Jumping over the stile on Almscliff Crag

Almscliff Crag

Almscliff Crag is located a little outside of Otley and is basically nature’s playground!

This one is less of a walk and more of a place to scramble and climb! It’s a peak to bag, with an OS bolt on the highest rock too.

Where is Almscliff Crag?

Well, it’s just about visible from everywhere in Wharfedale as that little rocky crag that sticks out on the skyline, but you might not know exactly how to get there! Located in-between Otley and Harrogate, this rocky outcrop is a climber’s paradise.

But you don’t have to be an experienced climber to go and enjoy this little adventure! There is plenty to do, and clamber on, see and explore for a little afternoon family walk!

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Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website and for reading this now!

I set up the Reluctant Explorers and maintain the website and attached social media accounts in my spare time, around mum-life and two jobs. It was designed to provide access for parents to free resources to help get more families outside and exploring in nature. These walks have all been created by myself and the kids and we have walked each one ourselves (and re-walk them regularly to keep the information as up to date as we can).

If you would like to support us and can afford a few pennies, you can make a donation to our ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ page. Simply tap the button below to head there!

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The cliff faces of Almscliffe Crag

Walk details for Almscliffe Crag

Distance: Less than 1 mile - dependant on how much exploring and clambering you do!

Terrain: Easily identifiable paths, uneven ground with some rock scrambling to reach the highest points. Ascent just over 100m, dependant on how far you climb up!

Parking: Ample verge side parking at the foot of the crag on Low Lane. Do not block any field access points, or any roads.

Public Transport: Huby has a train station, and there is a bus stop on Hall Green Lane, North Rigton. To get to the crags would be a, additional 2 mile round trip.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Location: North Rigton, near Harrogate

Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley

What 3 Words: bluffing.crowns.crumb

Toilets/ Baby Change: No

Nearest Cafe/ Amenities: North Rigton

Standing on top of one of the rocks on Almscliff Crag

How to get to Almscliffe Crag

  1. This one will be easy! From the gate at Low Lane/ Merrybank Lane, head up the path towards the imposing crag above. I mean you can’t miss it, this really is the easiest route description ever!

  2. The bottom of the path up to the crags can be very muddy, so be aware!

  3. And even better, there’s no set route, it’s just a case of explore, scramble, jump and climb! Enjoy the rocks and head back to where you came from!

We have attempted to walk from Huby but found the footpaths to be extremely muddy and we ended up returning along the road - we think keeping this to a micro-adventure is the best option!

Last walked in January 2026.

Child silhouetted against a sunset sky climbing on a large rock

Scrambling on the rocks.

Child walking towards yellow gorse flowers with large rocky crag in the distance and blue sky

Almscliffe crag during the spring.

Child jumping on a large rock with blue skies and views behind

The views across Wharfedale

Map of Almscliff Crag

Want to grab the route?

The map covering this area is OS Explorer 297. Grab a copy from Ordnance Survey.

Image is Copyright of Ordnance Survey

Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route
Tap here to head to the Ordnance Survey Route

For more helpful information and safety tips, head to our dedicated page.

⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)

⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.

Sunset at Almscliffe Crag

What’s cool for kids at Almscliffe Crag

🗻 So this is all climb and no walk really! If you have kids who really do love to climb and jump, then this is the one for you. It’s one of the best natural playgrounds there is! You do need to obviously exercise caution though. There a very big unguarded drops, so be careful and exercise caution when you are up there!

✨ There are geocaches to be found

This is an amazing spot for a sunset picnic, as the views really are 360 degrees!

🌳 You really aren’t going to need much in the way of distractions here! But if you need some whinge busting walking games then head to the page!

Scar house reservoir in NIdderdale

Want to find more walks in and around the Nidderdale area?

All of our family friendly walks are arranged in loads of different categories including, waterfall walks, short walks and walks with play parks. So you can find exactly the kind of walk you are looking for!

But if you want to find all the kid friendly Nidderdale walks in one place?

Then why not head to our Nidderdale Walks section!

Tap here to head to our Nidderdale Walks
Tap here to head to our Nidderdale Walks

Scroll using the arrows for all our Family Friendly Walks

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