The rock is thoroughly saturated after a prolonged wet spell — 29mm in the last 7 days alone, with today adding a further 12.2mm of heavy rain. There has been no meaningful drying window; the gritstone will be deeply wet internally and climbing today or in the near future risks permanent damage to holds and routes.
Based on weather conditions only — does not cover bird nesting restrictions or other access issues.
How accurate is this verdict?
Climbing Outlook
Site Details
A major Yorkshire gritstone venue on Ilkley Moor, most famous for trad climbing but with a well-developed bouldering scene. Around 218 boulder problems plus 75 trad routes. The huge Calf boulder is the centrepiece. Easily accessible with large car park and refreshments nearby. Open moorland with excellent views. Can be busy at weekends.
- Rock Type
- Gritstone
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 260m
- Climbing
- Bouldering Trad
- Aspects
- S SW
- Problems
- 218
- Routes
- 75
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 7c+
- Trad Grades
- Mod – E7
- Access
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach
- 2 min
Site Data
- Name
- Ilkley (Cow and Calf)
- County
- Yorkshire
- Rock Type
- Gritstone
- Climbing Types
- Bouldering, Trad
- Aspects
- S, SW
- Wind Exposure
- Exposed
- Altitude
- 260m
- Latitude
- 53.917
- Longitude
- -1.8027
- OS Grid Ref
- —
- Access Type
- CRoW Open Access
- Approach Time
- 2 min
- Problem Count
- 218
- Route Count
- 75
- Boulder Grades
- Font 3 – Font 7c+
- Trad Grades
- Mod – E7
- Tidal
- No
- Parking Notes
- Large car park at Cow and Calf Rocks. Refreshments nearby. Can be very busy at weekends.
- Condition Notes
- —
- ID
- 79cc07e3-aeef-4660-a487-1eee1529c212
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