UKC

Climbs 90
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 390m a.s.l
Faces SW

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Karl on Gorm © Wil

Crag features

Great Close Scar sits in a beautiful setting overlooking Malham Tarn. Facing South-West, it catches the sun for most of the day and provides protection from cold North and Easterly winds. The crag dries quickly after a shower and even after prolonged rain is dry enough to climb most routes after a couple of days. The climbing is mainly between the HS and HVS range with a good share in the E1 to E3 range also.

Approximately 150-200m long and up to 25m high the crag has the initial appearance of being loose and friable but for the most part the rock is solid, although the usual care with Yorkshire limestone should always be applied. The crag's main feature is the Great Gully about two thirds along toward the right-hand end.

Care as always needs to be taken on the grassy top outs not to dislodge any loose stones onto belayers below. Good anchors are available for most climbs and are best arranged just before topping out.

Descents are to the left or right of the crag or via abseil around the Great Gully area.

Approach notes

Approximately 4Km North of the village of Malham, follow signs for Malham Tarn.

Parking is available either at Street Gate on the grass verge or at the Water Sinks NT Carpark at the Southern edge of the tarn. Walking time from either place is around 15 to 20 minutes maximum along the obvious path and track. Please ensure all gates are closed after use.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest so visit in small groups and take care not to damage wild flora, removing any and all litter when you leave.

This is a true gem. Look after it!

No Access Issues

Climbing is not permitted on Highfolds Scar (on the Northern side of the tarn) due to conservation concerns.

Seasonal Restrictions

Reason: Nesting Birds

Scare ferns and other plants grow on the ledges of this scar, having found a niche away from the hungry grazing livestock below. To protect these species, please avoid significant gardening without consultation with the National Trust who will be able to advise on where these plants grow. If you would like to undertake a significanrt cleanup of exisiting or new routes, call the National Trust office on 01729 830416 and ask to speak to the ecologist or ranger.

For many years a general spring time restriction was in place here to protect ground nesting birds, but this no longer applies since the CRoW Act took effect. If specially protected species do start to nest then new restrictions will be sought in consultation with the YDNPA and BMC.

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Climbs at this crag

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