Almscliffe Crag Short Walk

almscliffe crag walk
almscliffe crag walk

By Vicky · Published Jun. 22nd, 2022 · Updated Nov. 21st, 2022

The easy walk up Almscliffe Crag, an impressive outcrop of rock, gives great views over the surrounding countryside. It’s also a great place for a picnic.

Location

This walk starts from the Almscliffe Crag car park along the side of a small country road. It’s a 20-minute drive from the centre of Harrogate and 30 minutes from Leeds.

Almscliffe Crag Short Walk Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips

  • It’s short enough to not carry anything with you (depending on the weather), but a waterproof jacket, a bit of water and a snack could be recommended.
  • For other easy short hikes nearby, try Beamsley Beacon or Sharp Haw and Flasby Fell.
  • You can find other Yorkshire ideas in our Yorkshire Guide.

From the parking spaces by the side of the road, head to the wooden signpost that directs you into a grassy field.

Rocks at Almscliffe Crag

Head along the path by the stone wall bounding the field. First head to the top of the crags. The easiest route to get there involves heading to the far side of the crags. From there you can walk up to the top of Almscliffe Crag without doing any climbing. However, do be careful as there are some sharp drops and gaps in the rocks.

Views from Almscliffe Crag
Views in the Yorkshire Dales
Views from Almscliffe Crag

The views from the top of the Crags are excellent on clear days. The crags themselves are also very impressive. They are made from millstone grit, a type of sandstone, that underlies many of the surrounding moorlands. The rocks are easy to grip, which attracts many climbers to this area.

Check out some other short walks in Yorkshire

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales
Rocks and hiking path at Almscliffe Crag

Head back down to the back side of the crags, and follow the path as it loops right and around below the lower crag. Head down among some freestanding boulders to continue wandering along a path through the rocks. Return the way you came.


Guidebooks to explore more of Yorkshire

The Rough Guide to Yorkshire* is a great little guidebook and has a section on Ilkley and things to do nearby. The Yorkshire Dales Pathfinder Guide* has a good collection of short hikes suitable for the entire family and the Guide to North Yorkshire Pub Walks* has some fun walks in the Dales for those who are hungry and thirsty.


For other short hikes nearby, why not walk up Sharp Haw and Flasby Fell, Beamsley Beacon, or Embsay Crag. For a longer hike on Ilkley Moor, hike across to the Doubler Stones.

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