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Walk Details
This circular walk from the pretty village of Malham visits two geological wonders – Malham Cove and Gordale Scar – in one action-packed walk through the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Malham Cove was once a mighty waterfall, with its curved limestone cliffs eroded and sculpted by ice and water over millions of years. Today the water flows underground and the cliffs are popular with climbers and nesting peregrines, with steep steps leading up the Cove’s left flank to the spectacular limestone pavement at the top.
From the limestone pavement your route visits Malham Tarn before heading south to the impressive ravine of Gordale Scar, with its steep walls and stunning water cascades.
If you’re feeling brave you can scramble down to the base of the gorge, where a beautiful riverside path leads through woodlands and past the picture-perfect waterfall of Janet’s Foss back to Malham village and its welcoming pubs.
This route was voted third in a 2017 ITV poll to find Britain’s Favourite Walk.
IMPORTANT: Take care if you decide to scramble up or down the waterfall at Gordale Scar. The route is obvious and the handholds are good, but the rocks can be slippery – particularly after periods of heavy rain.
TOG VERDICT: A beautiful countryside walk that’s full of surprises. Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are two of the most spectacular geological features in Britain.
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Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Gargrave, Leeds
