Trail Running Planet · South Pennines · Rombalds Moor
The Ilkley Skyline
Eleven kilometres of unbroken moor crest, then you cross the valley and run the skyline back the other way with your entire morning laid out in front of you. It is the biggest day available from an Ilkley train station.
Distance
35.1 km
Ascent
808 m
Descent
812 m
Max elevation
407 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
4h 30m – 6h 5m
Grade
Expert
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
LS29 7SQ
Dogs
Not suitable
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 35.1km horseshoe of the whole Wharfe valley around Ilkley, running the full crest of Rombalds Moor from Burley Woodhead to Addingham High Moor, dropping to the river and climbing the other side over Beamsley Beacon, Round Hill and Lippersley Pike. 870m of climb.
Hazards & notes
Two full valley crossings mean you climb everything twice, and the second 300m ascent starts at 14km when your legs have already done a moor traverse. The Denton Moor ground between Round Hill and Lippersley Pike is wet, open and short of features, and needs a map and compass in cloud. Denton, Askwith and Blubberhouses are driven grouse moors where access land can be closed for up to 28 days a year, so check the Natural England restrictions before travelling, particularly from 12 August. No water anywhere on the high ground.
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-skyline-trail-running-route
trailrunningplanet.com