KILNSEY Crag, backdrop to the Yorkshire Dales 'premiere agricultural show' and known across the world as a 'challenging' rock climb, has been put up for sale - with a price tag of around £150,000.

The limestone cliff, one of the 'big three' in the Dales national park - along with Malham Cove and Gordale Scar - is being sold with just more than 18 acres of land by its private owner and is said by the marketing agents to represent ‘significant’ amenity, biodiversity and environmental possibilities.

The summer's Kilnsey Show, held in the shadow of the crag since 1897, has always included the Crag Race with runners coming from far and wide to race up and down the western side of the cliff.

Formed by the force of The Wharfedale Glacier thousands of years ago, the overhanging cliff is 170ft high with an overhang of 40ft. Popular with tourists, it is internationally recognised amongst rock-climbing enthusiasts as one of the most iconic and challenging climbs to be conquered, says estate agents, Savills, which is marketing the site along with Skipton-based WBW Surveyors.

The limestone cliff and upland calcareous grassland pasture is abounding with rare flora and fauna, contributing to its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Limestone Pavement Order designation. This range of flora and fauna has significant potential for biodiversity enhancement.

The land has been subject to management prescriptions suited to its need through Agri-Environment Schemes over the last 20 years and it is believed that there is significant potential for further enhancement and protection of this area of the Malham-Arncliffe SSSI.

At the Crag’s foot is a sheltered area and small stream, which opens out towards the North, yet still in the shadow of the cliff. Between White Beck and the Crag is an area of grass and reeds providing sanctuary for a range of habitats and species. Where the cliff face flattens there is a mixture of grass and scree, with naturally regenerated trees and shrubs.

Will Douglas, director in the rural agency team at Savills in York and whose team is handling the sale, said: “The availability of such an internationally recognised cliff represents a totally unique opportunity. Kilnsey Crag is the backdrop and natural amphitheatre to the famous, annual Kilnsey Agricultural Show and is a popular tourist attraction.

“The sale offers significant natural capital, amenity, biodiversity and environmental opportunities and we fully expect its availability will capture the imagination of many interested buyers.”