UKH

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best crags to take a beginner close to Leeds? Particularly with good views!

CLIFF

I like Ilkley, good range of easier grade climbs. Easy to set up at the top there too.

Almscliff; lower man is really amenable but otherwise it's pretty tough. Views are lovely though, as is the atmosphere.

As others have already mentioned, quite a few options at Almscliff (low man) and Ilkley Quarry.

Brimham Rocks should tick all the boxes!

Worth checking out Baildon Bank possibly. Good for easier routes, probably not the most inspiring place or views though.

Wharncliffe Crags

is only about 45 mins from Leeds.

If you're willing to travel a little further within Yorkshire, Twistleton on a sunny day is hard to beat.

Eastby Crag near skipton is a little further but more amenable than almscliffe or ilkley. 

Lovely place too. 

I'd avoid Almscliff unless you want to risk putting them off for life!

Crookrise or Rylstone have some great routes with unbeatable views. Eastby too though maybe less for beginners.

In my early climbing life, having been put off gritstone for a few years by my experiences at Almscliff and Brimham (where we tried RH Crack, VS, at its old misprint grade of VD), I climbed mostly at Twistleton, Attermire, Peak Scar, and Whitestone Cliffe. These last two are probably best avoided unless they have a background in mountaineering