WALK ROUTE
Ilkley Moor
If you want breath-taking views of Ilkley while visiting some of the most salient attractions of the area then this is the walk for you. This walk starts at the beautiful Darwin Gardens and then takes you up into Ilkley Moor where you will stumble upon the White Wells and the Cow & Calf rocks with plenty of opportunity for refreshments and a sit down to take in those classic views of Ilkley and the moors. This is a walk that involves uneven terrain (though always on a designated path), so is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
- Accessibility: a combination of rough and paved surfaces and steps
- Points of interest: White Wells, Cow & Calf, Darwin Gardens
- Dog friendly, but in the interest of conservation, owners should consider the dog walking guidelines outlined on the Ilkley Moor website.
- Child friendly, but some paths are uneven
- Walking boots recommended. Paths can become slippy and some are uneven.
- Refreshments: Cow & Calf Rock cafe open 7 days a week 9am-5pm, Cow & Calf pub open 7 days a week 7am-11pm, White Wells cafe occasionally open (when the flag is flying!)
- Parking: available at the Cow & Calf, Wells Road Car Park, Darwin Gardens car park and on road near Ilkley Grammar School.
- Toilets: available at the Cow & Calf cafe and pub
Step-by-step guide: Ilkley Moor walk, Ilkley
Step 1
Access point A, take the track on the right just after the entrance to Crossbeck Road and take the path on the right through the wooden gate.
Step 2
Walk past the paddling pool on your right and take the steps.
Step 4
Be sure to enjoy the view from the front of White Wells! Once you've caught your breath, take the steps to the left of White Wells.
Step 5
Then slight right to take more steps behind the building. At the top there are benches with fantastic views - a great excuse to catch your breath again!
Step 6
Turn left to follow the gravel path and stay on this path as it twists and turns up the moor.
Take the right fork to the steep, rocky steps. Try to stay on these as you get higher to limit moorland erosion.
Step 8
Take the left fork to head down towards the buildings, the larger of which is the Cow and Calf Hotel.
Step 9
Stay on the path and cross over the stream. A nice stop for a picnic and a paddle on hot day!
Step 10
Continue on the path until you reach another crossroads. At the crossroads you can divert left to explore the top of the Cow rocks, or continue straight to stay on the path.
Step 11
Winding down the stone slab path to reach the car park of the Cow and Calf Cafe, you can divert here to go to the smaller Calf rock, or left up to the quarry.
Step 12
Passing the cafe on your left you'll reach Hangingstone Road. Take care as you cross the road to reach the pavement on the other side and walk down the hill. After a very short stretch on the pavement, cross over again carefully and take the footpath left up towards the Cow and Calf Rocks.
Step 13
Turn right to join a limestone path.
Step 14
Take the right fork and stay on this path all the way down until you reach the road again.
Step 15
Stay on the path as it goes alongside the road, up through a wooded area and continue.
Step 17
When you reach another junction in a wooded area, turn right to head towards some houses, then left.
