Iconic rock in Yorkshire Dales goes on sale - for just £150,000

The sale of one of Yorkshire’s best-known landmarks has been described as “a genuinely unique opportunity”.

Kilnsey Crag, nr Skipton, North Yorkshire, is the 170-foot high (52 metres) limestone cliff which dominates the drive into Upper Wharfedale, in the Yorkshire Dales. As well as featuring on countless postcards and being a well-known climbing hotspot, the steep rock face was even painted by JMW Turner in 1816.

For the guide price of £150,000, you get the famous rock as well as about eight hectares (19 acres) of land.

Savills, which has the listing for Kilnsey Crag, said: “The sale represents a genuinely unique opportunity to purchase one of the big three limestone crags in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

“The overhanging cliff, formed by the force of the Wharfedale Glacier thousands of years ago, is awe-inspiring and internationally recognised.”

The sale details point out that the cliff and surrounding grassland is teeming with rare flora and fauna and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The agents said: “The sale offers significant amenity, biodiversity, and environmental opportunities.”

The crag has a 40ft overhang which, along with its proximity to the main road through Wharfedale, has made it one of the most challenging and popular rock-climbing locations in the north of England.

It forms one of the big three limestone crags in the Yorkshire Dales, along with Gordale Scar and Malham Cove.

The crag is also the backdrop to the annual Kilnsey Show, which happens on Aug 29, always on the day after the Summer Bank Holiday Monday.

The show culminates in a fell race – which involves a run to the top of the crag followed by a rapid descent of “the chimney” – a steep crevice of rock in the crag face.