The Ilkley Moor fell race is presented by Ilkley Harriers each year in February. Though only 5 miles (the race has previously been advertised as 4.5 miles, but vigorous feedback has persuaded us to remeasure it), it has a demanding course across rough terrain with steep climbs and ascents - it is a FRA Category A fell race.
The course starts on a good track just off Wells Road, rising steadily to pass The Tarn.
After this, the path narrows and crosses Backstone Beck near the road, then passes up between the Cow and
Calf to a wide level path.
A steep climb up to the Pancake Stone is followed by a level stretch back to Backstone Beck,
where all that precious height is lost as you plunge downhill on a rough narrow path to the footbridge.
Then you haul yourself right back up the hill on the other side of the beck, before swooping down
the Rocky Valley on a stony path.
A stiff climb up the side of the Valley to a large cairn is followed by a long stretch
along the skyline above Ilkley on rough terrain.
Through Barmishaw Hole, then turn left (South) for the steady haul (hope the wind isn't
against you!) up to the Badger Stone, then right (East) across rough terrain and small paths to the Keighley Gate road.
Leave the road almost immediately after joining it, to plunge down Weary Hill on a good path rejoining the
road briefly on the bend before crossing Spicey Gill.
An easy climb on the path through the bracken is followed by a fast traverse, before
the final giddy plunge down to the finish!
The attached map (and the description above) are for illustration only - on race day you
must follow the course marker flags and the marshals' instructions.
Thanks to Airienteers, the orienteering club of Airedale and Wharfedale,
for kind permission to use part of the their Ilkley Moor orienteering map.
We'll have a Google Map here soon ...
The Junior races follow shorter courses on the slopes below White Wells. See the junior page for more information.
Back to Ilkley Moor fell race page.