Bramhope to Ilkley (anti-clockwise)
- Fairly tough
- Rail access
- Guiseley, Menston and Ilkley stations (Bradford/Leeds). - Other access - I've taken a cycle over Ilkley Moor, by the Twelve Apostles stone circle, Dick Hudson's, down Shipley Glen to Saltaire Station - no reason why it couldn't be done the other way?
- Bramhope - Sustrans National Cycle Network map for the start of this section (opens in a new window)
Route
The route continues from Bramhope, straight ahead at every junction (including a couple of staggered junctions, along the top of Otley Chevin - with fine views over both Airedale and Wharfedale.
On the descent from the ridge, you will come to a well-staggered juntion; take the left of the tee, and immediately right, to drop down into Menston.
You should cross the railway, and soon after, the A65 Leeds-Ilkley road; take the road sraight ahead. Turn right into Main Street (just after the recreation ground on your right), and follow it through the village, bearing left into Moor Lane.
You now have a climb up to a T-junction; turn right, and continue climbing through Burley Woodhead, onwards and upwards along the edge of Rombald's Moor (don't be tempted by any roads that drops to the right!), until you reach the Cow and Calf Rocks.
The road now drops fast into Ilkley town; you'll reach a main road, and see the station on the other side.
On to HaworthDiversions
- There's some good walking on Otley Chevin; we leave our cycles at the pub on the top (much easier than ridng them back to the top).
- Ilkley Moor - more good walking, and plenty to ponder over, with the stone circles and carvings of Bronze Age communities.
- When you descend from Otley Chevin, turn left on to the A65; you're only half a mile from the original Harry Ramsden's. (Well, I've got to have something to persuade the kids to keep going!)