Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove - 12 Miles

Join us for one of the finest walks in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking in some of Britain’s most spectacular limestone scenery. This is a challenging but hugely rewarding circular packed with dramatic landscapes, fascinating geology and a little adventure.

Starting from the village of Malham, we’ll make our way to the awe-inspiring Gordale Scar, where towering limestone cliffs rise over 100 metres above the valley floor. Here we’ll tackle the famous waterfall scramble. It’s short but steep, requiring the use of hands as well as feet. But if anyone doesn’t want to do it there is an alternative path along the top of the gorge and we can meet back up at the top of the waterfall.

From Gordale we’ll continue onto the peaceful Malham Tarn, England’s highest limestone lake. Owned by the National Trust, the tarn and surrounding nature reserve are internationally important for their rare plants, birds and wildlife.

Our route then heads across classic limestone country towards the magnificent Malham Cove. Formed over 12,000 years ago when meltwater from the last Ice Age created a huge waterfall, the cove’s curved limestone cliff stands around 80 metres high. The limestone pavement on top is one of the best examples in Britain and has featured in films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

We’ll descend the famous stone steps beside the cove before following riverside paths back into Malham to complete the circuit.

Local History

Malham has been attracting visitors for centuries. During the Victorian era it became one of Yorkshire’s most popular beauty spots as the expanding railway network made the Dales accessible to day-trippers. The surrounding landscape tells a much older story, however. The limestone scenery was shaped over millions of years before being dramatically sculpted by glaciers and meltwater during the last Ice Age, creating Gordale Scar, Malham Cove and the unique limestone pavements that make this area so distinctive today.

This is a superb walk offering dramatic scenery from start to finish and is widely regarded as one of the Yorkshire Dales’ classic circular routes.

Walk Details

• Distance: Approximately 12 miles
• Ascent: Around 1,300 feet (400 m)
• Grade: Moderate to challenging
• Terrain: Good paths, rocky sections, uneven limestone, one waterfall scramble and some steep ascents/descents.
• Please wear suitable walking boots with good grip and bring waterproof clothing, food and plenty of water.
• Dogs are welcome. There might be some sheep on the way, so if you are letting your dog off the lead make sure you have got good recall.

Meet outside the Malham National Park Visitor Centre, postode BD23 4DA. The car park can fill up early, so if the official car park is full, additional roadside parking is available on Chapel Gate.
Please only RSVP if you definitely intend to come.