We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Spend an action-packed day at Ilkley Cow and Calf with abseils off the famous rocks, routed climbs in the quarry and bouldering challenges. Private group dates suit families and friends aged 10 plus when every under-18 is with a paying adult.
After meeting at the moorland car park and getting fitted with harnesses and helmets, you will dive into abseils off the crag, roped climbs in the quarry, and boulder challenges on Ilkley Moor. Instructors adjust the difficulty for every route so both brave youngsters and hesitant adults can find their rhythm.
A relaxing lunch stop on the moor gives everyone time to take in the valley views and recharge. Instructors keep the schedule flexible, swapping between sheltered quarry faces and open rock faces to make the most of the day conditions.
Cow and Calf Rocks rise prominently above Ilkley, featuring historic gritstone buttresses, safe abseil stations, and sheltered quarry walls ideal for family groups. Our instructors know every corner of the crag, including quieter spots away from busy weekend paths.
The crag commands sweeping views across the Wharfe Valley while remaining just minutes from Ilkley town centre for post-climb cafes and transport. We email exact car park coordinates and meet times ahead of your booked date.
Suitable for families and private groups with participants aged 10 and over; under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult. No previous climbing experience is necessary, just sensible outdoor footwear and normal mobility.
Please tell us when booking about any injuries, fitness questions, or worries about heights. We tailor the routes and belay setups so each family member climbs at a height and pace that feels comfortable for them.
Your day is built around Cow and Calf’s quarry bays and abseil lines, with coaches who know where to hide from the wind and which routes suit mixed-age family groups. We rotate abseils, top ropes and bouldering so nobody waits long on a busy moorland weekend.
Our instructors hold Mountain Training qualifications, enhanced DBS clearances, and extensive experience working with youth groups. Every piece of technical gear is inspected, fitted, and double-checked so you can climb with total peace of mind.
Meet at Cow and Calf Rocks car park, Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley LS29 8TA. Allow extra time for moorland or crag approaches from the car park.
We send final directions, parking details and arrival time before your session.
Private groups of family and friends with participants aged 10 and over who want a full day at Cow and Calf with abseils, quarry climbing and bouldering. Every under-18 needs a paying adult in the group.
Beginners are welcome if you can walk on moorland paths in sturdy footwear. Tell us about height confidence when booking so we can plan gentler pitches.
Your private day includes a qualified instructor, harnesses, helmets and ropes, plus coaching on abseiling, top-rope climbs and boulder problems suited to your group.
Transport to Ilkley, car parking, lunch and personal clothing are not included in the day fee. We email meet time and car park details once your instructor and date are confirmed.
We meet at Cow and Calf Rocks car park above Ilkley at the confirmed time. Directions and parking tips are emailed before your date.
The walk to climbing areas is short but on uneven grit; arrive with layers and lunch packed for a six-hour day.
Wear grippy trainers or approach shoes, full waterproofs and warm layers for exposed moorland weather. Pack lunch, snacks and water for the whole group.
Sun protection helps on sunny days. Personal medication should be carried by whoever needs it on the crag.
No prior climbing is required. Instructors teach harness fitting, calls and belay basics before anyone leaves the ground.
If some of your group climb indoors, mention grades when booking so we pick quarry routes that feel rewarding without being intimidating.
The standard adventure runs about six hours including a relaxed lunch stop on the moor with views across Wharfedale.
We flex the order of abseils, climbs and bouldering to suit weather and energy levels rather than sticking to a rigid timetable.
We use sheltered quarry bays when wind or showers pick up on the open edge. Extreme weather may shorten roped activity while keeping a memorable hill day.
If we cancel for safety, reschedule or refund options follow the policy on this page.
Private dates are priced per person with a practical maximum shown on the booking page so rope systems stay manageable for one instructor team.
Enquire if you need a larger celebration or school group arrangement with extra instructors so ratios and equipment stay within safe limits.
Choose your group size, request a date and we confirm instructor cover, payment and parent consent for any minors.
Minimum group numbers may apply on some private dates; we will confirm when you enquire.
Cancellation fees follow the UK tiers on this page. Reschedule is considered when you give at least seven days notice and instructor time is available.
Contact us early if your group size changes so we can adjust ratios or equipment plans.
About the centre
Ilkley
Operated by My Expedition Rocks, a partner of adventuro.
