Description
Ilkley Moor rises above the town of Ilkley in Wharfedale, a sweep of heather and gritstone moorland famous for the Cow and Calf rocks. Mountain biking here is on the moor's existing multi-use paths, with no built trails and no waymarked routes. Riding is allowed by Bradford Council, the landowner, under a written Mountain Bike Protocol, and the council asks riders to follow it closely.
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The Riding
The moor carries a web of rocky, natural paths across open heather, shared with walkers, runners and dog walkers. None of it is a bike-only trail and there is no trail centre, so expect to meet other people, give way to them, and ride at a pace that lets you stop. Much of the moor is also protected for its ground nesting birds, including curlew, golden plover, lapwing and short-eared owl, which is why the rules below exist.
The Mountain Bike Protocol
Cycling is not part of the legal right of access on the moor, and Bradford Council allows it on the understanding that riders follow its Ilkley Moor access guidance. In short:
- Ride only within the area shown for cycling on the council's moor map. Cycling is not permitted on the moorland outside it.
- Give way to other moor users, and stay on the trail rather than riding round wet or boggy sections, which are easily damaged.
- Avoid riding when the trails are very wet.
- No riding at night.
- No building jumps or features and no cutting new lines.
- No timed or downhill racing, including chasing times on apps such as Strava. The council says this is not allowed anywhere on the moor.
- Electric bikes are not allowed on the moor.
Local Organisations
The Ilkley Moor Trail Collective, formerly Ilkley MTB, is the local riders' group. It works with other moor users and Bradford Council on sustainable riding and trail restoration, and members hear about trail work sessions and trail conditions. Contact them at ilkleymtc@gmail.com.
Getting Here
- Park at the Ilkley Moor car park on Hangingstone Road, LS29 8BT, next to the Cow and Calf rocks, above the town on the east side of the moor.
- Ilkley railway station, at the end of the Wharfedale line with direct trains from Leeds and Bradford, is in the town centre below the moor.
Share
- If you have ridden on Ilkley Moor, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.