High Crag is a small collection of boulders on the north edge of Rombald's Moor near Ilkley in West Yorkshire, not far from the Swastika Stone boulders. The climbing is limited, but a few of the problems are superb - combined with the magnificent situation high above Wharfedale this makes a visit a well worthwhile. The problems described here were first recorded by Richard Seabrook in the summer 2003.
Topo
Low Block
The first boulder, lowest down the hillside, has an arete facing Wharfedale with clean walls either side.
Space Shanty
6b
(V4)
0
0
Sit-start at the left side of the boulder and use slopers to reach the top.
Project
?
(V?)
0
0
Start as for Rhythm and Stealth, but get the first sloper with your left hand and head up right somehow.
Leftism
6b
(V4)
1
1
2
The left side of the arete from a sit start. An excellent, barn-doory problem.
Rightism
4
(V0)
0
0
The right side of the arete is somewhat easier, but still good.
Double Flash
5+
(V2)
1
1
The wall just right of the arete.
Open Up
6a
(V3)
0
0
The bulge to the right above a dodgy landing.
3
(V0-)
0
0
The small right-most arete.
Topo
Middle Block
This block is much smaller and only has one problem.
Rob's Traverse
6a
(V3)
2
1
1
Traverse the lip of the boulder from a sit-start on the right. Might be very good if it were clean.
Topo
High Block
The largest boulder at High Crag, on the edge of the moor.
Storm 3000
5+
(V2)
1
0
1
Traverse the line of ledges at the left side of the boulder from left to right. Needs cleaning.
Phat Planet
6a
(V3)
2
0
0
Sit-start at a good pocket left of the arete and use a crimp up left and a good pocket to reach the top. Excellent.
Afrika Shox
6b
(V4)
0
0
Start with left hand on the pocket, right hand on a layaway, then go straight up.
Afro Left
5+
(V2)
1
0
0
The left side of the arete is good.
Dusted
5+
(V2)
0
0
The right side of the arete is also good, with a barn-door crux.
5
(V1)
0
0
Climb the wall just right of the arete via a crimp.
Chant of a Poor Man
3
(V0-)
1
0
0
The blunt rib in the centre of the wall.
Ali's Arete
3
(V0-)
0
0
The small arete at the right end of the boulder.
Small Block
Left of High Block is a small, undercut boulder.
1
