Matthew Woodcock went on Ilkla Moor Baht At - and lived to tell the tale.

It was a masterstroke deciding to spend a day off walking on Ilkley Moor "a courting" my girlfriend Anna.

Mouthfuls of fresh Yorkshire air were just what we needed.

The experience was made even more pleasurable by the weather: the forecasters had predicted wind and rain. But we chose to risk it and felt smug as we strolled along with a warming burst of sunshine on our backs and a refreshing breeze on our faces. I love it when the weathermen get it wrong.

I didn't need a hat, and I'm still alive, despite the grim warnings of Yorkshire's 'National Anthem.'

But it has to be admitted that no sane person would want to trek across the exposed moors with a driving rain lashing into your face. We got lucky and enjoyed it all the more.

On the advice of an Ilkley-bred colleague, Anna and I chose a popular eight-mile moor walk which takes about four hours from the town centre. Apart from the initial slog up the hillside to the famous spa baths, White Wells, it is a gentle ramble. Best of all, the Dick Hudson's pub is your turning point after four miles.

The baths are worth a look but it would take a braver man than me to go for a dip, as the Victorians regularly did. They believed the water had special healing powers.

Our chosen walk is perfect for the inexperienced rambler as it is pretty much straight, with no map needed.

Aside from great views of Baildon Moor ahead, other sites of note along the way include the Twelve Apostles stone circle and the boundary stone of Lanshaw Lad, which presents a great photo opportunity if you can climb on to it.

We had worked up a sufficient thirst and hunger by the time we reached Dick Hudson's, which is family-friendly and does adequate bar food.

But be careful not to overdo the thirst-quenching or the walk back may not be so straight.

Back in Ilkley, I went on a mission to buy a kite, while Anna pottered in the many knick knack shops.

I had seen some kites being flown during our walk and it looked great fun.

After treating ourselves to tea and cake at the town's Bettys, we drove up to the "Cow and Calf" rocks for the kite's virgin launch.

The gusty moor was ideal and it took no time to get the hang of flying the kite.

By the time we drove back to York all that fresh air had taken its toll. I slept like a baby.

Fact file

- Getting there: Take A64 to Leeds, and then turn right on to A6120 outer ring road until reaching A660, signposted to Skipton. Continue along A65 past Otley to Ilkley.

- Dick Hudson's: Tel 01274 552121.

- Ilkley tourism office: 01943 436200.

Updated: 09:13 Saturday, July 05, 2003