Crag features

Bouldering guide available at http://unknownstones.com/st-ives/ 

A local viewpoint and point of interest near the St. Ives Estate outside Bingley. Evidence of druidic activity is lacking but other earlier pioneers have left their marks: cleaned holds, ancient chips and, more recently, chalk.

Despite the aspect, the rock dries quickly, doesn't suffer much drainage and, in parts, stays dry in all but the heaviest rain.

The recorded trad routes are on the main face of the tallest rock but other smaller buttresses exist with some good, albeit short lines - the traditionalist is generally advised to bring some clippers and a trowel.

The bouldering has recently seen a renaissence with a lot of new lines cleaned and climbed in Spring/Summer 2014. Three main bouldering areas exist; the eastern flanks and lower tier area, beneath the main Druids' Altar block and around the Sundary Morning boulder. Other isolated climbs are present along the edge.

Accessible from Bingley train station via a long walk or else parking is to be had either at the pub 'The Brown Cow' (full suite of Timothy Taylor on offer), St Ives Estate (at the public car park beside the golf course and near Lady B's Cafe - good coffee and food) or the top, middle or bottom of Altar Lane via some off-roading. Altar Lane is a rough track but the quickest access, St Ives offers a delightful walk of some 10mins to get to the crag and the Brown Cow, the alpinist's option and offering the most rewarding finish.

Some old photos of early pioneers can be found here, here and here:
http://www.valendale.myby.co.uk/moss_carr.html
http://www.francisfrith.com/bingley/photos/the-druids-altar-1894_34759/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/49642305@N02/12837716213/