Trollers Gill is saturated after a prolonged wet spell — nearly 93mm in the last 28 days with significant rain in the past week and today — and the enclosed gorge will be holding moisture extensively. With humidity consistently above 85%, ongoing showers, and no meaningful dry spell forecast, the limestone will be greasy and potentially seeping throughout the gorge.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A dramatic, enclosed Carboniferous limestone gorge carved by glacial meltwater near Skyreholme in the Yorkshire Dales. The narrow gill walls are smooth, curved and overhanging in places — glacially polished — offering 173 predominantly sport and trad routes on generally sound, clean rock. Sustained and technical, linking blank walls, slim grooves, and square-cut overhangs with grades weighted toward the mid sport range (6a–7a). The enclosed gorge is very sheltered from wind, east-facing walls catch morning sun only. Often deserted despite excellent rock quality. Located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Park at Parcevall Hall Gardens and follow the signed footpath to Gill Heads (~25 min walk-in).
Condition Notes
Enclosed gorge holds moisture longer than open faces — walls can seep after prolonged rain and the gorge floor stays damp. Allow extra drying time versus an open south-facing limestone crag. Limestone becomes slippery when wet; pockets and tufa features hold water. Best on settled, dry days. Overhanging lower sections dry fastest.
- Rock Type
- Limestone
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 300m
- Climbing
- Sport Trad
- Aspects
- E
- Routes
- 173
- Trad Grades
- HVS – 7a+
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 25 min
Site Data
- Name
- Trollers Gill
- County
- Yorkshire
- Rock Type
- Limestone
- Climbing Types
- Sport, Trad
- Aspects
- E
- Wind Exposure
- Sheltered
- Altitude
- 300m
- Latitude
- 54.053
- Longitude
- -1.897
- OS Grid Ref
- SE 068 619
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 25 min
- Problem Count
- —
- Route Count
- 173
- Boulder Grades
- —
- Trad Grades
- HVS – 7a+
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Free parking at Parcevall Hall Gardens, Skyreholme (BD23 6DE). Follow the footpath signed 'Gill Heads' before the small bridge.
- Condition Notes
- Enclosed gorge holds moisture longer than open faces — walls can seep after prolonged rain and the gorge floor stays damp. Allow extra drying time versus an open south-facing limestone crag. Limestone becomes slippery when wet; pockets and tufa features hold water. Best on settled, dry days. Overhanging lower sections dry fastest.
- ID
- a118412c-767a-4060-b4dc-b3896b0d7e50
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