Discover the Magic of Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley – A Yorkshire Gem

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley don’t just stand as a testament to the region’s geological beauty and historical richness, they have come to be a symbol for the whole county of Yorkshire. This iconic rock formation, consisting of an outcrop and boulder animalised into a cow and its calf, offers a perfect blend of scenic views, hiking adventures, and a dive into folklore. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a serene escape, exploring the Cow and Calf Rocks Ilkley promises an unforgettable experience.

The Legend of Rombald the Giant

The Cow and Calf Rocks are steeped in local legend. According to folklore, the Calf was split from the Cow when a giant named Rombald was fleeing either his enraged wife or the devil. Rombald is said to have planted his foot upon the rock, cleaving the calf away in the process.

One myth has Rombald landing again at Almscliffe Crags, North Rigton, creating the stone bowls to be found atop that outcrop. A variation of this legend is that Almscliffe Crags were formed after the wife or the devil threw them at Rombald.

Then, again either the wife or the devil, in turn, dropped stones they had been collecting and held in her skirt (or apron if the devil) to form other local rock formations, now known as the Great and Little “Skirtful of Stones”. 

The Great Skirtful of Stones is actually a great prehistoric site in its own regard; an impressive Bronze Age cairn, believed to have been constructed amidst the heather-clad moorland around 4,000 years ago. The sheer size of the cairn, measuring approximately 15 meters in diameter and standing nearly 2 meters high, commands a sense of awe and respect. Historians and archaeologists speculate that these cairns served as burial sites, making them sacred spots where our ancestors laid their most revered to rest.

Rombald gives his name to Rombalds Moor, the area of moorland between the Wharfedale and Airedale valleys. Rombalds Moor consists of several moors, usually named after the nearest town or village bordering it. They include (clockwise from north): Ilkley Moor, Burley Moor, Hawksworth Moor, Baildon Moor, Bingley Moor, Morton Moor, and Addingham High Moor.

Millennia in the Making

The Cow and Calf Rocks are composed of millstone grit, a tough sandstone formed over 320 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. This era was characterised by vast river deltas that deposited sediments, which over time, compressed into the gritstone seen today.

Since the end of the Carboniferous period, over a thousand metres of coal-bearing rocks have been eroded away from this region. The last million years have seen further changes, with Ice Age glaciers reshaping the Wharfe valley. They deepened and smoothed the valley, leaving behind glacial debris.

The millstone grit in the area not only defines the character of Ilkley, many of its buildings being built from the sandstone, but it also influences its environment. It results in acid soils, which support the growth of heather moors, and contributes to the softness of the water and the formation of the area’s rocky scars. The texture and composition of these rocks are a testament to the natural forces that shaped them over unimaginable spans of time.

The Story of the Quarry

Behind the majesty of the Cow and Calf Rocks lies the story of the old disused Ilkley Quarry. This quarry, now a quiet reminder of the area’s industrial past, was once bustling with activity. It played a significant role in the local economy, extracting the very millstone grit that was used to build Ilkley into the bustling community it is today.

According to local lore, there was once a “bull” companion to the Cow and Calf, but that was quarried for stone during the spa town boom that Ilkley was part of in the 19th century. This piece of folklore, though intriguing, remains shrouded in mystery, as no concrete evidence of the Bull’s existence has been unearthed by local historians.

The quarrying activities, which ceased many years ago, have left an indelible mark on the landscape, offering a unique glimpse into the human interaction with this geological marvel.

Hanging Stone Rocks

The Cow and Calf Rocks are part of a larger feature known as Hanging Stone Rocks.

The Hanging Stone Rocks behind the Cow and Calf Rocks and feature carvings, thought to date from either the late Neolithic or the Bronze Age. You can read more about the Neolithic and Bronze Age Mysteries of Ilkley Moor here.

The rocks were first described as the Hanging Stones in the local parish records of 1645, and their name probably derives from the old-english word hangra, meaning ‘a wood on a steep hill-side.’

Hiking and Walking Trails

Ilkley Moor, the home to these fascinating rocks, is a hiker’s paradise. From leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, there’s something for everyone. Popular trails include the Twelve Apostles and the Eastern Ilkley Moor Walk, a loop around the Cow and Calf Rocks that offers breathtaking views of Burley Moor. For a shorter trek, the White Wells Walk begins at the rocks and circles around, including a visit to Ilkley Tarn. More adventurous souls can embark on the Hebers Ghyll Waterfall Walk, exploring the northern end of the moors and the enchanting Hebers Ghyll.

More than Just Hiking

Ilkley Moor isn’t just about walking. The area is a haven for rock climbers, with the gritstone boulders providing ample opportunities for both beginners and experts. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find themselves amidst a rare moorland conservation area, home to species like red grouse and short-eared owls. And for the literary minded, the moor’s inspiring landscape has been a muse for poets and writers alike.

Access and Facilities

Ilkley Moor is owned and maintained by Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

There is a right of access across all of Ilkley Moor on foot and on horseback meaning that you can walk or ride anywhere on the moor but it is encouraged that you to stick to the extensive network of paths and tracks. You can read Bradford Metropolitan District Council’s guide to access here.

There is a free car park just off Hangingstone Road. The Cow and Cafe Rock Cafe is adjacent to the cafe selling hot and cold refreshments with a small outdoor seating area.

Further up and across Hanginstone Road is the Cow and Calf Hotel (website).   

The moor forms part of the South Pennine Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[8] It also forms part of the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The Friends of Ilkley Moor group (website) was founded in 2008 and works with partners to preserve the moor.

Cow and Calf Rocks on Film and Screen

Ilkley’s Cow and Calf Rocks have made a notable mark in film and television; the rock formations having been featured in various productions over the years.

Films Calendar Girls (2003) featuring an ensemble cast including, Helen Mirren, Julie Walters, Penelope Wilton and John Alderton, Miss You Already (2015) starring Drew Barrymore and Say Your Prayers (2020) an independent film set in Ilkley.

Television comedies and dramas using the rocks as a location include Monty Python’s Flying Circus (BBC), DCI Banks (ITV) and The Witcher: Blood Origin (Netflix)

The Cow and Calf Rocks have also graced various documentaries and lifestyle programmes. These shows have delved into the history and geology of the area, offering viewers an in-depth look at the significance of these natural formations. Shows featuring the famous landmark include Highway (ITV), Go With Noakes (BBC) and Treasure Hunt (Channel 4). You can find more about Ilkley’s history as a film and television location here.