Route: Malham
Area: Yorkshire Dales
Date of walk: 4th October 2013
Walkers: Andrew
Distance: 5.8 miles
Ascent: 500 feet
For the third day in a row it was a rainy start to a walk as I set off from the village of Malham. However there was so much natural wonder on this walk that I hardly noticed
The first highlight was the waterfall known as Janet’s Foss, set in an idyllic glade, and flowing copiously thanks to all the rain
This was followed shortly afterwards by Gordale Scar, an awesome ravine with towering limestone cliffs. My intended route was up the waterfalls, but this was out of the question today – it would have been death or drenching, or both, and neither appealed to me
I retraced my steps for a short distance and made my way across to Malham Cove. I’d planned to visit Malham Tarn too but the adverse weather, coupled with the fact that I’d left my cheese and tomato sandwiches in the car, persuaded me to give the Tarn a miss and go directly to the Cove
This was another amazing spectacle, even in the rain, and I stood and gaped for a while before making my way across the slippery limestone pavement. Malham village was within easy reach from here and I was soon back in the car, wet but happy
Click on the icon below for the route map (subscribers to OS Maps can view detailed maps of the route, visualise it in aerial 3D, and download the GPX file. Non-subscribers will see a base map)
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Leaving Malham village
Approaching Janet’s Foss
Janet’s Foss
Another spectacle is to be found just beyond the waterfall
Gordale Scar
There is a way up the falls
Mmm… another day perhaps
I decide to retrace my steps - what an awesome place
It’s raining again on the way to Malham Cove
Yet another spectacle to behold - Malham Cove
On the (very slippery) limestone pavement looking towards Malham
Descending from the escarpment, the way back to Malham can be seen clearly
A couple of climbers make me feel inadequate for having retreated from the waterfall
Heading back to the village
A last look back at the Cove
A stone bridge takes me back into Malham
The rain was pouring but my spirits were soaring - what a fantastic walk!
