Dow Crag is the southernmost of the Lake District's big cliffs and also one of its most popular. The crag is composed of five or so huge buttresses split by deep gullies and crossed by some noticeable slanting terraces. This can make identification of the routes on first acquaintance quite tricky, although a good look at the cliff from Goat's Water on the approach will help identify the major features.
The climbing appeals to all abilities - few crags can offer such a range from classic Diffs and Severes, to top end E5s and E6s. Most of the routes are multi-pitch, although for the harder lines the difficulties tend to be only focussed on a single pitch. The routes see plenty of traffic on the whole and the rock is excellent, with good (if not always plentiful) protection options.