White Wells Ilkley
This circular walk will take you to the historic White Wells building on Ilkley Moor and then down to the Tarn for some duck feeding!
White Wells.
What a place. It’s the star of this little wander from Darwin Gardens, and is well worth a visit in its own right. Which is why we love this walk!
The Spa dates back to the 1700’s and simply oozes with history. The building has reopened its doors to the public having been closed for 18 months during covid, so you can go and view the spa bath, dip in the spa, learn about its history and grab a brew from the cafe!
Just keep your eyes peeled for the flag. If it’s flying, it’s open!
This walk will take you up to the building, then you can go and see some of the key parts of the moor that all relate to the history of the Spa.
It’s like a potted history of Ilkley Moor!
Walk details for White Wells
Distance: Just under 2 miles
Terrain: Well maintained, visible and defined footpaths. Some reasonably steep ascent at the beginning, but it is on a stepped footpath (under 75m).
Time: Less than 2 hours
Parking: Darwin Gardens Car Park
Public Transport: Ilkley Train Station and there are regular buses to the centre of Ilkley, although this is just under a mile away.
Dog Friendly? Yes
Location: Wells Road, Ilkley
Map: OS Explorer 297 Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley
What 3 Words: fictional.dialects.comply
Toilets/ Baby Change: No
Nearest Cafe/Amenities: White Wells itself has hot and cold drinks and snacks - only when the flag is flying! Ilkley Town Centre, (less than 1km). Picnic tables are positioned at Darwin Gardens and outside White Wells.
Directions to White Wells
Beginning at Darwin Gardens, head across Wells Road, and towards the paddling pool (I’ve never actually seen anybody paddling here, nor would I suggest it!) Lots of folk sail boats on the water here though! The path you need is at the far side of the water. It is stepped and ascends to your right.
Head up the stepped path (this is the Dales Way Link footpath) and follow it all the way up to White Wells Spa (it is the large white building ahead of you). In late summer/ early autumn, this path is heaving with wild blackberries, so if you are here in late August / September make sure you pack your boxes!
As you hit the top of the climb and the White Wells building, you will see a path descending to your left. This is your path down to the Tarn, but make sure you check out the historic building first! The spa is open to the public, and you can see the original water source behind the building (essentially now a tap!) If you do head behind the building, then make sure you head up the path directly behind the house to head to the rope swing which is located at the big tree overlooking the building (what 3 words thick.chap.juggle).
If you fancy exploring more of the history of this cool place, then head down the path to the little tarn (not Ilkley Tarn, but next to White Wells) The path has recently been restored so you can walk all the way around it. At the far end on the right hand side, there are some steps that have been cleared that take you up to the foundations of the old Victorian Tea Room that used to sit just above White Wells. That’s located at What 3 Words crusaders.linguists.necklaces . Once you’ve explored head back to the main path and turn right (heading away from White Wells) and head steadily down.
You will soon reach Ilkley Tarn itself. There is an easy concrete circular route all the way around the edge of the water. If you’d prefer not to, then you can cut the route short here, and simply turn left, and descent back down the tarmacked path to the paddling pool where you began.
Last walked January 2023
⭐ We hope you enjoy our walks, but please exercise common sense as routes can change with the weather conditions and seasons! The routes have been walked by our own two feet, but you know your own limits. Always take a back-up map, don’t rely on GPS alone, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and take adequate snacks and refreshments with you (although as a parent, I know you already know that bit!)
⭐ Leave no trace! Take nothing away and leave nothing behind, take all rubbish home with you.
What’s cool for kids on this walk?
✨ SOMETHING SPECIAL! White Wells is the original Spa bath of Ilkley, but don’t get too excited, they aren’t offering a manicure or a massage, just an icy cold plunge into the freezing cold waters of Ilkley Moor. Built in around 1700, the plunge pool was originally situated to the rear of the spa cottage, but was later replaced by two baths in 1791. One of these baths is still on display today, but is enclosed so you can’t see it unless White Wells is open. It is a New Year’s Day tradition to take a plunge into the icy waters here, 2023 is the first year since the pandemic that the dip has taken place!
✨ MILLENNIUM MAZE! Just behind the car park is Millennium Maze, which is less of a maze and more of a series of stone tracks to follow. However, kids love to run around the little trails, and it’s great if you feel like burning off some more energy (or just fancy enjoying some extra long naptime!)
🦆 Make your own duck food because there are ducks to feed!
🏬 CAFE/SHOPS/PUBS! Located a short walk from Darwin Gardens, down Wells Road is Ilkley Town Centre where you can find a fantastic range of local restaurants, cafe’s and pubs. The route is also pushchair-able.
🌳 Wells Road is lined with Horse Chestnut after Horse Chestnut tree. Why not go for a conker hunt? Check out our Nature Collector Crafts! Or to help with the walking whinges, why not try one of our walking games? Or you can download a free scavenger sheet!
Want to find more Ilkley Walks?
All of our family friendly walks are arranged in loads of different categories including, waterfall walks, short walks and walks with play parks. So you can find exactly the kind of walk you are looking for!
But if you want to find all the kid friendly Ilkley walks in one place?
Then why not head to our Ilkley Walks section!
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