Malham Cove

About trip

This spectacular walk is the southern Yorkshire Dales classic and probably the most popular of all walks in the National Park. And that includes the Three Peaks. The circular course crosses some of the best limestone scenery in the Dales and in turn visits Janet's Foss waterfall, awesome Gordale Scar, quiet Malham Tarn and finally the towering limestone scar at Malham Cove. The scenery alone is enough for the average walker to over sate oneself but there is much more to this walk. Take time to imagine the past and look out for evidence of early settlements in the area. There are many clues to find on a field trip of history with medieval fields and mining sites on the route of the walk. And wildlife abounds too particularly in spring and summer. The walk is an abundance of opportunity for bird watchers for there are many water birds to be found at the tarn, moorland birds to be spotted on the higher ground and then there is the chance of spotting Peregrine Falcons at Malham Cove. They have been visiting for the past few years and were still in residence when I did this walk in June 2005.