Great Almscliff Crag

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 53.9363, -1.5922

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SE268489 Favourable 8.13 2024-04-04

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Glacial

Description

Area, 7.9 hectares 19.4 ac Description great Almscliff Crag, one of the largest and most massive grit stone tors in the Pennines, is an important geomorphological site for studies of tor formation, rock weathering and landscape development. It is significant firstly for demonstrating the association of sound and weathered bedrock, a key feature of one of the main theories of tor formation; and secondly for its location within the late Devensian ice limit, so that it has probably been modified by the last ice sheet, unlike many other grit stone tors. Other Information The site is identified as being of national importance in the Geological Conservation Review.