Embsay Crag from Skipton
Embsay Crag is one of those gritstone edges that looks ordinary on the map and delivers something much better in person - proper moor underfoot and a long view across the Dales skyline.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E2·T2 — how we grade routesEmbsay Crag is one of those gritstone edges that looks ordinary on the map and delivers something much better in person - proper moor underfoot and a long view across the Dales skyline.
An 11.6km circuit from Skipton climbing through the village of Embsay to the gritstone outcrop of Embsay Crag at 371m, with views north across Craven to the Three Peaks.
The route
Starting from Skipton town centre - a five-minute run from the station - the route heads northeast through the residential streets and quickly into the village of Embsay. From the village, the ground begins to rise onto the lower moor, following a clear track that swings east toward Embsay Reservoir.
The reservoir sits in a natural bowl below the crag at around 260m. The path above it climbs more steeply, with loose gritstone underfoot on the upper section. The summit of Embsay Crag at 371m is marked by a cluster of gritstone outcrops - a natural turning point with views north to Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside on a clear day, and south across the Aire Valley.
The descent follows the reverse of the approach, running back through Embsay and down into Skipton. The town's proximity to the start and finish makes this a genuinely train-friendly route - you can be on the moor within 30 minutes of leaving the station.
Skipton as a base
Skipton is underrated as a trail running town. It has good transport connections (Leeds to Carlisle train line), a busy market centre with cafes and pubs, and direct access to moor from the edge of town. Embsay Crag is the closest piece of proper gritstone moor to Skipton's centre - this route is the natural first step before attempting the longer moor circuits.
The approach through Embsay village is pleasant and the track to the crag is well-used by locals. The upper moor section has some bog after rain - the gritstone ridge itself is firmer. Total ascent of 304m keeps this squarely in the accessible category; the effort goes into the final crag climb rather than being spread across the whole run.
Extending the day
The crag sits on the edge of Barden Moor, which opens out into longer circuits toward Barden Bridge and the Wharfe valley. This route can be extended significantly by continuing northeast from the crag onto the main moor plateau. See the longer Barden Moor circuits for options.
Boggy sections on the upper moor after rain - trail shoes recommended. The rocky sections on Embsay Crag are grippy when dry and slippery when wet. No shelter on the crag in bad weather.
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
Common questions
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EASY
VERY HARD
MODERATE