Malham Circular Hike: Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar & Janet’s Foss
- Kate
- Oct 29
- 5 min read
Malham Circular Overview
Location: Malham
Route Type: Circular walk
Distance: ~13 km (~8 miles)
Time: ~4 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Ascent: 281m
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Firsly good paths throughout
Start/Finish Point: Malham National Park Visitor Centre - Chapel Gate, Malham BD23 4DA
Facilities: There are toilets at the car park and a number of pubs including The Buck Inn which is not far from the car park.
Preparing for the Malham Circular Hike
Route Map & GPX: You can download the GPX file below to use with the Ordnance Survey app (or a similar app), as well as pair it with a paper map to ensure safe navigation.
Map Sheet:
Introduction: Why Malham Is Special
I’ve been to Malham a few times now, but this route has to be one of my favourites in the Yorkshire Dales. Starting and finishing in the pretty village of Malham, this circular walk takes you past some of the Dales’ most iconic landmarks — Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar, and Janet’s Foss — all in one day.
The route feels like a greatest-hits tour of the area, with dramatic limestone cliffs, peaceful upland water, deep gorges and hidden waterfalls. It’s about 13km in total, and while there are a few steep climbs, it’s a moderate route suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness and a decent pair of walking boots.
More Hiking Routes:
The Route: From Valley to Summit & Back
1. Malham Village to Malham Cove
The walk begins right in the heart of Malham village — a small, charming place with stone cottages, two welcoming pubs and the sound of sheep in the fields. From the main street, a signposted path leads out past Malham Beck, following a gentle track toward Malham Cove.
Within half an hour you’ll see the famous limestone cliffs rising ahead. The scale of the cove is staggering: a 70-metre-high curved wall of pale rock carved out by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. If it looks familiar, you’ve probably seen it in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — the limestone pavement at the top makes a dramatic appearance in the film.
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The climb up to the top of Malham Cove is a good workout — around 400 uneven stone steps — but the reward is immediate. The limestone pavement stretches out like a natural sculpture, with deep cracks (known as grykes) and incredible views back down the valley. Take a moment to stop and look out over the Dales; on a clear day you can see for miles.
2. Over the Limestone Pavement toward Malham Lings
From the top of the cove, the path continues northwards across the distinctive limestone pavement, where the landscape begins to open up. You’re now in true Dales country: rolling hills, stone walls and a feeling of total peace.
This section of the route feels wonderfully remote. The path winds through open moorland toward Malham Lings and Watlowes Dry Valley — once carved by a river that now flows underground. The terrain here is rocky but not difficult, and the quietness of it all is striking. It’s worth pausing to look back occasionally; the cove’s curved wall looks completely different from above.
Eventually, you’ll rejoin a track that leads you steadily upward toward Malham Tarn. Keep an eye out for birds of prey circling above — this area is known for kestrels and buzzards.
3. Malham Tarn and the Surrounding Trails
Malham Tarn is one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, sitting high on the limestone plateau at around 377 metres above sea level. It’s a serene place, surrounded by grassland and a National Trust nature reserve, home to rare plants and plenty of wildlife.
There’s a lovely circular path around the tarn itself, which makes for a perfect lunch stop. On a calm day, the water reflects the sky beautifully, and if you’re lucky you might spot ducks, geese or even an otter.
If you want to extend your hike slightly, you can follow the short boardwalk trail near the Tarn House to explore the wetland area. Otherwise, the main route continues south, dropping back down through fields and tracks toward Gordale Scar.
4. Descending into Gordale Scar
The descent toward Gordale Scar is one of the most dramatic sections of the walk. You’ll know when you’re getting close — the limestone walls start to rise on either side, narrowing into a steep ravine.
Gordale Scar itself is breathtaking: a deep limestone gorge with two cascading waterfalls pouring through it. Some hikers choose to scramble up the waterfalls (it’s a known route), but if the rocks are wet or you’re unsure of your footing, it’s best to take the safer path that loops around instead. Either way, it’s well worth spending some time here just to take in the sheer scale of it.
The sound of water echoing off the cliffs, the lush greenery clinging to the rock, and the contrast of dark stone and light sky make Gordale Scar one of the most spectacular natural sights in the Dales.
5. Janet’s Foss and the Return to Malham
From Gordale Scar, the path leads gently downhill through woodland toward Janet’s Foss — a small but perfectly formed waterfall tucked away among the trees. According to local folklore, Janet (or Jennet) was the queen of the fairies who lived in a cave behind the falls. Whether or not you believe in fairies, there’s definitely something magical about the place.
The pool at the bottom is a popular spot for a quick paddle on warm days, and the woodland here is a lovely, shaded contrast to the open hills you’ve just crossed.
From Janet’s Foss, the path continues for about a mile back to Malham village, following Malham Beck once more. You’ll soon find yourself back where you started, ready for a well-earned drink or meal. The Lister Arms or The Buck Inn are both excellent post-walk options, each serving hearty pub food and local ales
Final Thoughts
This circular hike from Malham takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in Yorkshire. It’s the kind of route that gives you a bit of everything — dramatic cliffs, quiet lakes, gorges, waterfalls and wide-open views — all packed into a single loop.
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure in the Dales that feels wild yet accessible, this one’s hard to beat. Every section of the walk feels different, and by the time you return to the village, you’ll have seen the very best of what Malhamdale has to offer.
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