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Malham Cove from Malham

Yorkshire Dales Walk

Nat Park - Yorkshire Dales - Malhamdale

County/Area - North Yorkshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.0 miles / 4.9 km    Ascent - 500 feet / 152 metres

Time - 2 hours 0 minutes    Grade - easy

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Malham Cove from Malham
Click image to visit gallery of 3 images.

Malham Cove is one the most famous and most visited natural features in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This short walk takes you to the bottom of the Cove and allows you to gaze up the limestone cliffs. There is also an option to climb to the top and enjoy the view down Malhamdale.

This Yorkshire Dales walk starts from the Visitor Centre (Grid ref SD900627) located on the approach to Malham. Exit the car park onto the main road and turn left into the village. Do not cross the river but continue straight ahead on the road walking out of the village. After approximately 600 metres take the footpath on the left signed Malham Cove. At busy times of the year you are unlikely to be alone, however in the evenings and off peak it is still possible to enjoy this valley in peace.

The footpath descends across fields towards the Cove. Continuing towards the bottom of the limestone cliffs you will pass a footbridge - take note as this will be used for the return route. Once in the Cove you have two options - either just view it from below or use the steps on your left to climb to the top. If you opt for the latter do be careful in wet weather as the limestone blocks on the top can be extremely slippery.

Whatever your choice, return to the footbridge and cross to the other side. This path is usually much quieter than the one used for the outward route and leads without any navigational problems back into the village. Reaching a lane, turn right, cross the river and bear left back to the car park.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1282 Malham Tarn & Arncliffemoderate12.5 miles
Walk 3092 Malham Cove, Malham Tarn & Watloweseasy4.4 miles
Walk 2385 Airton & Bell Busk Circulareasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 1377 Calton and Hanlith Moorseasy/mod6.5 miles
Walk 2066 Winterburn Reservoir circulareasy6.0 miles
Walk 1701 Bordley Hall & Malham Moor from Threshfield Mooreasy/mod7.0 miles
Walk 2332 Mastilles Lane & Bordley from Kilnseyeasy/mod6.8 miles
Walk 3107 Flasby Fell from Flasbyeasy/mod6.5 miles
Walk 3109 Rylstone Edges & Cracoe from Rylstoneeasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 2617 Nappa Cross & Victoria Cave from Langcliffemoderate9.5 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and East

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and EastThis guidebook contains 43 circular day walks in the north and east Yorkshire Dales. It explores the dales, hills and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. Walking ranges from gentle 3 mile strolls to more strenuous day-long rambles across the Howgills, Wensleydale, Swaledale, Nidderdale, Mallerstang and Coverdale.
More information

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: South and West

Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: South and WestPart of a two-book set, this guidebook describes 44 walks in the southern and western Yorkshire Dales, including the famous 23 mile Three Peaks circuit over Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The other, mostly circular routes of 3½ to 13 miles cover the scenic region between Sedbergh, Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle, Skipton and Grassington.
More information

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