Malham Cove
One of the most famous sights in Malham is Malham Cove. Visible from the road as you drive into the village, the spectacular limestone crescent-shaped cliff has amazed visitors for centuries. Formed after the last ice age, the cliff soars an impressive 70m high and spans 300m.
A gentle stroll of about 30mins from the Buck Inn will bring you to the bottom of the Cove.
Top tip: Don’t miss exploring the area at the bottom of the cove – head through the gate in front of you before heading up the steps. From here you get to appreciate the scale of the cove, where ambitious climbers tackle its sheer rock face. It’s a beautifully serene area, make sure to look out for peregrine falcons flying above during the summer months– they nest in the cove, alongside house martins and jackdaws.
Head back and follow the path to the side of the cove to climb the winding stone steps to the top, where you’ll find the remarkable limestone pavement, famously featured in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, and spectacular views across the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
Malham Tarn
A glacial lake, the highest in England at 377m (1,237 ft) above sea level, Malham Tarn was the inspiration for the Children’s classic ‘The Water-Babies’. With open water being rare in this area, the lake became a magnet for animals during the Stone Age, which also drew hunters to the area. Archaeologists have recovered remains of stone tools and campsites from the shoreline of the lake.
A National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust, the Tarn is home to plenty of wildlife including some rare species. Explore it with a lovely walk around the tarn, including a boardwalk to get you up close. Look out for globeflower, marsh valerian, water voles, deer and if you’re really lucky, otters.
You can walk up to the tarn from The Buck Inn – There is also a longer 7.5mile route that takes in Janet’s Foss, Goredale Scar, Malham Tarn and Malham Cove, if you fancy a longer day of walking. Alternatively, take a short drive up to the Tarn, use its dedicated car park and set off for a pleasant walk around it. It also makes a great spot for a picnic.
Goredale Scar
Regarded for centuries as one of the natural wonders of England, this dramatic limestone gorge features 100m high cliffs and two waterfalls. Depending on the season of your visit, the water flow varies between a gentle trickle and raging current.
There is a right of way up the waterfall and the adventurous can often be found climbing up the sketchy path, but it’s quite a scramble and not recommended unless you are fit and an experienced walker. If you don’t fancy the scramble, there are alternative walking routes towards Malham Cove or Malham Tarn, but it’s well worth visiting the base of the Scar for the impressive views and photo opportunities.