Trail Running Planet · South Pennines · Rombalds Moor
Ilkley Moor from the Cow and Calf
You run straight up onto the moor of the famous song, past the Cow and Calf crags and out to the Twelve Apostles stone circle, with cup-and-ring carvings scattered underfoot.
Distance
9.5 km
Ascent
287 m
Descent
281 m
Max elevation
385 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
1h 15m – 1h 45m
Grade
Moderate
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
LS29 8BT
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 9.5km loop onto Ilkley Moor from the Cow and Calf rocks, crossing the gritstone heart of Rombalds Moor. Short, open moorland running past ancient carved stones and the Twelve Apostles circle.
Hazards & notes
The moor interior is boggy and featureless away from the crags, so navigation matters in cloud, and the peat holds standing water. The Cow and Calf crags have steep drops, so keep clear of the edges.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/south-pennines/rombalds-moor/ilkley-moor-from-the-cow-and-calf
trailrunningplanet.com