This is an area of rough heather covered moorland northeast of Ilkley and northwest of Otley. It has several carved rocks (about 2 dozen), but due to the undergrowth and lack of tracks they can be difficult to find. One particular carving somewhere near SE167506 consists of a human figure with an arch over its head, which could be interpreted as either a shaman, a hunter with a bow, or some kind of deity. Unfortunately due to some over inquisitive sheep I was unable to find the carving.
If you venture onto the moor, it is worth taking the one track that does exist that leads from a gate north of the carpark on Askwith Moor Road, to a triangulation point at Shooting House Hill where there is a spectacular 360 degree view of this whole area between the Wharf and the Washburn.
Once you've crossed the field and are on the moor itself the stone wall dog-legs to the left and this is where the rock is - in a direct line with Carr Farm and the radio mast.
It really is a beautiful carving.
Snowden Carr I (Cup and Ring Marks / Rock Art) — Fieldnotes
Near the track on the right leading to Carr Farm there is a gate and the large panel is in this field, about 15 yards away.
The carving is very clearly defined - a perfect example of cup and ring - so much so that it may have been protected by vegetation till relatively recently.
About 500 yards further to the west over the wall and on the moor itself is the exquisite Tree of Life - definitely worth a visit.
E.T. Cowling in "Rombalds Way" (1946) describing the Tree of life stone, records that ......
"it is one of the few known to local inhabitants, and marks the site of many May day religious services." Mayday folklore and customs have often been related to promoting fertility in people, animals and the land. Perhaps there is a link to Yorkshires' other carved stone The Fertility Stone