Great Almscliff Crag is known as a Tor which is a prominent rock outcrop that was created by the erosion of the softer surrounding rocks. The crag itself is Gritstone which over time has cracked and as a result large parts of it have broken off and can been seen in surrounding fields. Due to the way the Tor has weathered it has become a site of special scientific interest.
Almscliff sits in the countryside above the villages of Huby and Rigton, just off the A658 which is the main route between Bradford and Harrogate. Parking at the location can be a real problem especially on nice days since it is road side on country lanes and there are lots of visitors. Once there and walking up the field towards the Tor it is hard not to stop and just stare at the views that are presented to you, nothing blocks your view in any direction. The crag itself can be seen all the way across the valley from the Cow and Calf and makes an impressive sight.
The weathering has put deep cracks in the rock so it is not as safe for young children to run around as the Cow and Calf but there are areas you can let them play but you will have to watch them. It is the harsh nature of the Tor that attracts a lot of climbers to the place, I enjoy watching them climb different faces but it looks a little bit like hard work to me. A nice flask of coffee on the top taking in the views is more like it for me, its a steep walk up there so thats my exercise plus my camera is heavy.
Unfortunately there is really no way to get a wheelchair up there as there is a couple of sty,s to get over and if you manage that it is rocky when you get up there.
When visiting Almscliff come prepared for bad weather it is very exposed and high, after saying that if it is a nice day you are going rewarded with some very special views that will stay with you. Well worth a visit if you like the great outdoors.