MALHAM - 24/06/09

The picturesque scenery around Malham in Yorkshire is amongst the most spectacular in the British Isles and attracts visitors from around the world. This page of images is the first from a few days spent in the Yorkshire Dales in June and includes details of a 4.5 mile walk in Malhamdale.

There are a number of walks in the area, from a short stroll around Malham Village to challenging routes with rock climbing thrown in. A popular choice is the 4.5 mile walk starting from the National Park Centre in Malham Village, where facilities include a Visitor Centre with  bus links, car parking and tourist information. To follow this walk turn left from the Centre and after a short distance cross the bridge on the opposite side of the road. From here follow the path south, (the Pennine Way) for a short distance before turning left at Mires Barn and following the route through fields and woodland before reaching Janet's Foss waterfall.
Stop a while to admire the view at Janet's Foss but watch out for midges biting, (I still look like I've got Measles even a week later). The waterfall is so named as the Queen of the Fairies, Janet, is thought to have lived in a cave here. Shortly after leaving the waterfall the path joins with a road where you turn right to walk alongside Gordale Beck towards the magnificent Gordale Scar. After reaching Gordale Scar you can carry on towards Malham Tarn if you wish to extend the walk, by climbing the rocks near the waterfall; or to follow the 4.5 mile route retrace your steps back towards the road.
At the road cross a small bridge on the right over Gordale Back and follow the signs to cross the fields towards Malham Cove and past and the remains of and Iron Age Settlement. Keep following this path through the fields until you reach another road which you cross towards the Cove. This path takes you across the limestone pavement above Malham Cove with good views across the surrounding countryside and Malham Village. The limestone pavement is treacherous even in dry conditions so watch your step here before you reach the steps to follow towards Malham Cove. From Malham Cove simply follow the path away from the Cove back towards the Village and the National Park Centre.