MARK Malham Cove & the Malham Loop
Malham Cove is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales — a 70-metre-high, curved limestone amphitheatre carved by glacial meltwater and crowned by one of the finest limestone pavements in Britain. The full Malham loop is a geological showcase: the Cove, the vast limestone pavement, Malham Tarn, the dry valley of Watlowes, the towering Gordale Scar, and the waterfall at Janet's Foss. It's a world-class walking route — varied, dramatic, and endlessly photogenic.
The full route breakdown — stats, the line in stages, what it really feels like, and the practical detail you need to plan the day.
At a Glance
- Grade: Moderate walk (non-scrambling unless ascending Gordale Scar waterfall)
- Terrain: Limestone pavements, stepped paths, dry valleys, waterfalls, rugged tracks
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
This is a geology-first walking route — no summit, but huge drama. The loop moves through distinct zones: the towering cliff of Malham Cove; the steep, structured Cove Steps; the world-class limestone pavement; the high glacial lake of Malham Tarn; the atmospheric limestone trench of Watlowes; the vertical gorge of Gordale Scar; and the wooded waterfall of Janet's Foss.
It's one of the most varied and rewarding walks in the Dales.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- 1. Malham Village → Malham Cove Base — Start at Malham village and follow the signed path north along Malham Beck. The Cove appears suddenly — a huge, curved limestone wall, 70 m high and 300 m wide, rising above the valley.
- 2. Malham Cove Steps — The main ascent of the route: well-built limestone steps, steep but secure, with improving views and occasional pauses to look back into the amphitheatre. Uneven limestone and short steep pulls, but no scrambling. At the top, the limestone pavement stretches out like a stone labyrinth.
- 3. Limestone Pavement — One of the finest limestone pavements in Britain — clints (the blocks) and deep grikes (the fissures), some over a metre deep, so follow the flagged path. Huge views toward Malhamdale in an ancient, atmospheric landscape.
- 4. Pavement → Malham Tarn — The terrain eases into rolling limestone country, with a gentle track leading to Malham Tarn — one of only two natural lakes in the Dales, a glacial lake and National Nature Reserve, atmospheric, open, and quiet.
- 5. Watlowes Dry Valley — A deep limestone trench carved by ancient meltwater — steep walls, a narrow valley floor, rocky steps, and rugged, atmospheric terrain, with dramatic views toward Gordale Scar.
- 6. Watlowes → Gordale Scar — The valley opens into Gordale Scar — a towering limestone gorge with 100 m-high walls and a waterfall pouring through the centre, one of the most dramatic natural features in the Dales. Ascending the waterfall is a serious Grade 1 scramble when wet; most walkers bypass it via the path over the top of the gorge.
- 7. Gordale Scar → Janet's Foss — Follow the path south into woodland, where Janet's Foss appears suddenly — a beautiful waterfall dropping into a clear plunge pool in a wooded glade. The perfect cooldown section of the loop.
- 8. Janet's Foss → Malham Village — A gentle riverside path leads back to Malham, finishing at the village cafés and pubs.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Steep steps: The Cove steps are steep and uneven.
- Grikes: Deep fissures on the limestone pavement — keep children back, follow the flagged path.
- Rugged terrain: Rocky ground in Watlowes.
- Gordale Scar: The waterfall scramble is serious when wet — bypass via the top path.
- Slippery rock: Limestone becomes slick after rain.
- Wind: Exposure on the open pavement.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Walkers wanting a dramatic, varied day
- Families (avoiding the Gordale scramble)
- Photographers and geology lovers
- Anyone wanting a non-summit route with big scenery
Not ideal for
- Very wet days — limestone becomes slick
- People uncomfortable with rugged terrain
- Anyone wanting a summit — Pen-y-ghent is better
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Parking: Malham village car park.
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and pubs in Malham.
- Transport: Limited — buses from Skipton and Settle.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer OL2. The loop is well-signed; a GPX helps on the pavement and through Watlowes.
⭐ MX Summary: Malham Cove is one of the most dramatic natural landmarks in the Yorkshire Dales — a towering limestone amphitheatre crowned by a world-class limestone pavement. The full loop through Malham Tarn, Watlowes, Gordale Scar, and Janet's Foss is a geological showcase and one of the best walks in northern England.