Ilkgui one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

5*+ for the first half over stunning Ilkley Moor with its natural rock sculptures, balanced by a 4 for the second, bit less than, half which was more urban/suburban, and the final mile in Guiseley was a bit tedious, but worth it for the moor.

What a delightful start to the day at Ilkley station with a continental feel with people enjoying the cafe terraces. We would like to have stayed longer to join them and to sample the lido on yet another hot day but we wanted to beat the heat and take our time on the walk. Lots of places to get refreshments and we picked up sandwiches and cakes at a delightful bakery across from the station. Interesting climb out of Ilkley with desirable properties either side of the road before reaching a delightful path through a ponded park. Short, steep climb up to the Cow and Calf rocks accompanied by singing willow warblers, wrens and berried rowan trees. (NB this path could get slippy in wet weather).

Clear path took you along the lower slopes of Ilkley and Burley Moors amongst the cotton grass and heather with lovely views into Burley-in-Wharfedale with the hills beyond. A wheatear and kestrel were spotted as well as the more customary swallows and house martins.

After coming off the moor and crossing Moor Road, the walk into Menston was clear and varied along paths and lanes. The station at Menston was a delight and as the Slow Ways route from Menston to Guiseley wasn't as exceptional as the rest of the walk an option could be to get a train for this last part of the route or to return to Ilkley by train. Having said that the lanes and paths beyond Menston were fine, with care taken through the last field of young bullocks. The last km on Chevin End Road into Guiseley wasn't very inspiring but the mill and mill shop before the station added interest. (NB To avoid this road section a slightly longer route could perhaps be taken by taking a path round by Kelcliffe and the residential area beyond to join the main road again opposite the mill).

What a beautiful walk. What a beautiful walk! Lovely weather again. We passed by Ilkley train station, which was buzzing with people sat outside drinking coffee and having breakfast. We ascended up into the moors with lovely views across the valley, amongst beautiful purple heather.
We passed beneath the crocodile stone and then ascended above the Cow and Calf, passing the Stanza Stone on the way. A young family were preparing to do some climbing around the Cow and Calf.
A nice breeze made the heat bearable today.
On the ascent, we walked by the side of a tarn, which had a lovely shelter overlooking Ilkley.
The paths were well defined and shady. We dropped down into Menston and again followed shady, green paths to Guiseley. We passed the enormous woollen mill: Abraham Moon and sons. We briefly looked in the mill shop which sold beautiful blankets and cushions among other things. Alas, no room in our rucksacks to buy anything. We had a welcome stop for pancakes and tea before continuing on our way.

A most enjoyable short walk taking in Ilkley Moor with views across the town, walking past the Cow and Calf and various other rock features. Once the height of the Moor is reached, the path follows the contour to make for a very pleasant three hours. Eventually the walker descends into Menston and then Guiseley and follows a busy road to the main shopping street. This busy road is of interest because of the huge weaving mill of Abraham Moon and the walker mustn't pass by the opportunity of visiting the factory shop staffed by the immaculately dressed assistants selling top class (and cheap) weaved woollen products.

This is a fabulous route. The only reason I have not given it 4 stars is because it's not fully accessible... but if I could give it an x-factor star for being great fun and beautiful I would!.

Loved walking this route. Such a pleasure. Some stunning views too.

It would be great if someone could suggest another route option that is both easier and more accessible. This route is full of obstacles and some significant elevation to walk up too.

This skirts along the edge of Ilkley Moor following the established Dales Way/Ebor Way, trundles through Menston (another railway station if needed) and ends in Guiseley. It is safe, but not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There are numerous paths on Ilkley Moor so to avoid getting distracted, keep Moor Road in view. The short road walk in Guiseley is not beautiful, but look out for the clock tower in Netherfield Road car park which is all that is left of the Crompton Parkinson Factory (demolished 2006). The factory started in Frank Parkinson's garage in 1908 and became an international outlet for industrial electrical motors and light bulbs. Frank gave money to the University of Leeds for the iconic Parkinson Building.

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