood Dale.

2–2.5 hours

Look across Harwood Dale from Barn’s Cliff

The circular route reaches the escarpment edge, where the forest tracks open to views across Harwood Dale.

Watch for summer nightjars

Nightjars are reported in summer around the heath-like clearings and bracken. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed; keep dogs under close control.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Around 1 hour

Quick forest escape

01
Start from Reasty Hill Top, after checking parking and current access.
02
Take a short out-and-back on a forest track, turning back when time allows; no specific short circuit is verified in the supplied sources.
03
Look for the contrast between conifer and mixed woodland, and pause at an open clearing.

Half day · 2–2.5 hours

The Broxa Forest circular

01
Begin at Reasty Hill Top, checking current parking and access first.
02
Follow the 5.8-mile circular route on forest lanes and tracks.
03
Reach the Barn’s Cliff escarpment section for views across Harwood Dale.
04
Return through the woodland; expect possible mud and steady gradients.

Hidden details

Heath-like clearings within the forest — The forest includes open clearings among the woodland; these are reported as summer habitat for nightjars.

When to go

June · July · August · Check local conditions and access before setting out; no specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.

Summer is the reported season for nightjars around heath-like clearings. Drier conditions should make the forest tracks easier than after rain.

Unmade tracks can be muddy in winter and after rain. The route includes gradients; wear suitable footwear and check for forestry-operation closures.

The route

ascent: 354 ft
stiles: No gates or stiles reported; the route passes through gaps beside vehicle barriers, including narrow gaps beside ditches.
surface: Stone forest access lanes and unmade forest tracks; can be muddy after rain.
distance: 5.8 miles (AllTrails); the local guide describes the circular as 5¾ miles.
duration: 2–2.5 hours
difficulty: Moderate
waymarking: Not established for this circular in the supplied route source. The local guide says other local forest trails are not waymarked.
route shape: Loop
start point: Reasty Hill Top
parking start: Reasty Hill Top is identified as the start; parking availability and restrictions: Check before visiting.
shorter alternative: A short forest visit of around 1 hour is suggested by the local guide, but no specific shorter circuit is supplied; use an out-and-back and return by the same track.

Mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland
Barn’s Cliff escarpment edge
Views across Harwood Dale
Heath-like clearings and reported summer nightjars

What to look for

01
Look for the change from conifer plantation to mixed woodland and heath-like clearings. On the circular walk, watch for the escarpment edge at Barn’s Cliff and views across Harwood Dale
02
nightjars are reported in summer.

Best time to go

Summer for the reported nightjar season and open clearings; choose drier weather for less muddy tracks.

Summer is the strongest season for the reported nightjar interest. After rain, allow for muddy, uneven tracks; check for forestry closures before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Dogs

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Scarborough

Google rating

4.8 · 29 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A forest of public rights of way and permissive tracks. Some permissive tracks may close for forestry operations; check current access before setting out.

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Parking

Reasty Hill Top is identified as the walk start; parking details and availability: Check before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Dogs are reported welcome in the forest but should be kept under close control due to wildlife; check current signage.

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Accessibility

The described circular route has narrow gaps beside vehicle barriers and is not suitable for pushchairs. Tracks may be muddy, with steady gradients; check current conditions before visiting.

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Cost

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