Ilkley Moor and the Twelve Apostles
Recommended by
Our view
"Standing stones and a brief look at some of the intriguing historic features which make up Ilkley Moor."
Walk directions
Walk up beside the road, forking right 150yds (137m) beyond the Cow and Calf pub onto a signed footpath. Higher up, swing right and then turn left. At a waymarker, double back right onto the edge and follow it past Pancake Rock. Dip across a path rising along a shallow gully and continue beyond Haystack Rock, joining another path from the left. Keep to the left at several successive forks, swinging parallel to the broad fold containing Backstone Beck, over to the right.
After gently rising for 0.75 miles (1.2km) across open moor, the path eventually meets the Bradford–Ilkley Dales Way link. Go left along the paved path, cresting the rise by Lanshaw Lad, a prominent boundary stone to reach the Twelve Apostles, lying just beyond.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Good moorland paths, some steep paths towards end of walk
Landscape
- Mostly open heather moorland and gritstone crags
Dog friendliness
- Under close control at all times
Parking
- Car park below Cow and Calf rocks
Toilets en route
- At White Wells Spa Cottage
About the walk
Ilkley Moor is a long ridge of millstone grit, immediately to the south of Ilkley. It’s a special place – not just for walkers but for lovers of archaeological relics, too. These extensive heather moors are identified on maps as Rombalds Moor but, thanks to a song, Ilkley Moor is how it will always...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Everybody knows that Yorkshire has some special landscapes. The Dales and the Moors first spring to mind, but what about West Yorkshire? That’s Leeds and Bradford isn’t it? Back-to-back houses and blackened mills… Certainly if you had stood on any of the hills surrounding Hebden Bridge a hundred years ago, and gazed down into the valley, all you would have seen was the pall of smoke issuing from the chimneys of 33 textile mills.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
One Tivoli Place Guest House
One Tivoli Place is a charming Victorian townhouse that offers a welcoming base just a short stroll from Ilkley town centre and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. The 5 individually...
The Penny Bun
The Penny Bun is a new-age inn, part of Denton Reserve, a project which aims to rethink 2,500 acres of Yorkshire countryside while combating climate change. Inside, the style is very ea...
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn is a hidden gem (apart from those already in the know of course) – it's off the beaten track near the spa town of Harrogate. It's a Grade II listed, quintessential Yorksh...
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Dating back to the 17th century, The Devonshire Arms Hotel, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire sits pride of place in the glorious Wharfedale countryside. A long tradition of f...
Bogridge Farm Cottages
This pleasant Yorkshire farm is home to the Bogridge Farm Cottages. Both were converted from a building once used for rearing calves. The farm is set in the peaceful Yorkshire countrysi...
Old White Lion Hotel
Old White Lion Hotel is a 300-year-old coaching inn with 14 well-equipped en-suite rooms. Family-run, the hotel on Haworth’s cobbled main street is close to the Bronte Parsonage Museum ...
The Fleece Inn
Most tourists visit Haworth for the Brontë Sisters. Now a museum, The Parsonage, where they lived, is further up the cobbled hill from the cosy guest rooms of The Fleece Inn. Some visit...
The Wellington Inn
The Wellington Inn is situated in the picturesque village of Darley in the heart of Nidderdale AONB. It’s within easy reach of Harrogate and Pateley Bridge as well as attractions such a...
Places to eat nearby View all
