Ilkley & Rombalds Moor Walking Map

Walking in the area of Ilkley and Rombalds Moor offers a mix of moorland trails, river walks, and historical landmarks. One of the most famous routes is the Dales Way, which starts in Ilkley and follows the River Wharfe into the Yorkshire Dales. For those seeking higher ground, Rombalds Moor provides an extensive network of paths, including the Twelve Apostles stone circle, an ancient monument set within the open landscape. The Ilkley Moor Circular Walk takes in key landmarks such as Cow and Calf Rocks, a distinctive gritstone formation offering panoramic views over Wharfedale. The area also forms part of the Ebor Way, a long-distance route linking Ilkley with Helmsley, passing through historic villages and countryside.

Ilkley and its surroundings have a rich history, evident in the town’s Victorian architecture and heritage attractions. The Manor House Museum, a former medieval hall, provides insight into Ilkley’s past, while Bolton Abbey, a short distance away, offers scenic riverside walks alongside the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The area also has railway heritage, with the Ilkley Line, part of the former Midland Railway, still serving walkers and visitors. Nearby, the Arthington Viaduct, spanning the River Wharfe, is a striking example of Victorian engineering. Though the region is inland, its landscape features echoes of an ancient coastline, with fossil-rich gritstone and geological formations visible on the moors. For more walking routes and historical information, visitors can explore Yorkshire Dales National Park.