An eight-year-old boy has become the latest person to require rescuing at Brimham Rocks.

Seven members of Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association were called to the National Trust-owned site near Pateley Bridge when the boy got stuck at the top of a rock outcrop.

The association’s website says:

“He had managed to jump the gap to get onto the rock before realising that the jump back would be much harder.”

North Yorkshire Police summoned the rescuers at 11.30am on Monday and they managed to assist the boy to safety.

The volunteer-run association has attended several incidents at Brimham Rocks already this year.

Read more:

• Second climber rescued from same rock at Brimham Rocks
• Daleside Garage in Pateley Bridge to relocate this year

Yurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.

The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.

Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.

Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.

Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.

The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake

Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and    YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”

He pointed out:

“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.

“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.

“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”

The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury

In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning  scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.

Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.

Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area

With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.

Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings

Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:

“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.

“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”

Read more:

• The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
• Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district

A second climber has been rescued from the same rock at Brimham Rocks in the space of two months.

A male, believed to be aged 17, summoned help after a colleague of his fell on his way down and needed help from an ambulance.

Eight rescuers from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association spent almost two hours helping the teenager last week.

He was trapped on the same rock at the National Trust-owned site, near Pateley Bridge, where a similar incident took place two months ago.

Upper Wharfe Fell Rescue Association help another climber at the same rock in February.

Derek Hammond, a controller at the association, said the isolated rock was popular with visitors who found it easy to climb but less easy to descend.

Mr Hammond said Brimham Rocks “wasn’t particularly dangerous” but attracted vast numbers of visitors, many of whom were not equipped for climbing.

He added:

“We would far rather come out and help someone rather than wait until they are injured. I know it can be embarrassing but if you are in any doubt as to your safety, call for help.”

The association’s website said of the latest incident:

“Team members once on scene were quickly able to rig ropes, to safely access and lower the young man back to the ground.”

Yorkshire Water is urging visitors to their reservoirs to act with caution ahead of future bank holidays.

They are asking people to follow the Countryside Code and not to take risks by using disposable barbeques or swimming in the water.

A number of moorland fires in 2022 have been linked to disposable barbeques.

Gaynor Carpenter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said:

“With half-term upon us and a number of Bank Holiday weekends ahead, it is important that visitors to our reservoirs do not take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water. We’ve recently seen the very real dangers fires caused by barbecues pose to our moorland, which can take hundreds of years to recover.”

Disposable barbeques are not permitted on any of Yorkshire Water’s sites, and some of its areas are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), which means people could face on the spot fines if they are found using one.

Firefighters recently battled a large fire at Brimham Rocks, with the fire service urging people to be careful about putting out cigarettes and barbeques.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire fire service adds motorbike to vehicle fleet
• Battery believed to have caused last night’s fire at Ripon recycling company

Gaynor added:

“It is also important visitors to our sites remain vigilant around the water, particularly parents with children who may be tempted to enter the water.
“We work hard to ensure our sites can be enjoyed by visitors from the region and beyond and it is important people leave the sites as they found them. Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, keep dogs on leads and park considerately will all help to make visits to our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone.”

If visitors do see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Knaresborough tackled a wildfire on moorland near Brimham Rocks this afternoon.

The cause of the blaze, which affected a 50 metre x 50 metre stretch of land at the popular visitor spot near Pateley Bridge, is unknown.

The fire, which was reported at 2pm, was extinguished quickly.

But it prompted Harrogate Fire Station to issue a warning to people to be aware that the land is dry and to be careful putting out cigarettes and avoid open fires and barbecues, except in safe areas.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log says:

“Crews used one hose reel jet and grass beaters to extinguish the heather fire which measured 50m x 50m. The cause is unknown at this time.

Harrogate Fire Station issued a tweet warning the land is dry and for people to be extra careful in the countryside.

This afternoon, fire engines from Harrogate and Knaresborough attended a wildfire measuring 50m x 50m at Brimham Rocks near Pateley Bridge.

Fortunately they managed to get this under control and prevented the fire from spreading. Cause is unknown 1/5 pic.twitter.com/m9n890ufnL

— Harrogate Fire station (@Harrogate_NYFRS) March 22, 2022

Oven fire and trapped child

Firefighters responded to two other local fires today.

At 12.49pm, crews from Ripon and Bedale were summoned to reports of an oven on fire at a home in Melmerby.

The fire was out by the time the firefighters arrived.

At 2.41pm, Ripon firefighters responded to reports of a small child accidentally locked in a car at Stonebridgegate in Ripon.

The incident log says:

“Crews from Ripon released the child, who was distressed, by gaining entry through the rear window.”

A scenic 42-mile walk between Bradford and Ripon has been created that takes in Saltaire, Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.

The Burley Bridge Association and Ramblers Lower Wharfedale, who devised the route, have invited ramblers to join them for the inaugural walk on Friday April 29. There will also be several guided walks spread out over the bank holiday weekend.

It will begin at Bradford Cathedral between 9am and 10am and will continue to Saltaire (4.5 miles) then to Burley (8 miles).

The third stage to Thruscross Reservoir (10 miles) will take place on Saturday April 30, starting at 10am from Burley Station, with mini-bus transport provided back to Burley. There will be a small charge to cover costs.

The fourth stage from Thruscross to Brimham Rocks (8.5 miles) will take place on Sunday May 1 and the fifth stage from Brimham Rocks to Ripon (11 miles) will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

David Asher, secretary of the BBA said:

“It links the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire and Fountains Abbey and goes through some of the best scenery that West and North Yorkshire has to offer.

“From a hidden green corridor starting near the centre of Bradford, to upland moor landscapes with extensive views, stunning wooded valleys, and past dramatic geological formations such as Brimham Rocks.”

“There are also loads of bridges to cross including the 13th century Butterton Bridge which features on the waymarks along the route. The Wharfe can be crossed either by the stepping stones or by Denton Bridge depending on the water level.”

Read more:

• Hot Seat: Leading the Harrogate district’s leisure revolution
• Consultation on bid to join bridleways in Harrogate’s Crimple Valley

The walk finishes at Ripon Cathedral and all walkers are invited to the Ripon Beer Festival that takes place that day. It is being hosted by the Cathedral as part of its 1350th birthday celebrations.

If you want to book, send names and phone numbers to burleybridge@gmail.com

A man had to be rescued when he was unable to get down from the top of one of the rocks at Brimham Rocks.

Visitors to the National Trust-owned site near Pateley Bridge are free to roam the Millstone Grit rocks, which are 325 million years old.

But a male had to be helped to safely after making it to the top of one of the rocks.

North Yorkshire Police called Upper Wharfe Fell Rescue Association to help.

A spokesperson for the association, which is based in Grassington, said:

“The team arrived promptly and quickly assessed the scene. Members climbed the rock, quickly set up ropes, the young man was made safe and lowered off.”

The incident, which required 12 attendees and took almost two hours to resolve, happened on Saturday afternoon

Read more:

• Dogs saved after falling down hole near Pateley Bridge
• National Trust staff ‘bullied’ after Brimham Rocks TikTok video goes viral

After a Russian TikToker racked up a million views with a scenic video of Knaresborough and a clip went viral of Brimham Rocks staff kicking out a mobile DJ, the Harrogate district is becoming a regular feature on the popular social media platform.

Scrolling through an app like TikTok, where millions post videos of dance routines and comedy lip-sync clips, you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see the likes of Harrogate town centre, Knaresborough Castle or Fountains Abbey popping up on screen.

But more and more individuals, and more recently companies, are recognising how much the platform can boost your profile, with one small clip sometimes reaching millions of people from across the globe.

There is no denying that TikTok videos featuring the area are an effective way of showcasing what it has to offer, including places, people and businesses.

DJ Zach Sabri, who is better known as SUAT on TikTok recently went viral with this video filmed at Brimham Rocks.

Harrogate marketing agency Marketing Adventures uses the social media platform to help promote clients.

Creative director Brogan Huntington said:

“As a digital marketing agency with a young, innovative team, we have used TikTok for some time now.

“It is an incredible marketing tool. We use it for the majority of our clients especially in the property and food and beverage industries.

“It has taken some time for Harrogate businesses to become accustomed to the idea of using TikTok in order to promote their business online, as their perception has been that it is a younger audience. Although this is somewhat true, this video-based platform is a great way to build a brand and speak to your clients and your future clients.

“Video is one of our favourite tools to promote business and we have seen exceptional success through via sales videos have produced on social media.”

Read more:

• ‘So beautiful I can’t believe it’s real’: TikTok video of Knaresborough goes viral
• Viral TikTok video sees Brimham Rocks staff kick out mobile DJ
• TikTok ferret video goes viral

Global hair and beauty brand Cloud Nine, which is based in Harrogate, started using TikTok in 2020 to promote its products.

Naomi Horan, social media and influencer manager, said:

“In 2020 and the year of lockdown, people looked to social media for a sense of release from their mundane work-from-home set up.

“TikTok proved pivotal in becoming both an escape and a source of inspiration, with everything from dance challenges and duets, to food recipes and every day hacks. This month, TikTok has reported over one billion active monthly users – you can no doubt expect you’ll find a percentage of your audience on this platform.

“For Cloud Nine, TikTok is going to become a crucial part of our 2022 plans to engage with our audiences in ways we have never done before.

“TikTok themselves say, ‘Don’t make ads, make TikToks’ – brands need to entertain their audience, build their awareness and in turn, they’ll reap the rewards.”

4 TikTok videos with more than 100k views featuring the Harrogate district’s people and places

Livharlandmusic – Harrogate busking

Liv Harland is from York, but can regularly be seen busking in Harrogate on her TikToks. In fact the singer, who has 1.5 million followers, had some of the biggest live stream moments of the year on the social media site, where she broadcasts herself busking. In 2021 she was fourth, fifth and seventh on the Top 10 list of the most watched live moments by artists on TikTok, alongside Ed Sheeran, Yungblud and Coldplay.

In this live TikTok, one of the many filmed in Harrogate, she clocked up a whopping 4.1 million views singing her version of Runaway by Aurora. In the video she notices a man in the background, who appears to have confused a loaf of bread with a mobile phone. We’ve all been there. It was one of her most viewed last year and features Cambridge Street.

https://www.tiktok.com/@livharlandmusic/video/6960310322603330821?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7033698343524288005

Amealmeal  – Harrogate accent

In this Tiktok video, which clocked up 520,000 views, Mila, a student nurse from Harrogate, has clearly been having difficulty getting others to understand why she doesn’t have a broad Yorkshire accent. All down to how well spoken we are in this town of course! The struggle is real.

https://www.tiktok.com/@amealmeal/video/7023100067812773125?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7033698343524288005

Beauty.spectrum – Visit to Knaresborough and Harrogate

OK, so this one hasn’t quite hit the 100k mark at 20.6k, however this TikTok of a day trip to Knaresborough was also featured on YouTuber Molly Thompson’s weekly vlog back in September, which also clocked up thousands of views. Molly has 130k subscribers to her YouTube channel.

In the vlog Molly, from Beverley, talks about how it has recently become popular for people to go to the town and take photos on the boats while rowing underneath the viaduct. She heads to Knaresborough with her friend for an “Instagram day” — she also has 64.7k followers on Instagram — and films her trip for Youtube and TikTok.

The TikTok video features Knaresborough Castle, the riverside and of course the boats and viaduct. She then heads to Harrogate and buys some donuts from Doe Bakehouse. Filmed on a sunny day last September, Knaresborough certainly needs no filter and looks stunning as always.

https://www.tiktok.com/@beauty.spectrum/video/6873833828159425794?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7033698343524288005

flyingscotsgirl  – Filming locations for The Witcher at Fountains Abbey and Malhamdale

Cat Thomson’s tours around Yorkshire’s villages, towns and countryside have been a big hit on TikTok. She saw a huge spike in her number of followers after lockdown in 2020, thanks to more people looking for places to stay in the UK.

Now living in Leeds, she regularly visits North Yorkshire and is a big fan of Fountains Abbey, near Ripon.

This video features a list of filming locations for season two of Netflix hit show, The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill. It includes Fountains Abbey, Plumpton Rocks near Harrogate, Goredale Scar and Janet’s Foss waterfalls in Malhamdale.

https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingscotsgirl/video/6901395697682107650?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7033698343524288005

• Are you a TikToker from the Harrogate district who has gone viral? Send your videos to nina@thestrayferret.co.uk

The National Trust has said staff at Brimham Rocks have been subjected to bullying and harassment after a TikTok mobile DJ labelled them as “Karens” in his latest video.

DJ Zach Sabri, better known online as SUAT, claims he is “just trying to make the world dance” by blasting out rave music in unusual places.

But his latest stunt at Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge, drew complaints from visitors that he was being too loud and that he was filming without permission.

National Trust staff approached the TikTok star and asked if he had permission to film there. He did not, so they asked him to leave.

He filmed the exchange with staff and included it in his TikTok video, which has now been viewed more than two million times.

In the video caption SUAT claimed: “Karen never lets me rock climb.”

‘Karen’ is used a derogatory term online to describe a woman deemed to be entitled or demanding.

Read more:

• Harrogate set for colourful fountains and WiFi-charging benches
• Ripon pool opening delayed again

A National Trust spokesperson said:

“Visitors are very welcome to take photographs and videos of the outdoor places we care for. There’s no additional charge for personal photography.

“We do ask that anyone looking to use photographs or videos for commercial use seek permission beforehand. If approved, any associated fees are used for vital conservation work to care for places featured.

“Permission is also required before filming or photographing National Trust staff and volunteers, who have a right to privacy.

“When filming at Brimham Rocks, DJ Suat was approached by staff who wanted to act on behalf of other visitors. They had received a number of complaints on the day about the noise.

“Unfortunately, as a result of this particular video, staff and their families have since been subjected to harassment and bullying, online and in person, for which we are supporting them.”

Brimham Rocks has gone viral in a bizarre TikTok video in which National Trust staff tell a mobile DJ he is unable to film there.

DJ Zach Sabri, better known online as SUAT, claims he is “just trying to make the world dance” — something he seeks to do by blasting out rave music in unusual places.

His latest video, which appears to be his most successful yet with more than one million views in just 24 hours, sees the DJ dance and sing in precarious places at National Trust-owned Brimham Rocks.

He also appears to lick one of the rocks.

Read more:

• ‘So beautiful I can’t believe it’s real’: TikTok video of Knaresborough goes viral
• £4 million of Harrogate district housing developer funds left unspent

Soon though two National Trust staff, who look taken aback by Mr Sabri, ask if he has permission to film before explaining he would need an activity licence.

In the interaction which ensues the TikTok star asks: “I am just wondering what you categorise this as?” That question gets the response: “well, I don’t know.”

@suatism

Karen never lets me rock climb… #karen #climbing #dancemusic #nationaltrust #harrogate

♬ original sound – SUAT

The DJ appears to relent in the end as he tells staff he will leave — although, he ignores their warning not to play music or film on the way out.

TikTok is a social media app popular with young people. The National Trust may not have welcomed DJ SUAT’s appearance but his video will have introduced a lot of people to Brimham Rocks, which is near Pateley Bridge.