Almscliff Crag

A linear walk 5.5 miles, 3 hours.

I finish work at 13:00 on a Friday, so at this time of year I'm able to get out for a quick hike somewhere local. I usually end up in the Ilkley area, but this time I have gone even more local. Almscliff Crag is known to most that live in the Leeds or Harrogate areas, and you have probably clapped eyes on it if you've ever visited Otley Chevin, Ilkley Moor or travelled to Harrogate from Leeds. It's a fantastic example of a Pennine Tor of which you can see its distinctive shape from miles around. I'm particularly interested in the place due to a bolt-type Trig Point that adorns its highest rock, of which I've never bagged, and the fact it's the nearest highest point too.

For me this is a 10 minute bus ride on the Harrogate 36 service that stops at the end of my road, so nice and easy to get to and from! Whilst waiting for the bus, a truck went by with a car on the back of it, a directors box, and Stephen Tompkinson at the wheel of the car pretending to drive whilst filming for the new series of DCI Banks. So if you watch that show and see a guy at the side of the road looking impatient for a bus in hiking gear, you know who it was.

Here Almscliff Crag comes into view...

A well walked trail leading up to the area, the sheep were particularly interested in what I was doing and started making a real noise as I walked past them...

There has been a spot of rain in the area...

Climbing up onto the rocky tops, the bit sticking out here is the highest point...

Cutting down into a deep channel...

Well maintained pass between the two outcrops...

The bizarre bolt-type Trig Point on the summit of Almscliff Crag at 198 metres...

Looking North West towards a distant Ilkley Moor, and nearer wooded Stainburn Moor...

And South West towards Otley Chevin...

Having an explore around the base of the crag here...

This was rare to come here and not see hardly anyone about, but for the first time visitor a nice information board has been placed here with all you need to know about Almscliff Crag, a geography teachers dream...

Heading back through the prickly Gorse bushes towards North Rigton...

A pleasant pheasant on manure...

Bluebells making a brave appearance...

If your in the area, this is a great spot to take the kids, or just for a general stretch of the legs. It is a good viewing platform for the surrounding areas, and Harrogate is only 10 minutes away by car or bus too.
 Thanks for reading.