South Pennine Walks

Ilkley Moor

Date: 27th Sept 2008
Distance: 5.5 miles
Ascent: 1075 feet
Time: 3 hours 15 mins
With: Lisa and Rhiannon
Start Grid Ref: SE115470

Walk Summary:
An enjoyable family ramble on Ilkley Moor visiting the top of the moor itself as well as the popular Cow and Calf Rocks.

Route Summary: Wells Road - The Tarn - Cow and Calf Rocks - Ilkley Moor - Whetstone Gate - Keighley Road - Wells Road

Pictures:

1. Ilkley from Backstone Beck

2. Lisa backed by Ilkley Crags

3.Me and Rhiannon stood on the Cow

4.The Cow and Calf rocks

5.Ilkley Moor and Crags

6.The trig point on the summit of Ilkley Moor

7.The view from Thimble Stones to Buck Stones

8.Cowper's Cross

9.Ilkley Moor from Keighley Road

Walk Detail: After spending a rather extravagant £100 on a new backpack to carry Rhiannon in we decided to trial it out locally before our week's holiday on the Isle of Man. Strangely enough this was the first time I'd visited what is the nearest Marilyn to where I live.

It was a bright sunny day but at the same time very hazy so not the greatest day for long distance photos. On the plus side it was a rare opportunity to go walking with the two most important women in my life. The actual walk was really quite pleasant with features such as The Tarn and especially the Cow and Calf rocks providing interest.

The latter stages were across fairly non-descript moorland though on good paths. The return was also quite pleasant following what is in effect a road all the way from Whetstone Gate. Not the most exciting walk I've done though there is a lot more to see on the moor than was seen on this fairly short walk.

Oh and one of the clasps on the backpack snapped on first use and had to be exchanged. I'm glad to report though that I got a good year's use out of the replacement before Rhiannon got too heavy to carry.

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