Driving from West Morton to Ilkley on Ilkley Rd/Keighley Rd?

[MitchT]

Having spent far too much time sat in long queues of traffic when driving from Bingley to Ilkley via Shipley, Guiseley, Burley, Ben Rhydding, etc. I started looking around for an alternate route. With the help of Google maps I found a road called Ilkley Road (at the West Morton end) and Keighley Road (at the Ilkley end) which I would join at West Morton and which would allow me to by-pass the regular traffic and possibly have some fun too. Does anyone here know that road? Is it a decent width or am I likely to face trouble if I meet someone coming the other way? What is the surface like - is it a decent road or do you need a Range Rover to make it from one end to the other? Also, will it be a no-go in winter when there's more ice and, possibly, snow around?

[Talkwrench]

Not sure which road you are referring to there.
If it is the road that runs from West Morton to Addingham over the tops, it is a decent enough road. Fairly narrow in places but reasonable stretches for a little fun. It can be a bit icy in Winter on occasions and isn't used enough to ensure that it is always kept clear.
However, if you mean the old road that runs from Keighley Gate, just behind West Morton over Ilkley Moor and into Keighley, then I'm afraid its a no-goer unless you have a decent 4x4. It is an old, unmade road, completely broken up and uneven in places, with large potholes, dips and rocks that can stump even a 4x4 if youre not sure what youre doing. I've done it a few times in my Range Rover and its great fun but not suitable for anything but an off road vehicle.

[RicksAlfas]

Bingley to Ilkely?
Wouldn't you go Eldwick - Dick Hudsons - Burley Woodhead - Cow & Calf?

The old Roman Road as mentioned above is impassable in anything short of a full on off roader.
I put my Mum's Nova SR on it's side on a ditch up near there many years ago.

[MitchT]

Talkwrench said:

However, if you mean the old road that runs from Keighley Gate, just behind West Morton over Ilkley Moor...

That's the one I mean. I guess it's a no-go in an E36 then! I couldn't tell from the aerial images on Google Maps, but I did have my doubts I must admit!!

RicksAlfas said:

Bingley to Ilkely?
Wouldn't you go Eldwick - Dick Hudsons - Burley Woodhead - Cow & Calf?

I would, but for the speed humps on Moor Road around Burley Woodhead and the inevitable 28mph queue of cars that seems to form along there these days... usually due to someone in a Corsa 1.2.

[burriana]

Try the back roads over from the back of Steeton then. A lot quieter and very scenic