Almscliffe Crag

The gritstone outcrop rises suddenly out of moorland just south of Otley, dramatic enough to stop you dead. Almscliffe Crag isn't enormous - you can walk the whole thing in under an hour - but it's got genuine presence, and the views across Wharfedale are proper rewarding once you've scrambled up.

It's a climber's spot first and foremost. The rock face draws serious boulderers and rock climbers year-round, and if you show up on a dry weekend you'll likely see people roped up on the stone. For walkers, there's an established footpath that loops around and over the crag, giving you that satisfying sense of achievement without needing technical gear. The path itself is well-trodden, though it gets muddy after rain - bring decent boots.

Kids will find it interesting for maybe an hour. They can clamber around the lower rocks, hunt for views, and feel like proper explorers, but it's not the kind of place with facilities or extended entertainment. Families staying at the nearby caravan parks like Rudding Holiday Park or Harrogate Caravan Park will find it a good morning outing to combine with a walk elsewhere in the valley.

Admission's free and there are no set hours - the crag's there when you want it. Early morning or late afternoon is best if you want to avoid the climber crowd and actually see the Wharfedale views without squinting into afternoon sun. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're walking it properly, longer if you're stopping to watch the climbers work.