Cow and Calf and the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor
West Yorkshire
Ilkley Moor is the best known part of Rombalds Moor, a registered urban common above Wharfedale where dogs must stay on a lead among grazing sheep, though there is a right of access on foot across the whole moor. The walk starts beside the Cow and Calf, the giant gritstone boulders on the moor edge above Ben Rhydding, and climbs past old quarry workings and up the line of Backstone Beck, where one of the Stanza Stones poem carvings sits beside the path. It crosses the open heather to the Twelve Apostles, a ring of twelve stones that Historic England lists as nationally important, before returning past Lower Lanshaw Dam to the rocks. The circuit is about 8km with a steady, moderate climb, on rough moorland paths and flagged sections that can be muddy after rain, with the long view over Ilkley and the Wharfe as the reward.
This dog friendly walk needs a lead for much of the year. Sheep graze Ilkley Moor under common rights, and Bradford Council asks for dogs to be on a lead near livestock and during the ground-nesting bird season from March to July, when curlew, lapwing and golden plover breed on the heather. Outside those times, a dog with solid recall can have some freedom on the wider paths, but there is little shade on the open moor. Backstone Beck gives water on the way up. There are no toilets at the car park or on route, and the Cow and Calf Rock Cafe sits next to the free car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Cow and Calf Rock Cafe beside the car park; no toilets at the car park or on route; pubs and cafes in Ilkley.
- Parking
- Free car park beside the Cow and Calf rocks on Hangingstone Road, Ilkley.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Cow and Calf and the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in West YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cow and Calf and the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk across Ilkley Moor, which is a registered urban common with a right of access on foot. It earns a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness — the wide heather moorland and the landmark Cow and Calf rocks make for a rewarding outing, though leads are required for much of the year due to grazing sheep and ground-nesting birds.
Can dogs be off lead at Cow and Calf and the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor?
Off-lead time is limited here. Sheep graze the moor under common rights, and Bradford Council asks that dogs are kept on a lead near livestock and throughout the ground-nesting bird season from March to July, when curlew, lapwing and golden plover breed on the heather. Outside those periods, a dog with solid recall can enjoy a little more freedom on the wider paths, but be prepared to lead up for much of the circuit.
What should I know before visiting Cow and Calf and the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor with my dog?
The circular route is around 8km with a moderate climb on rough moorland paths and flagged sections that can get muddy after rain, so boots are a good idea for you and paw checks for your dog afterwards. Backstone Beck provides a natural water source on the way up, but there is very little shade on the open moor, so bring water on warmer days. There are no toilets at the free car park on Hangingstone Road or along the route, though the Cow and Calf Rock Cafe sits right beside the parking area, and there are further cafes and pubs in Ilkley.
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