As well as an outstanding view, walkers on Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire, are treated with an ancient enigma. The Swastika Stone, situated at the Northern edge of the moor has many people pondering its existence. This unusual carving is made up of four spiral arms, one of which has a further appendage. There is a cup in the loop of each arm, and one in the outer ring of each arm. With the cup in the centre of the design, the cups themselves form a 5×5 cross figure.
The cups in the swastika align north-south and east-west, with the northern line pointing directly towards Simon’s Seat on the northern skyline. Meanwhile the eastern axis points directly at Almscliffe Crag, above which the equinox rises.
The origins of this carving are unknown. Some think the figure was carved by one of the Lingones Celts during the Romano-British period, but others think it dates from the Iron Age.
The Victorians saw fit to copy the design, and a similar, less weathered swastika can be seen engraved nearby.
Whatever its origins, the stone is a good excuse to stop, take in the magnificent vista and ponder on the previous inhabitants.