So you’re planning a visit to the Yorkshire Dales? Lucky you! This picturesque part of England is an entire region of natural beauty just waiting for you to discover it. And there is nowhere in the Yorkshire Dales that shows off quite so many impressive natural phenomenon as Malham.
This little village is conveniently located in close proximity to four incredible natural sights that you can’t miss on your trip to the Dales. So to make sure you don’t miss out, we’ve outlined this walk which will take you to the top sights in Malham, as well as giving you the opportunity to get acquainted with the stunning Yorkshire countryside! Keep reading for a full breakdown of the walk.
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Welcome To Malham
If you’re planning a trip to Malham, you’ve got an amazing treat in store! The pretty village of Malham is fortunate enough to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful, inspiring and otherworldly landscapes to be found in the Yorkshire Dales.
If you want to see the best of Malham, grab your walking boots and your hiking essentials, and prepare yourself for a day of outdoor adventure. This walk outlines an almost 9.5 mile circular route which will showcase Malham’s highlights, while giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the breath-taking Yorkshire countryside. Still need convincing? Keep reading to discover why Malham needs to be on your travel bucket list!
About Malham
The village of Malham is nestled in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tiny village is home to just over 200 residents, but the population swells, especially in the summer months, with an influx of tourists. Many of them come to enjoy the unique natural attractions that were carved into the landscape during the last ice age, which are the sights you’re going to be visiting on this walk.
If you want to learn more about the area, you can visit the National Park Information Centre, which is where you’ll be leaving the car!
Why Should You Visit?
To be honest, I can’t come up with a reason why you shouldn’t visit. The countryside is beautiful, the natural formations are awe-inspiring and the walk is challenging but so satisfying and leaves you with a huge sense of accomplishment. You really get to experience some of the top highlights in the Yorkshire Dales all in one day and immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.
Sold yet…?
What You Need To Know
Where to park: Pay & Display parking is available at Malham National Park Centre (BD23 4DA). The Pay & Display machines accept cash, card or contactless payment. Based on the length of the walk, I’d recommend purchasing the 24 hour parking ticket which costs £5.
Distance/Walk time: The total distance of the walk is 9.3 miles and will require approximately 3hrs 30 of walking time. This does not include time spent at each location, so you’ll want to block out a whole day in your itinerary to complete the walk and spend time enjoying the sights at each stop.
Terrain: The terrain varies throughout the walk but it should be noted that it is not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The majority of the walk follows well established footpaths, but there are sections that are uneven underfoot and a handful of gentle inclines and steep declines.
Facilities: Note that the only toilets on the route are located at the Malham National Park Centre at the start and end of the walk.
What to bring: This is a long walk so be sure to pack all of your hiking essentials. You’ll want to pack an Ordnance Survey Explorer OL2 Map (Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Area) or grab a digital Ordnance Survey Subscription.
When to visit: Malham is a popular destination year round, so no matter when you visit it is likely to be bustling with tourists on the route. Avoid peak summer seasons and the Easter break/school half terms. June and September are good months to visit when the weather is enjoyable but there aren’t as many tourists around.
Please note: Malham is a popular destination for walkers, and no doubt you will see plenty of them on the route! Because Malham hosts so many walkers, the area often suffers from footpath erosion from walkers wandering off the paths. Throughout this walk almost all of the paths are very clearly defined so please protect the environment and stick to them.
Walk Overview
This walk will take you on a tour of the most famous sights in Malham. It will also introduce you to the rugged terrain of the Yorkshire Dales. The route is steep and challenging in places but you will absolutely be rewarded for your effort.
On this walk you will visit the four following popular sights:
- Janet’s Foss – a pretty waterfall hidden in a magical ravine woodland.
- Gordale Scar – an impressive gorge carved into the landscape that could easily be mistaken for a land of giants.
- Malham Tarn – one of only two natural lakes in the Dales. A picturesque spot and often much quieter than the rest of the spots on the list.
- Malham Cove & Limestone Pavement – possibly the most famous spot in Malham and I bet you’ve seen it before! Keep reading to find out where…
It is a circular route so the full walk will lead you back to the car. It is worth noting that this is a lengthy walk, and there are instruction on how to cut out Malham Tarn from your visit to make the route shorter. However, if you have the time, I strongly encourage a visit to Malham Tarn and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Walk Instructions
So, here’s a full breakdown of the walk route. I’ve split each leg into separate sections to make it easier to follow, but to also have an opportunity to share a little more information with you about each stop on the journey. Ready to get started?
To Janet’s Foss
The first leg of the walk will take you though some pretty scenic countryside via some well-defined field paths. You’ll then enter the magical ravine woodland before reaching Janet’s Foss.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: approx 30 mins
Terrain: Well-defined paths throughout. Fairly flat terrain until just before you reach Janet’s Foss, where there is a small, rocky incline.
Instructions
The walk from Malham’s National Park Centre car park to Janet’s Foss is a pretty gentle one. It will take you through rolling fields and onto lush woods before encountering the falls.
From the car park, turn left and follow the road towards Malham. Head past Malham Methodist Church and continue ahead until just before the Buck Inn. Cross the road and take the footbridge over Malham Beck.
Once you cross the footbridge, turn right, and follow the gravelled path. From this point, the path is obvious to follow and will take you through a wooden gate and then a subsequent kissing gate, following the beck. You will pass through another kissing gate and see a signpost to Janet’s Foss.
Continue on the path with the beck on your right-hand side. You will pass through two further kissing gates as you walk between the fence on your left and the wall on your right. Continue straight on to a third kissing gate, ignoring the footbridge to your right hand side.
One final kissing gate in this stage will let you into the stunning National Park owned woodland ravine. You’ll be able to smell the wild garlic as soon as you enter! Follow the path through the woodland until you reach the waterfall.
About Janets Foss
Janet’s Foss takes its name from Janet or Jennet, the queen of the local fairies, and Foss is the old Scandinavian word for waterfall. Legend has it that Janet lives behind the waterfall in the cave, so keep an eye out for a little bit of magic!
The cave was formed by limestone being disolved and eroded by the water. It was re-deposited on mosses growing at the top of the falls, which has created a remarkable and fragile tufa screen all the way down to the plunge pool.
What To Do At Janet’s Foss
Janet’s Foss is a popular spot so you’re likely to encounter some avid photographers and walkers here. Admire the impressive waterfall or, if you’re brave enough, take a chilly dip in the plunge pool! You can also climb the path to the left of the waterfall to view the beck that feeds it, and admire the clear waters from above.
To Gordale Scar
Gordale Scar is only a short distance from Janet’s Foss and can be reached by a short walk. Climbing up beside Janet’s Foss can be tricky in parts as the rocks are often slippery. But after that the route is gentle and well-defined.
Distance: 0.6 miles
Time: approx 15 minutes
Terrain: After the initial climb beside Janet’s Foss, the route is relatively flat and primarily consists of roads or well-defined footpaths.
Instructions
To continue to Gordale Scar, follow the footpath that climbs up to the left of Janet’s Foss and pass through a kissing gate, before turning right onto the lane. Continue to follow the road as it bends to the right, following the signpost to Gordale Scar.
The path is clear and easy to follow as you walk through Gordale Scar’s campsite, before you enter the scar itself.
About Gordale Scar
Gordale Scar is a narrow canyon with sheer walls of rock that reaches hundreds of feet high. Gordale beck gushes through the ravine and forms a waterfall. If you’re feeling brave, it is possible to scale the waterfall and continue the walk from there. But for those who aren’t up for the challenge (like me!) I’ll be detailing the alternative route!
What To Do At Gordale Scar
Gordale Scar is my personal favourite spot to pause for some lunch on the route. You can take a seat on the rocks and admire the majesty of the ravine and the bravery of those climbing the waterfall. It is especially pleasant on a hot day, as the canyon walls cast long shadows and keep you cool and shaded while you eat and relax.
To Malham Tarn
This is the longest section of the walk but you will be able to experience some breath-taking views along the route. The terrain is fairly flat and is predominately either roads or well-defined footpaths. There is a gentle incline throughout though which can catch you off guard, especially on hot days!
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: approx 1 hour 20 minutes
Terrain: Primarily surfaced roads or well-defined footpaths. There is a slight incline throughout this section which can make it deceptively tiring in places!
Instructions
From Gordale Scar, retrace your steps along the main path and through the campsite until you reach the road once again. Turn right to cross back over the bridge and pass through the gate on the right-hand side which is signposted to Malham Cove.
Here you will pass through a field, following the wide path across the field to the corner of the walls, then continue with the wall on your right until you reach a stile. Over the stile, you will continue through the field until you reach a set of man-made steps and head through the gate. Turn left and follow the distinctive path for a few hundred yards, passing through two more gates until you reach the lane.
Optional Shorter Walk
At this stage, if you want to opt for a shorter walk, cross the lane and take the path signposted Malham Cove. This route will take you directly to the Cove rather than looping north to Malham Tarn.
Continuing To Malham Tarn
If you choose to continue on to Malham Tarn, turn right onto the lane and follow it uphill for just over a mile. Use caution when walking on the lane as there is no footpath and several cars did pass us at this point.
Shortly after you cross the cattle grid, turn right off the lane where it diverts from the wall, and follow the track with the wall on your right. When you reach the T junction continue straight ahead.
Follow the track as far as Great Close Plantation, but don’t cross the cattle grid and enter the site. Instead, turn left alongside the wall, then continue straight ahead as the wall bears right until you reach a track. Turn right onto the track and pass through a gate to enter the land around Malham Tarn.
About Malham Tarn
Malham Tarn is one of only two natural lakes in the Dales, the other being Semerwater. There is a distinct lack of lakes in the Yorkshire Dales due to the prevalence of limestone geology, as limestone is soluble in water, meaning lakes are unable to form. Malham Tarn only exists because it lies in a shallow basin along a major geological fault on a bed of Silurian slate.
What To Do At Malham Tarn
Because of its distance from the other sights in Malham, Malham Tarn is often the quietest spot on the walk. This peaceful spot is an idyllic place to pause on the grass or a nearby rock and admire the incredible scenery. It is another great location for a picnic, or to lose yourself in a book if you fancy to travel at a slower pace.
You can stroll around the lake to admire this pretty spot from all angles. it is possible to do a full lap of the lake before rejoining the route where you entered Malham Tarn, to continue on to Malham Cove.
To Malham Cove
This section of the walk is a little difficult in places with uneven terrain throughout. But when you eventually emerge onto the limestone pavement above Malham Cove you’ll be rewarded with views that make the challenges worth it!
Distance: 2.7 miles
Time: approx 1 hour
Terrain: When it comes to terrain, this is the most challenging section of the walk. You’ll encounter rocky footpaths, steep declines, and a precarious tiptoe across the limestone pavement!
Instructions
Once you’ve passed back through the gate where you entered Malham Tarn, follow the footpath marked ‘Penine Way, Watersinks 3/4 mile’ which will rise over a slight hill before meeting the road below. When you reach the road, turn right and pass through a gate on your left hand side. Follow the marked ‘Malham Cove which will take you diagonally across the field, then follow alongside the wall on your left.
Continue to follow the wall until you reach the dry valley, which offers some incredible views from the high vantage point. The footpath through the valley is well-worn and obvious to follow. Continue to follow the path as it swings to the right and drops down to a wall.
As you reach the wall, turn left over a wooden stile and follow the sign marked ‘Malham Cove 1/2 mile, Malham Village 1 mile’. The route will take you down a steep decline, photographed below from the bottom. You’ll need sure footing to navigate down here! Once you reach the bottom, continue straight ahead before passing through a kissing gate.
You will encounter two stone stiles in the wall. Pass through one of these to emerge out onto the limestone pavement. Once you meet the limestone pavement, you will need to turn right and walk across it to continue on the journey.
Take care when crossing the limestone pavement because the surface is uneven and you will need to watch your step. Also, be sure not to venture too close to the edge, as there is a 230 foot sheer drop.
About Malham Cove And The Limestone Pavement
Malham Cove was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last ice age (more than 12,000 year ago!) The cove is more than 300m wide and 80m high!
The limestone pavement that sits atop Malham Cove is a fascinating formation it its own right. This natural landform consists of exposed limestone, which was unearthed when a glacier carved out the flat surface. Because limestone is soluble, over the years, rainwater has created drainage gullies, which have eroded over time to form the cracks.
Did you know? The flat sections or slabs of the limestone pavement are called clints and the the deep fissures are called grikes or grykes.
Another fun fact. There’s a good chance you’ll have seen Malham’s limestone pavement before, even if you haven’t visited. Don’t believe me? Go and watch Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows…
What To Do At Malham Cove
At this stage on the journey, it’s likely you’ll just want to grab a seat on the nearest rock and rest your feet! And possibly eat the remained of your snacks (if they’ve made it this far!) To be honest, my favourite thing to do at Malham Cove is simply to sit back and admire the incredible natural structure.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie and have any energy left, you will often see climbers taking on the sheer rock face. But if you’re anything like me, you’re probably content watching them from the ground!
To The Car Park
This final leg of your journey is a gentle one. Don’t worry, you’re on the home stretch now!
Distance: 1 mile
Time: approx 20 minutes
Terrain: After your descent from the limestone pavement, the return to the car park is a fairly gentle stroll on clear footpaths and roads.
Instructions
Once you have crossed the limestone pavement you will find a set of steps which will lead you to the base of Malham Cove. From here, there is a well-defined path, which leads back to Malham. Be sure to pause and look back as you go though, the view of Malham Cove gets more impressive the further away you are!
Follow the path through two gates until you reach the road. Turn left onto the road and follow it for 500 yards back into Malham. You will find the car park on your right hand side.
Walk Conclusion
So there you have it! By now, you’re probably tired and possibly aching from all of the steps you’ve taken. But you have now seen the very best sights of Malham and some of the most dramatic landscapes the Yorkshire Dales have to offer. Way to go!
I’d recommend heading to a local pub for a traditional Yorkshire roast dinner to refuel those calories you’ve burned! Well, maybe after a nap first…
Other Things To Do In The Area
If you’re lucky enough to be spending a few day in the Yorkshire Dales, here are some of my favourite attractions that you should definitely check out!
- Ingleton Waterfalls Trail – If your legs are aching for more outdoor adventure, check out this 4.5 mile circular route which boasts an impressive 6 waterfalls along the route!
- The Forbidden Corner – If you’re looking for an attraction that’s a little bit different, you really don’t get any more different than The Forbidden Corner! This crazy folly will make you feel like Alice when she steps through the looking glass and is an absolute must on my Yorkshire Dales bucket list!
- Brimham Rocks – This National Trust owned site is the definition of nature’s playground. These unique rock formations look fascinating and have the ability to tempt both young and old adventurers to scramble up for a better view!
Where To Stay
If you would rather spread the walk across multiple days, why not stay in the area? Here are a few accommodation options nearby:
- The Lister Arms – conveniently located on the village green in Malham. They’ve also been named Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2019 at the Great Yorkshire Show so you’re sure to get some good Yorkshire grub and local tipple!
- Beck Hall Malham – ideal for an enchanting escape, this magical hotel, deli & bistro can be accessed over an ancient clapper bridge.
- River House B&B – en-suite rooms with homely touches and wood burning stove in the lounge for a cozy retreat.
- The Buck Inn – Built in 1874 on the site of an old coaching inn, it is at the centre of village life and an ideal base for your stay.
Before You Go…
So, if you’re heading to Malham, be sure to bookmark this page or print a copy to make sure you have the instructions to hand!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
This is a brilliant in-depth guide! So many walk blogs give such over-view instructions, but these are so clear. I will definitely be looking to do this walk in the future. Janet’s Foss looks so lovely, no wonder it’s a popular spot.
I’m glad you find the instructions helpful! I’m the worst for getting lost when walking so I like to make each step as clear as possible! I hope you get an opportunity to visit, it really is a beautiful landscape! Janet’s Foss is especially beautiful and is one of my favourite places!
This looks so beautiful, Hannah! I love how lush this area is and instantly feel like doing this walk myself as well. Definitely saving your post for when that happens. Loved the pictures too x
I’m pleased you love the guide! Malham is one of my favourite places because the landscape is incredible! I hope you get a chance to visit soon! x
How beautiful are the Yorkshire Dales? I’m always looking for new ideas for walks in the UK, especially ones with woods and waterfalls, so thanks for the tip!
The Dales are stunning, aren’t they? I’m biased but it’s definitely one of my favourite places in the world! I hope you get an opportunity to try out the walk and enjoy the Dales scenery!
Malham looks gorgeous! I’ve never been to the Yorkshire countryside but would 100% love this hike. Your photos really bring the scenery to life.
Malham is so beautiful! I’m biased but I do love the Yorkshire countryside! I hope you get an opportunity to visit! I’m glad you love the post and the photos!
Love a good circular walk…and the Dales, and Yorkshire!
It’s a winning combo, isn’t it! I hope you get an opportunity to visit Malham and try it out!
Wow, I had never heard of this area. I travel to London for work quite often and might be making a side trip next time!
The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful area and well worth a visit if you’re in the UK! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I love the detail of this post, it has everything I need to visit. I love visiting the Ingleton waterfalls and Brimham Rocks and I will 100% use this guide when I visit Malham next time. I just had no idea Malham Cove was so high and wide!
I’m so glad you like the post! It’s a beautiful area, isn’t it! Brimham Rocks is another of my favourites! We visited Ingleton Waterfalls Trail for the first time on this trip…I’m not sure how I’ve missed it in the past! I hope you enjoy your next visit to Malham!
Malham looks like such a great place to visit. I like that there are several different length trails. Malham Cove looks right up my alley!
It’s a really beautiful area! Malham Cove is stunning and the views are incredible! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I love Malham cove it’s so beautiful and a lovely trail, there’s some great climbing there too.
It’s a beautiful area, isn’t it! I’m not brave enough for the climbing! I enjoy watching others climbing though, although I do have to hold my breath when they’re high on the Cove!
Wow! It certainly is beautiful! I love those waterfalls and the little house at the tarn. Pinning for later!
It’s so pretty, isn’t it! Janet’s Foss is a really beautiful waterfall, one of my personal favourites! The building at Malham Tarn was so photogenic! It was a really peaceful spot!
I am always amazed at great hiking posts that tell you distance etc. It’s so helpful. I appreciate knowing where to go and what to skip. Thanks.
I’m so pleased you find the guide useful! I try to include all of the information I’d want to know before heading out on a hike! I hope you get an opportunity to try it out!
This looks like an incredible area to go on a walk! I would love to visit here.
It’s such a beautiful part of the world! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
What a beautiful place to enjoy the trails! Bookmarking this for a future visit.
It’s a lovely place to go walking! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
What an incredible hike with stunning terrain and views! Coming upon a waterfall makes any walk a treat. I love all the greenery and scenic landscapes. Hikes on loops are so great as you constantly get to see something new!
It’s a fantastic hike! The scenery is unbelievable! I completely agree that adding a waterfall to a walk instantly makes it even better! I hope you get a chance to try it out!
The Yorkshire Dales are some of my favourite, but I’ve not had a chance to visit Malham yet. Will have to add it to my “must see” list! Janet’s Foss and the waterfall are absolutely stunning.
The Yorkshire Dales is such a beautiful area, isn’t it! Probably my personal favourite destination! Malham is a lovely place, I hope you get a chance to visit!
I’ve been to the Yorkshire Dales a few times on various walks, but I haven’t heard of this spot before – definitely adding it to my list!
The Dales are lovely, aren’t they? I’d definitely recommend Malham, it’s a lovely spot! It does get a little busy during the summer months but I don’t mind too much because the scenery is so incredible!
The Malham Cove looks beautiful! The greenery… and those stairs. Wish I was there right now! Thanks for putting this together. Saving to my Pinterest for when we can go overseas again.
Malham Cove really is stunning! It’s such a unique natural feature! I hope you get an opportunity to see it in person when we’re able to travel again! Thanks for reading the guide!
When I first read that this was a 15km walk I was a little skeptical that it would be one that I could complete myself. But the scenery is beautiful, especially The Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn.
I have to admit, I’d normally opt for much shorter walks than this one but the scenery is incredible and absolutely worth the hike! I like the fact that there are plenty of places to pause at each stop on the route, so you can break it down into what feels like a series of shorter walks throughout the day, rather than one long one. Alternatively, if you wanted to make it shorter, you could walk straight from Gordale Scar to Malham Cove, then drive to Malham Tarn as it has a car park there to save the longest leg on the journey. That being said, some of my favourite views on the walk were between Malham Tarn and Malham Cove so you would miss out on these. I hope you get an opportunity to try it out for yourself one day!
Beautiful captures! What a wonderful location! Thanks soo much for sharing
It really is a lovely place! I could visit it every year and never get tired of the views! I hope you get an opportunity to experience it in person!
Yorkshire Dales is very picturesque and a paradise for nature lovers. I am adding this to my list when I visit UK next time. Malham too looks amazing.
The Dales scenery is incredible! It always amazes me every time we visit! Malham is a lovely location and well worth visiting if you get the chance!
Have done this route several times over the last 35 years! or so with many more trips to the cove itself. It’s a good way to approach the cove as takes you straight to the top and is more of a surprise. What better walk includes a fairy dell/waterfall, the “entrance to the underworld”at Gordale scar, and such an expansive limestone pavement and ex-waterfall.
A definite good limestone fix for those in need.
I was lucky enough to see climbers tackling the higher waterfall in crampons one frozen winter!
Ps I have to take the shorter route, but have done the other bits on separate trips.
Thanks Hanna, well described and illustrated
It is a beautiful route, isn’t it? It is one that keeps me coming back again and again! And no matter how many times I visit, I’m always in awe of the incredible otherworldly landscapes! I think next time we tackle it we may do the shorter route then drive over to Malham Tarn – it is a beautiful walk but it was one HOT day on our visit! I bet watching the climbers in winter was impressive (and a little scary!) I wouldn’t have the guts for it! Thanks so much for reading!
This was such an epic walk! As someone who has never been to Yorkshire at all before, I found the whole walk entirely captivating – especially as it started snowing on the way to Malham Tarn and by the time I reached the limestone pavement it was completely covered and made for a hair raising walk across. Having completed it, I no have some great memories and photos that I will cherish.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the walk! What an incredible place to experience on your first trip to Yorkshire! I can imagine navigating the limestone pavement in the snow was a little hair raising! It is challenging enough when it is dry! I bet it looked magical though! I hope you’re able to visit Yorkshire again soon!
Wow, this walk looks amazing! What a great variety of terrain and sights along the way. Thanks for sharing.
This Malham circular walk is one of my favourite walks in Yorkshire. I love all the incredible sights you get to see! The route is challenging in parts but absolutely worth it to see how incredible the landscape is! Thanks for reading!
One day . . . . I will spend some time in the Dales and Malham is definitely on my list of things to do there. Thank you for this useful information.
I hope you have an opportunity to visit the Dales soon! Malham is such a stunning place, it is easy to see why it is such a popular spot! This walk is a fabulous way to see all the sights!
This is one of my favourite walks in England, have done it a couple times when I lived nearby. Love it so much. It wasn’t super hard, so should be suitable for most people, and the scenery is so varied. Also love that you can see Malham Cove from the village, if you unable to walk far.
Isn’t it a stunning walk? It is easy to see why it is so popular and people want to visit again and again!
Walking through this lush green area looks so relaxing. I’d love to give this walk in Malham a try.
The Malham circular walk is such a stunning route surrounded by so much natural beauty. I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!