XC Routes in ILKLEY

daveaasmith
daveaasmith Posts: 223
edited October 2011 in Routes
Folks

Anyone know any XC routes on or around Ilkely moor?

As a kid I used to ride across the moors (starting at Dick Hudson's), but even then I know bikes were frowned upon. Maybe that's changed and bikes are allowed up there these days? I've had a bit of a google and it seems unclear what the latest position is.

My folks live in Menston so whenever I get back over there I go for a blast on Otley Chevin, but there must be as much to ride in Ilkley.

Cheers, Dave

Comments

  • sniper68
    sniper68 Posts: 2,910
    There aren't any bridleways on IM so "technically" you can't ride there......but loads of people do :wink:
    Depends on where you stand on the BW/FP debate.I know a friend of mine who lives in that area rides there all the time.
    Lynskey R480

  • magpie316
    magpie316 Posts: 13
    have a word with these guys.

    http://singletraction.frankencrank.com/phpBB3/

    Post in ride section.
  • Eddy_B
    Eddy_B Posts: 122
    As a mountain biker you have the same rights on Ilkley moor as a walker.

    There are parts of Ilkley moor that are privately owned and these are signposted, here you are limited.

    Bradford council who own the bulk of the moor on the Ilkley side class the moor as common land and have allowed mountain bikers the same rights as walkers.
    Obviously there are restrictions in ths same way walkers do, ie care of the moor, nesting birds etc etc.
    I'll put up the council statement so you can see.
    the Dick Hudsons path is private, however the land ownre permits mountain bikers as ong as you are courteous to walkers and do not strat from the main path (washed out stream).
    have fun as there is loads to go at.

    Ed
  • steve1312
    steve1312 Posts: 79
    was up at dick hudsons today and was going to ride over to the cow and calf. But the was no cycling signs at the entrance to the path. Ended up cycling round on the road :(
  • Eddy_B
    Eddy_B Posts: 122
    you can ignore that sign, as I said the land owner permits bikes if you keep to the path and are courteous
  • daveaasmith
    daveaasmith Posts: 223
    Eddy_B wrote:
    I'll put up the council statement so you can see.

    Be interesting to see that council statement please Ed.

    Ta, Dave.
  • Eddy_B
    Eddy_B Posts: 122
    "Ilkley Moor Mountain Bike Protocol

    1. Bradford Council Countryside and Rights of Way Service and the Mountain Bike Users who use Ilkley Moor share the following interests with regard to Ilkley Moor:
    a. Minimise conflict between users.
    b. Protect habitats and species – in particular ground nesting birds and wet heath vegetation communities.
    c. Minimise trail erosion.
    d. Protect the safety of all users.
    e. Maintain ongoing communication between statutory and regulatory agencies and user groups.
    f. Monitor the moorland environment and intervene when conflict or damage becomes unsustainable.
    g. Recognise mountain biking as one of a range of activities (all of which have some impact on the moorland environment) currently conducted on the moor.

    2. The Ilkley Moor Management Plan - which was written by Bradford Council and approved by Natural England – states:

    As a registered urban common, Ilkley Moor falls under the Law of Property Act 1925, which states that vehicles are not permitted – bicycles are classed as vehicles. It is therefore, forbidden to ride mountain bikes or any other bicycle on the moor other than across Keighley Road. The Act does, however, state that this is prohibited “without lawful authority” from the landowner. The use of Ilkley Moor by mountain bikes is being monitored and consideration will be given to allowing it where routes can sustain such use and where conflict with other users is minimised. Where there is evidence that bicycles are causing unreasonable damage, they will be prohibited.

    3. Bradford Council - as the landowner of Ilkley Moor - grants lawful authority for Mountain Bike Users to ride on the trails on Ilkley Moor, except for those trails that are identified by Bradford Council as unsuitable for passage by any user. Such trails will be clearly marked.

    4. When riding on Ilkley Moor, Mountain Bike Users agree to abide by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) UK Rules of the Trail.

    5. Mountain Bike Users agree to give way to other moorland users to avoid conflict. See point 4of IMBA UK Rules of the Trail.

    6. The follow locations are considered particularly vulnerable . Bradford Council intends to undertake remedial work to reinforce these trails by autumn 2010. In the meantime, Mountain Bike Users agree to treat these trails in a way that avoids or minimises damage (e.g. avoid riding on the trails in significantly wet conditions, avoid deviating from the trail).

    a. The boardwalk on the Dick Hudson’s path
    b. The trail from Trig Point to Thimble Stones
    c. The trail on Crawshaw Moss (aka Red Bog)

    7. Mountain Bike Users use the Moor at their own risk and no liability for injury to themselves or third parties will fall to the Council.

    8. Creating obstacles or new trails on Ilkley Moor is prohibited.

    9. Mountain Bike Users agree to actively promote this agreement.

    10. Bradford Council, Natural England and Mountain Bike Users will continue ongoing communication through the Rombalds Moor Forum and Rombalds Moor Forum Steering Group.

    In granting lawful authority, Bradford Council expects that
    Mountain Bike Users will comply with this protocol."
  • Eddy_B
    Eddy_B Posts: 122
    BTW it took nearly two years to get that statement :)

Categories