Gormire Lake
A serene natural lake in North Yorkshire, offering breathtaking views from Sutton Bank and tranquil woodland walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Gormire Lake
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural lake in North Yorkshire, offering breathtaking views from Sutton Bank and tranquil woodland walks.
"The 'finest view of England' from Sutton Bank overlooks the stunning Gormire Lake."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and can be muddy. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No food or drink available at the lake. Bring water, snacks, and picnic supplies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gormire Lake's Serene Waters
Gormire Lake
A stunning natural lake with clear waters, often described as one of Yorkshire's most beautiful spots. Perfect for quiet contemplation.
The 'Finest View in England'
Sutton Bank
Panoramic vistas from Sutton Bank, offering breathtaking views across the North York Moors and the Vale of York.
Woodland Trails
Surrounding Gormire Lake
Explore the lovely woodland areas surrounding the lake, offering a peaceful and scenic walking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Gormire Lake
Respecting the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and can be muddy. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No food or drink available at the lake. Bring water, snacks, and picnic supplies.
🗺️ Follow the Signs
Look for 'Yorkshire's Greatest View' signs from the main road car park.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Gormire Lake is protected; swimming, fishing, and BBQs are prohibited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths are uneven and can be muddy. Hiking boots are recommended for comfort and safety.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No food or drink available at the lake. Bring water, snacks, and picnic supplies.
🗺️ Follow the Signs
Look for 'Yorkshire's Greatest View' signs from the main road car park.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Gormire Lake is protected; swimming, fishing, and BBQs are prohibited.
📸 Capture the Views
The 'finest view' from Sutton Bank is a must-see. Bring your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gormire Lake is praised for its stunning natural beauty and the breathtaking 'finest view' from Sutton Bank. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere and woodland walks. However, some find the access challenging due to steep, muddy paths and a lack of clear signage, with a general feeling that the owners discourage visitor activities like swimming.
"To get here, park at Sutton Bank car park, take the Cleveland Way, then left down through the woods
Path is steep in places and muddy in winter so not suitable for all abilities
Takes about 40 minutes walk to get to the lake
Good path around the lake, plenty of wildlife spotted, great location"
Mathew Bourne
"Beautiful location! Easily spend considerable time here on a hot day with different perspectives and viewing points as you wander the lake.
Finding the lake initially was quite interesting with very little/next to no signage to point you in the direction of its whereabouts, although this is part of the fun! Clue: From the main road where the car park is, if you look towards the downhill point there is a small track, you’ll see signage for ‘Yorkshire’s Greatest View’ if my memory serves me correctly. Prepare for lots of beaten track, clear on where to walk although very uneven and even more so on your return, tiring! There is little/no option for food and drink prior to descending or when reaching the lake so preparation is important should you visit!
The lake itself is stunning with sunlight bouncing from atop of the waters and viewing points the entire way round although only a small number of places to park up for a while to enjoy with a picnic. The waters look clean, with sandy embankments in places, not sure if I would advise taking a splash as I saw leeches at several points across the lake. Lovely woodland areas surrounding to explore.
Overall, on the back end of visiting the Whitehorse on a sunny day, with the lake being a ‘let’s have a look’ decision, we were not left disappointed and actually was the most enjoyable part of the visit."
Cameron Coombs
"Moderate level hike with uneven surfaces but great view!"
Phoebe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access point is parking at Sutton Bank car park. From there, take the Cleveland Way trail, then turn left down through the woods. The walk to the lake takes approximately 40 minutes.
The path can be steep and uneven, especially in winter when it gets muddy. It's not suitable for all abilities or pushchairs.
Sutton Bank car park is the primary starting point. Some visitors suggest parking at The White Horse car park in Kilburn for a potentially cheaper option, though this might alter the route.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to travel by car to the Sutton Bank area and then walk. Check local bus routes for nearby villages if relying on public transport.
Expect the walk from Sutton Bank car park to Gormire Lake to take around 40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entry tickets required for Gormire Lake itself. However, parking at Sutton Bank car park may incur a fee.
Gormire Lake is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, the car parks may have specific operating hours.
Yes, swimming, fishing, boats/boards, camping, and BBQs are strictly prohibited to protect the environment. Visitors must stick to public rights of way.
No, swimming is not permitted in Gormire Lake. The owners actively discourage access for swimming.
While the lake is free to access, parking at Sutton Bank car park may have a charge. Some suggest parking at The White Horse car park in Kilburn to save money.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic walk around the lake, spot wildlife, and take in the views from Sutton Bank. It's a place for peaceful contemplation and enjoying nature.
Absolutely! The lake, surrounding woodlands, and the panoramic views from Sutton Bank offer fantastic photographic opportunities. 
Picnics are permitted, but there are only a small number of designated spots. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept under control, especially around wildlife. Be mindful of the terrain and potential hazards like leeches.
The area is known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other local fauna in the woodlands and around the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited food and drink options directly at or near Gormire Lake. It's essential to bring your own provisions.
No, BBQs and fires are strictly prohibited at Gormire Lake to preserve the natural environment.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Consider bringing a flask of hot drink if visiting in cooler weather.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints from Sutton Bank offer stunning panoramic shots. The lake itself provides beautiful reflections and woodland scenes.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful atmospheric shots, especially with the sun glinting off the water.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and around protected natural areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Consider extending your hike by exploring more of the Cleveland Way or creating a circular route incorporating Hood Hill. The lake itself is a tranquil spot for birdwatching and enjoying the natural landscape. 📸 Photographers
The lake offers opportunities for capturing reflections and the interplay of light through the trees. Be prepared for a walk to reach the best vantage points, and consider the weather for dramatic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Walk to Gormire Lake
While the path is generally clear, signage can be minimal, adding to the sense of adventure for some. Be aware of the terrain; it's described as 'beaten track' and can be tiring on the return journey. Some visitors have noted the presence of spiky plants and even leeches along the way, so appropriate clothing is advised.
Despite the challenging aspects of the walk, the reward is reaching the serene Gormire Lake, a beautiful natural feature nestled in the landscape. The effort involved in reaching it often enhances the appreciation of its tranquility.
Sutton Bank: Yorkshire's Finest View
+1The area around Sutton Bank is also home to the White Horse of Kilburn, a chalk figure carved into the hillside, which adds to the historical and visual appeal of the location. The National Trust manages parts of the area, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for visitors.
Whether you're starting your walk to Gormire Lake or simply visiting for the view, Sutton Bank offers a spectacular introduction to the North York Moors National Park. It's a place that truly lives up to its reputation, providing a memorable backdrop to any visit.
Environmental Protection and Visitor Conduct
Visitors are urged to 'stick to the public rights of way' to avoid disturbing sensitive areas. This policy, while aimed at conservation, has led some to feel that access is actively discouraged. However, for those who respect these guidelines, the lake remains a beautiful place to observe and appreciate from a distance.
It's also worth noting the presence of leeches in the water, a natural occurrence in many freshwater bodies. This is another reason why swimming is not advised. By adhering to the rules and being mindful of the environment, visitors can ensure Gormire Lake remains a special place for years to come.
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