Walk 3577 - printer friendly version

Malham Cove from Malham Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.0 miles / 4.9 km

Ascent - 500 feet / 152 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SD900627
Lat 54.060149 + Long -2.1542644
Postcode BD23 4DG (approx. location only)

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.

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