If you live in the North of England and are looking for a wonderful location to go for a walk, you can’t beat the great outdoors of the area around Malham. There is so much on offer around this glorious village and it is well worth the journey. Lace-up those boots and let’s have a look at the Malham circular walk and some of the stunning locations nearby.
Where Is Malham?
Malham is a popular village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire. It can be found in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales on the famous Pennine Way. It is easy to get to and is a great location for a day out, especially to enjoy the Malham circular walk. There is ample parking in the village, with car parks operated by the Yorkshire Days National Park. The closest train station is Gargrave, however, there are more regular trains running to Skipton which is just a bit further away. There are a few buses running to Malham. During the summer months, extra routes often operate for those wanting to visit by using public transport. There are quite a few campsites and other types of accommodation in the area.
The distance from some of the locations in the North of England that you might know is as follows:
- Skipton: 11 miles
- Lancaster: 33 miles
- Leeds: 37 miles
- Manchester: 53 miles
- York: 55 miles
- Liverpool: 69 miles
- Sheffield: 72 miles
- Middlesborough: 77 miles
- Carlisle: 82 miles
Malham Circular Walk
There are a number of Malham walks that you can enjoy. The famous Pennine Way is hugely popular for walkers and Malham is the perfect spot to explore if you are hiking the route.
There are some spectacular places nearby that you can visit and these are all part of the Malham Cove short circular walk. If you have more energy in your legs you can walk much further or even park out of the village to walk in and back.
During summer months and at weekends you will find lots of people enjoying these popular walks. However, if you choose a less desirable day or visit during the week, you might find a bit of countryside all to yourself.
Malham is also an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site. If you are heading to one of these locations, parking is often free between certain times. It’s the perfect opportunity to stargaze and explore in a different kind of way.
Stunning Locations In The Area
As well as the incredible countryside and intimate village of Malham, there are some fantastic locations to visit either individually or as part of the Malham circular walk. Whether you are having a few hours, a full day, or maybe a weekend in the area, these stunning locations are well worth visiting.
Janet’s Foss
Janets Foss waterfall is a wonderful place to stop and enjoy. Sit with a flask or coffee, grab a selfie, or even enjoy a swim in the pool created at the base of the waterfall.
The Janets Foss walk is fairly easy from the village of Malham. Alternatively, it can be the first or last stop on your Malham circular walk.
It is a stunning place, quite ethereal looking in the right light. It does get busy and it isn’t a huge location so can be overwhelming if there are lots of visitors.
Gordale Scar
Gordale Scar is pretty famous. It sits on a fault line and over hundreds of years, the gorge we now know was created. You can sit and take in the awe-inspiring space that glacial meltwater has carved over the years.
The hidden gorge is incredible. It takes your breath away the first time you visit and will do when you visit again and again. The Gordale Scar waterfall is wonderful, with the water that cascades over being rich in dissolved limestone. Some visitors even climb the waterfall and continue their trek over the Dales from the top of the gorge.
The Gordale Scar walk is accessible. This is part of the Miles without Stiles campaign to help more people to enjoy these wonderful places. People in wheelchairs, with buddies, and even guide dogs can still enjoy these incredible places.
Malham Cove
Malham Cove has amazed visitors for hundreds of years. The beautiful naturally curved cliff formation of limestone rock. It can be spotted from miles away and its statuesque appearance is like an amphitheatre. It attracts all sorts of people, from walks who want to take on the Malham Cove hike, to climbers who fancy getting to grips with the 260ft high cliff face.
The Cove is a source of inspiration to many artists and wordsmiths and from the top, you can see Malham village and for miles beyond. These incredible views are a fabulous reward for the hike. Whether you trek the Malham Cove hike or enjoy it from the fields below, it is a location you’ll want to return to again and again. Malham Tarn can be found a couple of kilometres north of here.
Stop For A Drink Or Bite To Eat
If you take on the Gordale Scar and Malham Cove walk, incorporating Janets Foss as well, you’re going to be peckish on your way around. Be sure to pack some snacks in your backpack. There are lots of places to stop, sit and take in the views whilst you munch on a pork pie. If you are lucky the Gordale Refreshments van might be open, so you can grab a sausage butty and cup of tea.
If you start and finish your Malham circular walk in the village, you can pop into The Buck Inn or The Lister Arms for a well-deserved pint of local ale. There is also a village tea room and public toilets near the car parks.
A Must Visit For Photographers & Harry Potter Fans
The Malham area is perfect for photographers. There is so much to capture. From the 360 views from the top of the Cove to the flowing water of Janets Foss. Harry Potter fans will also love the area. Did you know that scenes for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows were filmed around here? Including at Gordale Scar and on the limestone pavement? You could recreate those Malham Cove Harry Potter scenes you know so well!
Malham village and the spectacular surrounding sites are the perfect locations for a day out. Whether you explore the village, take on the Malham circular walk, or hike further afield, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
