The third of the Yorkshire \'big three\'. This narrow defile has many faces which offer a variety of almost uniformly atmospheric climbs. Trad and sport routes live in close harmony with many classics, mostly in the higher grades. It is popular with walkers which can make it a bit crowded and noisy, and also a bit worrying if you are on some of the slightly loose upper walls. Although it may appear to be sheltered, it seeps badly and often experiences a cold wind whistling down it.
Routes
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28 trad routes (E1...E7) 51 sport routes (6a...8b) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents |        | ||
| Buttress (click for routes) | No. of Routes | Route Type | Sunshine or shade |
Approach walk | Other | Page |
| Face Route Area This is the towering white wall first glimpsed from the approach path. In common with the rest of... |
18 | Trad |
Sun to mid-afternoon |
Level 10 mins |
Seepage | 304 |
| Backwater Buttress Above the Lower Waterfall a path and steps climb out of the gorge. On the left is Backwater... |
8 | Sport |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 12 mins |
Seepage | 306 |
| Kaarst Buttress A minor buttress that is pleasantly sited amongst spectacular scenery. The rock is unusual and the... |
4 | Sport |
Morning sun |
Uphill 12 mins |
Seepage | 308 |
| The Grotto Above and behind the waterfall are some very bizarrely-sited pitches. To reach them go to the top... |
3 | Sport |
No sun |
Uphill 12 mins |
Seepage Dry in the Rain | 308 |
| Light Area The buttress just to the right of the waterfall has some good rock but the waterfall can be... |
12 | Trad |
Sun and shade |
Level 10 mins |
Seepage Windy | 309 |
| Deliverance Area The lower gorge constricts to a narrowing that is dominated by the leaning prow of Deliverance,... |
8 | Sport |
Sun and shade |
Uphill 12 mins |
Seepage | 310 |
| Cave Route Area This is one of the UK’s great climbing arenas, home to some of the longest and best sport pitches... |
26 | Sport |
Evening sun |
Level 10 mins |
Seepage Dry in the Rain | 312 |
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