Rombald's Moor

Wind whips across this sprawling moorland that stretches between Ilkley and Keighley, offering some of the finest walking country in West Yorkshire. Rombald's Moor isn't just one peak but a collection of rolling hills and rocky outcrops that reward walkers with proper views across the Yorkshire Dales and down into the Aire Valley. The famous Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor form part of this larger moorland system, though the moor itself extends much further than most visitors realise.

Serious walkers will love the challenge - there are miles of footpaths threading between heather and bilberry, with the Dales Way cutting right across. Families might find it heavy going unless they stick to the more accessible areas near the edges. Spring brings purple heather blooms, while autumn turns the landscape into a patchwork of russet and gold.

Allow a full day if you're planning a proper hike across the moor from Shipley Glen to Ilkley. The terrain can be boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential. No admission fees, naturally - this is proper Yorkshire countryside at its most authentic. Several holiday parks dot the area below, making it an excellent base for exploring the broader Yorkshire Dales region.