Sunday, 8th August 2010

 

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

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.

 

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!

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