Why is Ilkley a Walkers are Welcome town?
Walks for all abilities
Ilkley has walking routes for all abilities. If you fancy a short walk, there are lots of pleasant strolls onto Ilkley Moor or around Middleton Woods and the River Wharfe. For a more vigorous walk why not walk to Addingham and back or admire the views while walking the length and breadth of Ilkley Moor. Browse our guide; we're sure you'll find a walk to suit you.
Pathways that are kept well maintained
Bradford Council's Countryside and Rights of Way Service (CROW) protects and maintains recorded public footpaths and bridleways. The Service carries out planned annual maintenance, vegetation clearance and signposting, responds to reported new issues of obstruction, encroachment, or surface deterioration, and works with landowners to maintain and replace stiles and gates.
Dales Way
If you enjoy long distance trails try the Dales Way which officially starts in Ilkley. This 80 mile walk to Bowness-on-Windermere takes in the stunning countryside of Wharfedale and beyond and is a popular route for walkers of all abilities.
Interesting history
Ilkley has a long and interesting history that can be discovered while walking one of the routes in this guide. Ilkley Moor boasts several prehistoric rock carvings, the most famous of which are the Cup and Ring stones and the Swastika stone. There is also the huge embellished Badger Stone and the Twelve Apostles stone circle. All of them present unanswered mysteries about the ancient history of man on Ilkley Moor.
Beautiful countryside
Wharfedale is one of Yorkshire's most attractive dales and offers impressive views in any season. Middleton Woods is awash with bluebells in May and unrivalled views of Wharfedale and beyond can be enjoyed from Ilkley Moor.
Excellent walking friendly accommodation
There's an abundance of quality hotels, guest accommodation and self catering accommodation in Ilkley. Several properties in the area have been inspected under Quality in Tourism's Walkers are Welcome accommodation inspection scheme. Properties that have the accreditation offer facilities and services for walkers such as drying rooms and packed lunches.
Good choice of walker friendly pubs and restaurants
Ilkley has lots of walker friendly pubs and restaurants who welcome walking boots and sometimes dogs. Try Bar T'at which has lots of real ales as well as good food (walking boots welcome) or the Cow and Calf on Ilkley Moor.
Lots of information
Ilkley and the surrounding district offer endless opportunities to enjoy walking. Visit www.visitilkley.com for more walks or www.visitbradford.com for walks in the Bradford district. Ilkley Tourist Information Centre also sells lots of different walking guides and maps.
