Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Malham Tarn - Route.
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Grade: Easy
Map: OS Explorer OL02 - Yorkshire Dales, Southern & Western areas
Start point: Malhamdale National Park Centre car park.
Grid Reference: SD 900 626
Nearest Post Code: BD23 4DG
| Serial | Distance | Grid Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 00.00 miles | SD 900 626 | Leave the car park and turn left along the road towards the centre of Malham, pass the Wesleyan chapel built in 1865 (Malham Methodist Church). After about 50 yards cross over the road, and near the Smithy's workshop turn right off the road and cross over the footbridge. |
| 02 | 00.10 miles | Follow Malham Beck upstream away from Malham, passing through several kiss gates. Following the Pennine Way to a path junction near Mires Barn. | |
| 03 | 00.37 miles | SD 902 624 | At the junction turn left and follow the well maintained path, after about 0.75 miles enter the almost magical Wedber Wood, with Gordale Beck on your right. |
| 04 | 01.29 miles | SD 911 633 | Continue along the path to Janet's Foss waterfall. The path climbs to the left of the waterfall. Where the path meets Gordale Lane/Hawthorns Lane, turn right. |
| 05 | 01.43 miles | SD 913 635 | After 200 yards, turn left into the Gordale campsite and continue along the public rights of way path. |
| 06 | 01.75 miles | SD 914 639 | At the foot of Gordale Scar waterfall there is the option to continue up Gordale Scar either scrambling over the rocks (not for the inexperienced) or following the less well defined path that leads to Malham Tarn after about 2 miles. |
| 07 | 02.00 miles | SD 913 635 | If not scrambling over Gordale Scar to Malham Tarn, retrace the route back to serial 5 above. Then turn right and follow Gordale Lane until it meets a finger post signed Malham Cove. |
| 08 | 02.93 miles | SD 912 634 | Turn right following the path along the Dales High Way with a short climb up Sheriff Hill where the path forks. |
| 09 | 03.00 miles | SD 899 641 | The right hand fork leads to Malham Tarn after about 2 miles, if taking the detour to Malham Tarn, retrace the route back to this point.
Take the left hand fork that leads to Malham Cove. |
| 10 | 03.3 miles | SD 895 641 | Walk across the top of Malham Cove to its eastern edge, and descend the staircase. |
| 11 | 05.00 miles | SD 896 637 | Follow the Pennine Way with Malham Beck on your left, all the way back into the village and to the start point. |