The Tarn on Ilkley Moor

Ilkley Moor is an area of upland moorland, covering 676 hectares, and lies to the south of the town of Ilkley in Wharfedale.

Ilkley Tarn, formerly known as ‘Craig Dam’, was a marshy area of moorland that was used to supply water to the mill pond in Wells Road which then fed the workings in Mill Ghyll lower down the hill towards Ilkley town centre.

In 1873 a committee of local gentlemen was formed to extend Craig Dam and make the area suitable place for visitors. It became a popular place to walk in summer, and ice skate in winter.

A number of different types of entertainment were available in the early 20th century, including ‘Pierrot’ performances, brass bands and open air services organised by the Congregational Church.

Today, there is simply the tarn, a footpath around it with seats and a shelter for when the weather becomes inclement.

It was a dull grey day when I walked around the Tarn and on to the Cow and Calf rocks, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. A lot of other people were walking on Ilkley Moor too, although with the large number of paths available it didn't seem crowded.

Ian

[Margaret Brown]

Lovely even in winter!

[carol white]

Nicely composed, a lovely scene

[Nina Ganci]

very pleasant place to go for walks, love the framing
would be nice to have seen the entertainment but I suppose we are born in a different era

[KoalaGardens🐨]

so beautiful

[Peter H]

A lovely area, know it from holidays, fond memories.

[JudithTB]

Looks like an inviting place for walks. Captured very nicely.

[Gem]

Looks and sounds like a lovely place to go walking :)

[Pyrrhula]

Great shot and view of this beautiful place.

[william wooderson]

Very tranquil... do you go there often?

[Fisher Family]

@craftymeg @carolmw @ninaganci @koalagardens @peadar @judithtb @gemmag @pyrrhula @will_wooderson

Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are very much appreciated!

I have fond memories of Ilkley from when our daughters were young. It's quite a few years since I was last on Ilkley Moor. My most recent visits to Ilkley tend to have been rather brief, when changing buses that form part of the Dalesbus network which allows exploration of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Ian