Regional Access Database

Advice Kilnsey Crag

Famous Yorkshire landmark and major sportclimbing venue - contains some of the UK's hardest and steepest routes.
BMC Area Yorkshire Rock Type Limestone
Climbing Area Yorkshire Limestone Access Status Advice
County North Yorkshire CRoW Land Yes
Importance National SSSI Yes
Ownership Private No. of Routes 150
Within National Park Yes Year Developed 1947



Avoid climbing routes with obvious in-situ bird's nests (House Martin/Swallow) before the end of July.


A clear-way (a single yellow line) has been established on the road below the crag.
Parking below the crag creates traffic problems and climbers should use the large layby 450m past the crag (often with an ice cream van) capable of accommodating approx. 30 cars if parked 'front in'.


The pastures above the crag, the crag and land down to the road are all on Open Access land.
See map here; http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/places/openaccess/default.aspx


The magnificent landscape of the Yorkshire Dales was shaped by melting glacial ice 300 million years ago to produce the towering crags, shadowy peaks, rock-pavements, and picturesque valleys found today.
The area was designated as a National Park in 1954, and covers approximately 1,769 km/683 square miles with many nationally significant climbing venues and a rich diversity of wildlife.

Most of the crags in this region lie within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s), a designation with a high level of legal protection for wildlife and geology.

Responsibility for identifying and protecting SSSIs in the Dales lies with Natural England – the statutory governmental advisor on conservation issues and contributor towards the Yorkshire Dales Green Climbing Guide.
The guide is intended to help climbers or walkers identify the protected flora, fauna, and geology found in the Dales and contribute towards their conservation.

Click this link to see the guide;

http://www.thebmc.co.uk/Download.aspx?id=154

The guide is also available free from the BMC office or at various tourist offices in the region.


Last updated: 09/07/2009