Climbs 228
Rocktype Gritstone
Altitude 500m a.s.l
Faces S
A gap in hill cloud at sunrise, allows the sun to light up the mist around West Nab, Meltham Moor. © Andy Hemingway
The thing you need to know about West Nab is that it is bloody marvellous, only a visit can do it justice. It's loved not just for the wide range of 200+ boulder problems - mostly middle grades on natural gritstone blocks - but also its aspect and history. It's regarded by many as 'a special place' with ethereal magic. When it starts getting dark, stay and watch the sunset, it's a joy not to be missed. Iron Age Man lived locally, somebody never finished carving The Praying Monk, and in 1945 a Flying Fortress crashed here.
Highest point in West Yorkshire. If you can see anything higher it's either in Derbyshire or you're at the wrong crag. On a good day this could mean it's cool or dry when other venues are inhospitable, on a bad day it could be almost Arctic or you won't see the next problem for mist, never mind the next boulder.
The two sets of numbers refer to the BMC Over the Moors (OTM) guide 2012 and the Huddersfield Area guide 2002, now hard to get hold of. The Crag is on SSSI land, dogs not permitted.
PARKING UPDATE 2023 - parking is limited to a handful of cars due to boulders on the verge. BMC access reps have contacted the land owner and Kirklees Council, progress remains slow. Please park carefully leaving room for others and not blocking anyone.
Easy to find as the highest point to the right as the road climbs southwest out of Meltham to meet the A635 between Holmfirth and Greenfield. Two stiles mark footpaths up, one at the painted Cock Crowing Stone, the other about 1/4 mile up the road. Further parking south on the road in a large layby, longer walk in. The problems further right can be awkward to reach directly, possibly easier to walk along the top and drop down.
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