The rock at Cow and Calf is almost certainly still wet internally following a prolonged period of frequent rain. There has been significant precipitation over the last two weeks with no sustained dry spell, and today itself has 1mm forecast — conditions are not suitable for climbing on gritstone.
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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