Malham Cove and Gordale Scar Walk, Yorkshire Dales – Limestone Cliffs, Waterfalls, and Wild Scenery

Region: Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Malham, North Yorkshire, England

Places To Stay: Malham is a popular hub for walkers with great pubs, B&Bs, and countryside cottages. Book early, especially in spring and summer: Malham accommodation | Yorkshire Dales stays.

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Malham Cove is one of the most spectacular short walks in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting from the pretty village of Malham, this circular route takes in dramatic limestone scenery, including the mighty Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss waterfall, and the iconic Malham Cove, a huge curved limestone cliff featured in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows*.

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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: Malham Village Car Park, postcode: BD23 4DA
• There’s a National Park pay-and-display car park with toilets and visitor info.
• Google Maps link to Malham Car Park
• Download the GPX file here to use on your devices.
• You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.

Hike Profile

• Distance: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Highest point: 390m / 1,280ft
• Difficulty: Moderate – some rocky sections and a short scramble up Gordale Scar (can be avoided)
• Route conditions: Mostly good paths, with some steep and uneven sections. Hiking shoes or boots recommended.

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Hike Description

Leave Malham village and find the ‘Riverside Path‘ which will take you to ‘Janet’s Foss‘, a small but beautiful waterfall tucked in woodland. From there, continue up the valley past ‘Gordale Scar Campsite‘ to the dramatic Gordale Scar, a towering limestone gorge with a short but steep scramble up the rocks beside the waterfall. If it’s too slippery or you prefer an easier option, there’s an alternate route to bypass the scramble.

Once you’ve climbed out of Gordale, the route crosses high ground with great views before heading over to Malham Tarn, one of the highest lakes in England. From there, the trail winds down towards Malham Cove, with its epic curved limestone cliff and clifftop pavement. Take your time here, it’s one of the most impressive spots in the Yorkshire Dales.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, Yorkshire Dales – 3D Walkthrough

Descend the steps from the top of Malham Cove, enjoy the views down the valley, and follow the path back to Malham village for a well-earned rest. Pub is optional, but highly recommended!

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar FAQs

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