Highlight • Natural
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Gormire Lake is a captivating natural lowland lake nestled at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a dramatic western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills within the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. Situated approximately 2 kilometers east of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, this glacial lake, formed over 20,000 years ago, stands at an elevation of 166 metres. It is unique as one of only four natural lakes in Yorkshire and the sole natural lake within the North York Moors, distinguished by…
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November 26, 2018
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May 4, 2021
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February 15, 2023
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Gormire Lake
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270m
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hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation 170 m
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While the lake itself is a beautiful destination, the paths leading down to Gormire Lake from the Sutton Bank National Park Centre can be steep and muddy, especially after rain. Families with very young children or those using strollers might find these routes challenging. However, older children who are comfortable with walking on uneven terrain will likely enjoy the adventure and the serene lakeside environment.
Yes, Gormire Lake and the surrounding trails are generally dog-friendly. Many hikers enjoy bringing their canine companions. However, as the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to diverse wildlife, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control or on a lead, especially near nesting birds or livestock, and to clean up after them.
The most common starting point for walks to Gormire Lake is the Sutton Bank National Park Centre car park. From there, several routes descend to the lake. Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
An intermediate circular walk from the Sutton Bank National Park Centre down to Gormire Lake and back typically ranges from 3 to 5 kilometers (2 to 3 miles). Depending on your pace and how long you spend at the lake, this can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The terrain includes descents and ascents, with some potentially muddy sections.
Hiking around Gormire Lake in winter can be beautiful, but conditions can be challenging. Paths may become very muddy, slippery, or even icy, especially on the steeper sections leading down to the lake. Proper waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential. The lake itself rarely freezes due to its unique hydrology, but the surrounding woodland can be atmospheric. Always check weather forecasts before heading out.
While there are no facilities directly at Gormire Lake, the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, where many walks begin, has a cafe offering refreshments and light meals. For pubs and more dining options, you would need to venture into nearby villages such as Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe or Thirsk, which are a short drive away.
Gormire Lake and its surrounding Garbutt Wood are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), supporting diverse flora and fauna. You can often spot various waterfowl such as coots, great crested grebes, and mallards on the lake. The woodlands are home to many bird species, and if you're lucky, you might even see deer or other small mammals. The unique plant life of the SSSI is also a highlight for nature enthusiasts.
Gormire Lake is popular for wild swimming due to its calm, clear, and surprisingly warm waters, with very little current. It has even been recognized as one of the best places for wild swimming in Britain. However, swimmers should be aware that leeches have been reported in the water. Always swim with caution, never alone, and be mindful of water temperature and your own abilities. There are no lifeguards or facilities at the lake.
Gormire Lake is steeped in folklore. One prominent myth tells of Sir Harry Scriven, a knight who, after a race with the Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey (who transformed into the Devil), plunged from Whitestone Cliff into the lake. The 'boiling effect' of the Devil entering the water is said to have caused the lake's dark appearance. Other legends claim the lake is bottomless, an entrance to hell, or that a submerged village lies beneath its surface. There's also a humorous tale of a goose that disappeared into the lake only to reappear featherless in a well at Kirkbymoorside, suggesting an underground connection.
Gormire Lake is unique as the only natural lake within the North York Moors National Park and one of only four naturally formed lakes in all of Yorkshire (alongside Hornsea Mere, Malham Tarn, and Semerwater). Its distinctive features include having no major inflow or outflow, being fed by an underground spring, and its dramatic setting at the foot of Whitestone Cliff. While other lakes might be larger or offer different activities, Gormire stands out for its secluded, tranquil beauty, rich folklore, and popularity for wild swimming.
While the views from the Cleveland Way atop Sutton Bank are indeed breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the lake and surrounding landscape, you can also get stunning perspectives from the lakeside paths themselves. Walking around the lake provides intimate views of the water reflecting the surrounding woodlands and the dramatic Whitestone Cliff. There are various spots along the shore where you can sit and enjoy the serene atmosphere and unique angles of the lake.