| Walk: | Cow and Calf rocks, Pancake Stone, Horncliffe well, the 12Apostles stone circle, Ilkley Moor summit, Thimble Stones, Swastika Stone, White Wells Roman Bath House | ||
| Start Point: | Car park at Darwin Gardens, Ilkley | Grid Ref: | SE 116 471 |
| Distance: | 13 miles | Ascent: | 1,340 feet |
| Weather: | Overcast and humid, slight breeze on tops with mist and drizzle for a short period becoming dry sunny and warm | ||
| Accompanied by: |
7 members of the group, led by Phil |
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| Comments: | Passing by a small tarn we soon climbed to
the Cow and Calf rocks. According to legend, the Calf split from the Cow
when Rombald the Giant stamped on the rocks while fleeing from his
enemies across the valley. From here it was on to the “pancake stone” a
huge flat rock balancing on the edge of the moor. Stopping for elevenses
we then carried on to Horncliffe Well. The well is marked by a carved
stone by the remains of a house and the well itself can still be seen
running clear close by. Turning once more we continued to climb towards
the highest point on the moor pausing briefly to look at the “12
apostles” stone circle. This is one of the highest megalithic monuments
on the moor. From the stone circle we continued on to the summit trig
point, then on to the “thimble stones”. Descending to Whetstone Gate and
Bradup Farm we left the road to climb to the forest then descended to
rejoin the Millennium way for our return to Ilkley. Two final points of interest were visited on the way back. The first was the “Swastika stone” which is probably the most famous carving on the moor thought to date from the iron age. The second was the Bath House at White wells which not only houses the Roman Baths but is also a cafe. Welcome mugs of Yorkshire tea (and cake for some!) were enjoyed before making the short descent back to the cars. |
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Scroll down to see photos of the walk
After passing a small tarn . . .
we climbed onto a rocky outcrop . . .
with a view over Ilkley . . .
and carvings from a 'cup and ring' . . .
to a Celtic knot
The group surveys the scene . . .
from The Cow . . .
with its nearby Calf
John checks out the Pancake Stone
Horncliffe Well is followed by . . .
an old waymarker
Part of the 12 Apostles Stone Circle
Anyone for golf?
Ilkley Moor summit . . .
and Phil remembered the Hat
The Thimble Stones provided a perfect spot for lunch . . .
but at the back they seem to be cracking up!
After a short detour (navigational error) . . .
Phil checks out the bridge . . .
as we enter the forest
Back on the Millennium Way . . .
there are great views over the Wharfe valley
There were various ideas about what this rock should be called . . .
but I think it is a sleeping seal
The old Swastika carving . . .
and the Victorian copy
Continuing along the easy path . . .
with the heather in full bloom . . .
we make our way to the Roman Bath House . . .
but no-one opted to try out the waters!