Ilkley Moor Circular

Start/Finish      Ilkley Train Station
Start Time        Sept 5 2011,  11.30
Distance           8.29 Miles
Duration           5hrs 20mins 
Avg Speed        1.6 mph
Max Speed       15.2 mph

Calories            941 kcal

Altitude            489 ft / 1129 ft

Elevation          1382 ft ↑ / 1437 ft ↓

Weather           Very Heavy Showers, Very Blustery 

O/S Map          Explorer 297 - Lower Wharfedale, Washburn Valley, Harrogate, Ilkley Moor  

Terrain             Moorland/Hills/Rocks

GPS Route

From the Train station cross the road to the Tourist Information Office (Where you can call in for maps & walk guides!), before bearing left and crossing Chantry Drive, before bearing right up Cowpasture Road.

When the road starts to swing left on the edge of Ilkley Moor, go through a pedestrian gate on the right and bear immediately left and climb some steps from where a short, but steep climb takes you through heather and bracken.

At a junction with a cross track go left along it, but as it dips down to join the road bear right towards the car park and refreshment kiosk below Cow & Calf Rocks. Bear right through the car park, past thwe information board, and onto a paved footpath leading to the Cow And Calf Rocks!

Paved footpath leading towards Cow & Calf Rocks

And Below - Cow & Calf Rocks



Continue into the quarry where a few scrambles lead onto the edge of the moor...

...Or if you don't wish to climb, bear left in front of Cow & Calf and follow a path up onto the moor, bearing right along a path that skirts the quarry.

The path then crosses Bakestone Beck and across the rim of Rocky Valley, then swings right above Ilkley Craggs.

Follow the footpath across small becks and moorland in the direction of White Wells that you will see in the distance. If the flag is flying at Whiter Wells the cafe is open! 

White Wells (Not my picture)

Back of White Wells

Leave White Wells on the white chalky path and cross a stream as the track bends.

In a few yards there is a turn left on a moorland pasth. Follow this path between the bracken, and towards the end climb to join a road.

Crossing a small bridge, bear left with the road and follow it steeply up, round bends and beside Spicey Gill, for about 1/2 mile. 

Where the road becomes unsurfaced follow the footpath sign pointing right. Go along this track passing Silver Well Cottage, and continue to a gate.

Follow a path away with views of the reservoir and the Wharfe Valley.

Head down to some trees before the stream ahead, Black Beck. Cross the stream and follow the path ahead for 1/4 mile to the Swastika Stone.

From here we turn back towards Ilkley, following the edge or the moor near the houses. Cross a stone bridge and continue down the road.

Go right at the junction, seeing White Wells above. After Brodrick Drive turn left towards the car park, and from here into town and back to the train station.