23rd October 2016
Almscliffe Crag
Almscliffe Crag, is a millstone grit outcrop on top of a small hill, it was formed after the softer strata of shale and mudstone eroded faster than the millstone grit. It is one of the best climbing locations in the area, with Parson’s Chimney (HS 4b), Black Wall Eliminate (E2 5c) and Wall of Horrors (E3 5c) (climbing technical grades in brackets). It has featured in a number of TV programs such as Emmerdale and as the Planet Obsidian in episode 3 series 3 (Volcano) of the BBC Sci fi series Blake’s 7 in 1980.
Almscliffe Crag viewed from my car
So on October 23rd 2016, I decided to go and visit the Crag. It was a cold day, with slight rain in the air. Almscliffe Crag is situated south west of North Rigton, if you leave the A658 Harrogate Road, following the signs for North Rigton, look for Crag Lane, follow this road around a right hand bend, and you will see Almscliffe Crag on the right, with Crag Farm on the left. Continue along Crag Lane to a T Junction, turn right onto Merrybank Lane/ Low Lane. Parking is anywhere you can find along this road. I continued along Low Lane, following it around the left hand bend, until I found a space.
When I got there, there were quite a few parked cars along the side of the road; I managed to find a safe place to park, put on my boots, and waterproof jacket. I then headed back up the road towards the path that leads up to the Crag. The higher up I got, I started to really feel the cold from the wind chill.
Depending on your abilities, you can either go for a full on rock climb, gear permitting, or you can do as I did, and just walk up and round the back, which allows you to reach the top without all the climbing gear. If you like to climb, there is not only the main rock face of the crag, but there are some sizeable boulders to the front of the crag, there was a group climbing the boulders, as well as the number of people climbing the main rock face. While I was setting up my camera, a climber suddenly appeared in front of me. He enquired if I was taking photos for a climbing magazine, “Sorry mate, I’m not that good! Just taking photos of the views”
From the top you get 360 degree views of the surrounding area. The weather kept trying to improve, with the sun and blue sky making an appearance from time to time, but even with the sun out, it was still very cold on top.
Some climbers starting up the rock face.
Me being the wuss I am when cold I headed back down, going to the base of the crag. I got some photos of the climbers making their way up the rock face, but then it started to rain which then turned to hail, so it was time for me to leave. I must go there again when it is warmer, the view of the sun setting from here is meant to be spectacular.