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Yorkshire And The Humber

Malham

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar loop from Malham — Yorkshire Dales National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United Kingdom

England

Yorkshire And The Humber

Malham

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar loop from Malham — Yorkshire Dales National Park

Hard

4.8

(397)

3,478

hikers

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar loop from Malham — Yorkshire Dales National Park

02:19

7.81km

210m

Hiking

This difficult 4.9-mile (7.8 km) hike, with 678 feet (207 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes to complete. You will explore the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, passing iconic features like the towering Malham Cove and the impressive Gordale Scar. The route features…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 4.85 km for 28 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.06 km

Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove

Highlight • Natural Monument

Most people walk from Malham village up to the Cove using the road ways. There's actually an alternative route up past the pub, which takes you higher up. I find …

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4.85 km

Gordale Scar Waterfall

Highlight • Natural Monument

Gordale Scar is one of the most dramatic sights in the Yorkshire Dales. The narrow canyon is dominated on either side by sheer walls of rock, hundreds of feet high, …

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6.10 km

Woodland Path to Janet's Foss

Highlight • Gorge

This magical woodland path leads to Janet’s Foss. The waterfall is named after the Queen of the Fairies, as it is rumoured that she lived behind the falls. The woods …

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7.81 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.96 km

1.04 km

856 m

530 m

215 m

130 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.29 km

2.25 km

1.22 km

946 m

939 m

151 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (330 m)

Lowest point (190 m)

Weather

Monday 13 July

21°C

9°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

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Comments

January 27, 2022,Back at Malham!

This is still probably my favourite hike. The climb up Gordale Scar waterfall is class!

April 14, 2022,Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Janet’s Foss

Hi! I'm Ben, an avid trail runner and hiker, based in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park.

As part of The North Face 'Discover Your Trail' campaign I wanted to share my favourite local route to help inspire and encourage others to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.

If you search for popular walks in the Yorkshire Dales, or indeed …

February 2, 2025,Janet's Foss,Gordale Scar,Malham Cove .

Beautiful walk after nearly 2 yrs of not walking ,drained but fulfilled with the eldest son and daughter in law ,who were both amazing. .

August 8, 2024,🇬🇧 Yorkshire, Malham (Regenwanderung)

A lot of rain was forecast for today too, but we didn't want to let that put us off. Not far from the Lake District, there is a large national park in Yorkshire that we already know. Malham is usually quite crowded even in the off-season, so a bad weather forecast is not the only disadvantage.
From the visitor center, …

Showing Translation

June 23, 2024,Malham Cove via Janet Foss & Gordale Scar

We were promosed sunshine 🥺. Visibility was hugely reduced when we got to the top. But a bit of patience over a cup of Kenco saw the weather clear sufficiently.

August 12, 2023,Janet’s Foss Malham Circular

A fantastic day taking in some soectacular sights suxh as Janet's Foss from Malham with the Outdoor Adventure Girls and Berghaus

May 4, 2025,Malham 6.26miles circular

Cool, clear and dry day. Postcode for parking BD23 4DA. Very busy with lots of visitors about. We got there at 10am and had to park in one of the fields (£8/day). Toilets in the village but had to queue. Its been relatively dry recently so Gordale scar and Janet's Foss waterfalls were a disappointing trickle. The streams are also …

June 21, 2024,2024-06-21 England: Malham - Janet’s Foss - Gordale Scar - Malham Cove

A lovely afternoon walk to the two highlights in Malham:
Gordale Scar, a deep cut into the plateau.
Malham Cove, a large valley that drops vertically from the plateau.

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Malham Cove and Gordale Scar loop from Malham — Yorkshire Dales National Park

Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove

Gordale Scar Waterfall

Woodland Path to Janet's Foss

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