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United Kingdom
England
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 varied terrain, from tranquil woodland paths to rocky sections and the unique limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Dales.

Begin your hike from Malham village, where you can find toilets and other amenities. The trail is mostly dog-friendly, but keep your dog on a lead near livestock, and be aware that the scramble at Gordale Scar might not be suitable for all dogs; an alternative route is available to bypass it. You should check weather conditions before you go, as the limestone pavement can be slippery when wet. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather and wildflowers, making them ideal times to visit.

This loop is a classic in the Yorkshire Dales, celebrated for its unique geological features and diverse natural beauty. Malham Cove, an iconic amphitheater-shaped cliff, was formed by glacial meltwater over 12,000 years ago, and its distinctive limestone pavement is a result of thousands of years of erosion. You might recognize Malham Cove from its appearance in *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1*. The optional scramble at Gordale Scar adds an adventurous element if you are seeking a greater challenge.

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

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

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 this is better for photos of the Cove. Once you're up on the top, after a break on the steps, don't miss out on the Malham Tarn further along. It's only an extra 10-15 minute walk and worth a visit, especially during the summer months.

Tip by

2

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, with Gordale Beck tumbling through the rocky ravine. The scramble is challenging and quite technical in places, so take care and watch your step.

Tip by

3

6.10 km

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 have a glorious smell of garlic in the spring when the ramsons come into flower.

Tip by

B

7.81 km

End point

Parking

Loading

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

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Elevation

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)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Sunday 12 July

20°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 25.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

January 27, 2022,Back at Malham!
This is still probably my favourite hike. The climb up Gordale Scar waterfall is class!
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 …
Beautiful walk after nearly 2 yrs of not walking ,drained but fulfilled with the eldest son and daughter in law ,who were both amazing. .
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, …

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