Walk of the Month: Malham Walks
We like to help you explore the area whilst you’re staying with us. For those of you that can get out on foot, we hope our monthly walks help give you a little inspiration whether you visit us weekly, monthly or just once a year.
Malhamdale is home to spectacular scenery and the famous limestone pavements. With some of the best known natural wonders in the national park, a day trip to Malham is inspiring and educational. Whether you are looking for a quieter walk to the tarn away from the crowds, a wander to Janet’s Foss to try and spot a fairy, or a stroll to the famous Malham Cove, we’ve got you covered!
There is even a route by the tarn suitable for tramper hire.
The routes:
Malham Walks from Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre
Malham Cove: This 2mile stroll winds up through Malham to the bottom of Malham Cove, a 70m cliff of white limestone which has been a favourite for visitors for centuries, before returning the way you came, with plenty of opportunities for an ice cream before your return to the car.
Janet’s Foss: A 2.4mile meander through fields and enchanting woodland before reaching the waterfall which is named after the queen of the fairies. The return to the village along the same route offers another chance to try and spot a fairy through this magical forest.
Gordale Scar: If you fancy two stunning landmarks for the price one one, you can follow the Janet’s Foss route and then continue onwards to Gordale Scar. This hidden gorge has inspired writers and artists for centuries, and was created by the meltwater from successive ice ages. This route is 1.8 miles each way, 3.6 miles in total.
Malham Landscape Trail: If a circular route that features all three famous sights is more your thing, then you can follow the route for Janet’s Foss & Gordale Scar before turning off across the fields to reach the top of Malham Cove and it’s impressive limestone pavements. Having crossed the pavements you will descend to the base of the cove before completing your circuit into Malham. This loop is 4.5 miles in total.
The routes above can all be found here.
Malham Tarn Circular
This 4.5 mile circuit is an undulating walk exploring the landscape surrounding England’s highest lake, Malham Tarn. You will cover fields, tracks, lanes and woodland, along with a a number of gates & stiles. As well as the stunning views across the tarn and countryside you will also see points of interest along the route such as a Smelt mill chimney from 1815 and a house that was once visited by Charles Dickens.
The route for this walk can be found here.
There is also a slightly different version of this loop which is suitable for a Tramper, which can be booked in advance, allowing those less able to still enjoy the wonderful wildlife and nature around the Tarn.
The route for the tramper route and information on booking can be found here.
Terrain: Ranging from woodland paths to fields, lanes and limestone pavements depending on your choice of route. You will mainly follow hard paths and grass tracks. Please be aware that it can be muddy and slippery in wet weather and some stiles can be a little difficult, so sensible footwear is advised.
Please make sure to follow the countryside code, leaving gates how you find them, and keeping dogs on a lead near livestock and nesting bird areas.
Walk info:
It will take you around 40 minutes to drive to the start of this route.
For the Malham walks, please park at the Malham Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre car park, BD23 4DA. For the Malham Tarn walk, please park at the Watersinks car park, BD23 4DJ.
There are toilets in the National park car park (but none near the tarn) and refreshments are available in Malham village. Why not treat yourself to a pre or post walk treat at The Lister Arms, The Buck Inn or The Old Barn Tearoom.
Walk maps for this walk and many others can be found in our park reception . Let us know if you’ve enjoyed the route and please do share your snaps on our social media pages so others can be inspired.
