First Image
Second Image More images
More (2)
Home> Walks> Ebor Way: Menston to Ilkley

Ebor Way: Menston to Ilkley

Recommended by
Our view
"A short but uplifting section along the northern edge of Ilkley Moor, amid rolling heather slopes and rocky outcrops, with wonderful views across Wharfedale"
Walk directions

Standing on the corner of Cleasby Road facing Main Street, in the centre of Menston, turn right and walk through the village heading north west. Go past the Menston Arms and continue on until the road turns sharply left. Here turn right on Bleach Mill Lane, signposted ‘Public Footpath, Burley Woodhead’. Sweep left past the houses and follow the track between fields to reach the entrance to the former mill. Take the path to the left of the building.

The route is nearly straight, making its way across the hillside and passing close to the right of Hag Farm. Continue through several stiles to reach a drive, at the top of which is The Hermit pub (see While You're There).
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Hedged lanes and field paths, then open moorland tracks, exposed and rough in places
  Dog friendliness  - Ilkley Moor is designated Open Access Land, so dogs on short lead between 1 March-31 July because of ground nesting birds
  Parking  - Roadside in Menston
  Toilets en route  - By Menston Community Centre and in Ilkley
About the walk
The final stage of the Ebor Way is perhaps the most dramatic, crossing the high northern slopes of Ilkley Moor. It's perhaps best known as the subject of the Yorkshire anthem 'On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at' (which is in fact dialect for 'on Ilkley Moor without a hat'). This large expanse of rough heather...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
not available. .
Explore
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Restaurant with Rooms
The Penny Bun
★★★★★
awardaward
"This is the place to go off-grid. Bedrooms with no TVs...."
Guest Accommodation
One Tivoli Place Guest House
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A perfect place to stay for those who really enjoy Japanese cuisine...."
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Self-Catering
Bogridge Farm Cottages
★★★★
awardaward
"Lovely spot for a family holiday among glorious Yorkshire countryside...."
  • Total units: 1
Nearby places to stay
The Penny Bun
The Penny Bun is a new-age inn, part of Denton Reserve, a project which aims to rethink 2,500 acres of Yorkshire countryside while combating climate change. Inside, the style is very ea...
★★★★★    Rating
One Tivoli Place Guest House
One Tivoli Place is a charming Victorian townhouse that offers a welcoming base just a short stroll from Ilkley town centre and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. The 5 individually...
★★★★    Rating
Bogridge Farm Cottages
This pleasant Yorkshire farm is home to the Bogridge Farm Cottages. Both were converted from a building once used for rearing calves. The farm is set in the peaceful Yorkshire countrysi...
★★★★    Rating
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn is a hidden gem (apart from those already in the know of course) – it's off the beaten track near the spa town of Harrogate. It's a Grade II listed, quintessential Yorksh...
★★★★★    Rating
The Great Victoria Hotel
The Great Victoria Hotel was built in 1867 as a Railway Hotel. Centrally located opposite Bradford Interchange, this majestic hotel as been a focal point for Bradford ever since the Vic...
★★★★    Rating
The Tops
The Tops Self Catering has been established since 1980 and provides 4 separate apartments only 2 miles from Leeds City Centre. They range from 1 to 4 bedrooms and they are all graded 3*...
★★★    Rating
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Dating back to the 17th century, The Devonshire Arms Hotel, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire sits pride of place in the glorious Wharfedale countryside. A long tradition of f...
★★★★    Rating
High Moor Farm Park
High Moor Farm Park is a peaceful family site, set beside a small wood and surrounded by thorn hedges, only a short drive away from Harrogate town centre. The pitches are located around...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Penny Bun
   AA Rosette Award
Moss and Moor
Box Tree
   AA Rosette Award
The Timble Inn
Places to eat nearby
The Penny Bun
   AA Rosette Award
Moss and Moor
Box Tree
   AA Rosette Award
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Brasserie Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Prashad
   AA Rosette Award
Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
2hrs 30min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
6 miles (9.7kms)

Ascent:
590ft (180m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
Find more walks in

Ebor Way: Menston to Ilkley

Recommended by
Our view
"A short but uplifting section along the northern edge of Ilkley Moor, amid rolling heather slopes and rocky outcrops, with wonderful views across Wharfedale"
Walk details
2hrs 30min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
6 miles (9.7kms)
Ascent:
590ft (180m)
Walk directions

Standing on the corner of Cleasby Road facing Main Street, in the centre of Menston, turn right and walk through the village heading north west. Go past the Menston Arms and continue on until the road turns sharply left. Here turn right on Bleach Mill Lane, signposted ‘Public Footpath, Burley Woodhead’. Sweep left past the houses and follow the track between fields to reach the entrance to the former mill. Take the path to the left of the building.

1 of 6

The route is nearly straight, making its way across the hillside and passing close to the right of Hag Farm. Continue through several stiles to reach a drive, at the top of which is The Hermit pub (see While You're There).
2 of 6

The trail carries straight on at the foot of the road, across the fields through more stiles, to turn left up the next drive. At the top turn right down the road, then left on a track that climbs to Barks Crag and is signposted 'Ilkley and Ebor Way'.
3 of 6

The next section of the walk is across rough, open moorland and follows the escarpment edge above Wharfedale. Follow any one of several tracks up to the edge and follow it north westwards high above the valley. Eventually it swings round to the large outcrops called the Cow and Calf Rocks. The town of Ilkley is now in sight below, while ahead and over to your left are Ilkley Crags.

4 of 6

From the rocks, locate the footpath sign for Ilkley and follow this through trees until you gradually drop down across more open slopes to a footbridge. Continue on past a pond (The Tarn), then on a tarmac path to the outskirts of Ilkley. Go through a gate, turn right and walk down the pavement into the town. Go over two crossroads and all the way down to reach the River Wharfe.
5 of 6
Turn left on the nearside bank through Riverside Gardens and along to the old packhorse bridge. This is the end of the Ebor Way and the start of the Dales Way.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Hedged lanes and field paths, then open moorland tracks, exposed and rough in places
  Dog friendliness - Ilkley Moor is designated Open Access Land, so dogs on short lead between 1 March-31 July because of ground nesting birds
  Parking - Roadside in Menston
  Toilets en route - By Menston Community Centre and in Ilkley
About the walk
The final stage of the Ebor Way is perhaps the most dramatic, crossing the high northern slopes of Ilkley Moor. It's perhaps best known as the subject of the Yorkshire anthem 'On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at' (which is in fact dialect for 'on Ilkley Moor without a hat'). This large expanse of rough heather...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
not available. .
Explore

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Restaurant with Rooms
The Penny Bun
★★★★★
awardaward
"This is the place to go off-grid. Bedrooms with no TVs...."
Guest Accommodation
One Tivoli Place Guest House
★★★★
awardawardaward
"A perfect place to stay for those who really enjoy Japanese cuisine...."
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Self-Catering
Bogridge Farm Cottages
★★★★
awardaward
"Lovely spot for a family holiday among glorious Yorkshire countryside...."
  • Total units: 1
Nearby places to stay
The Penny Bun
The Penny Bun is a new-age inn, part of Denton Reserve, a project which aims to rethink 2,500 acres of Yorkshire countryside while combating climate change. Inside, the style is very ea...
★★★★★    Rating
One Tivoli Place Guest House
One Tivoli Place is a charming Victorian townhouse that offers a welcoming base just a short stroll from Ilkley town centre and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. The 5 individually...
★★★★    Rating
Bogridge Farm Cottages
This pleasant Yorkshire farm is home to the Bogridge Farm Cottages. Both were converted from a building once used for rearing calves. The farm is set in the peaceful Yorkshire countrysi...
★★★★    Rating
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn is a hidden gem (apart from those already in the know of course) – it's off the beaten track near the spa town of Harrogate. It's a Grade II listed, quintessential Yorksh...
★★★★★    Rating
The Great Victoria Hotel
The Great Victoria Hotel was built in 1867 as a Railway Hotel. Centrally located opposite Bradford Interchange, this majestic hotel as been a focal point for Bradford ever since the Vic...
★★★★    Rating
The Tops
The Tops Self Catering has been established since 1980 and provides 4 separate apartments only 2 miles from Leeds City Centre. They range from 1 to 4 bedrooms and they are all graded 3*...
★★★    Rating
The Devonshire Arms Hotel
Dating back to the 17th century, The Devonshire Arms Hotel, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire sits pride of place in the glorious Wharfedale countryside. A long tradition of f...
★★★★    Rating
High Moor Farm Park
High Moor Farm Park is a peaceful family site, set beside a small wood and surrounded by thorn hedges, only a short drive away from Harrogate town centre. The pitches are located around...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Penny Bun
   AA Rosette Award
Moss and Moor
Box Tree
   AA Rosette Award
The Timble Inn
Places to eat nearby
The Penny Bun
   AA Rosette Award
Moss and Moor
Box Tree
   AA Rosette Award
The Timble Inn
The Timble Inn
   AA Rosette Award
The Brasserie Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Prashad
   AA Rosette Award
Chez Mal Brasserie and Bar
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby