Malham Tarn
Dramatic limestone cliffs, a fairytale waterfall, and a serene glacial lake in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Malham Tarn
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic limestone cliffs, a fairytale waterfall, and a serene glacial lake in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
"Absolutely beautiful and peaceful place. So quiet that it’s beyond belief."
🚗 Parking Tips
Roadside parking is free but limited. Visitor Centre parking has fees. Consider parking further up at Malham Tarn for a quieter approach.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be slippery, especially around Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Malham Cove
Malham Village
A dramatic, curving limestone cliff face with a unique waterfall at its base. A must-see natural wonder.
Gordale Scar
Near Malham Village
A breathtaking limestone gorge with towering cliffs and a spectacular waterfall. Feels like stepping into a fantasy world.
Janet's Foss
Near Malham Village
A charming, fairytale waterfall nestled in a woodland grotto, said to be home to fairies.
Malham Tarn
High in the Yorkshire Dales
A serene glacial lake offering peaceful walks and stunning views, a stark contrast to the busier attractions.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Malham Cove
Prepare for All Weathers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Roadside parking is free but limited. Visitor Centre parking has fees. Consider parking further up at Malham Tarn for a quieter approach.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be slippery, especially around Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are very few facilities on the trails. Bring plenty of water and food for your walk.
🧥 Layer Up!
The temperature around Malham Tarn can drop significantly due to wind. Bring extra layers, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Roadside parking is free but limited. Visitor Centre parking has fees. Consider parking further up at Malham Tarn for a quieter approach.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be slippery, especially around Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. Waterproof boots are highly recommended.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are very few facilities on the trails. Bring plenty of water and food for your walk.
🧥 Layer Up!
The temperature around Malham Tarn can drop significantly due to wind. Bring extra layers, even in summer.
🗺️ Combine the Wonders
Many visitors enjoy a circular walk connecting Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss, and Malham Tarn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Malham, particularly Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet's Foss. The peaceful atmosphere of Malham Tarn is also a significant draw for those seeking tranquility. While the popularity can lead to crowds, the stunning scenery and diverse walking opportunities make it a highly recommended destination.
"The Cove itself is a quite dramatic curving cliff with a little beck flowing out at the base. There is quite a good path to it although you have to walk on the road for a short distance, we came back that way, but took the path to the right side of the beck to get up there. Once there there is a little bridge to cross to the other side or when very near to the cliff the water runs under the stones. If you want to go to the top, there are steps and a path/track going up to it, we didn't as Tina has hip pain. On the tourists path to the left going up, there are often cattle which are very used to people and most of the time don't pay any attention, though they sometimes show an interest in dogs.
Parking on the road (if you can find a space) is free although they have a QR code and suggested donation of £5, not sure how many people would pay. The Visitor Centre is like all others in 2025 £3.80 for 2 hours (3 hours for blue badge) and £6.00 over 2 hours, which is fine if you are earning a living, but a lot of money if you are on a pension like us. Anyway we did find a space on the road before the Visitor Centre so all was good for us. Worth a visit definitely, though in season there are lots of tourists as you would expect, including us on this occasion."
Michael Carlile
"Great outdoors walk spectacular view over the lake, easy going on feet good for wheelchairs, couple of walks you can do. Go with food and drink no facilities looks like they are doing tarn house up so may be some in the near future, we'll worth a visit."
Chris C
"Great place with fantastic walks and amazing scenery,"
maz ashcroft
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Leeds, you can take a train to Skipton, which is the closest major town to Malham. From Skipton, local buses run to Malham village. The journey can take around 1.5-2 hours.
Yes, there's a National Trust car park near Malham Cove, but it can get very busy and has fees. Free roadside parking is available but limited. Some visitors suggest parking at Malham Tarn for a quieter start.
Cycling is possible in the Yorkshire Dales, but many of the paths around Malham Tarn and the surrounding attractions are best explored on foot. Check local cycling routes for designated paths.
Gordale Scar is typically accessed via a walk from Malham village, often as part of a circular route that includes Malham Cove and Janet's Foss. The path can be challenging in places. +1
While buses serve Malham village, direct public transport to Malham Tarn itself is limited. It's often best reached by walking from Malham or by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet's Foss is free. Parking at the National Trust Visitor Centre has a fee, but roadside parking is free.
Malham Cove and the surrounding natural attractions are open 24/7 as they are natural landscapes. However, visitor centres and facilities will have specific opening hours.
Malham Tarn is managed by the National Trust, and access to the tarn itself is generally free. However, parking fees may apply if using designated car parks.
While not always advertised, local walking groups or the National Trust may occasionally offer guided walks. It's worth checking their websites for any scheduled events.
Yes, Janet's Foss has a pool beneath the waterfall that is popular for wild swimming, though the water is very cold!
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The most popular circular walk connects Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet's Foss, and Malham Tarn, typically around 5-9 miles. It offers a great variety of scenery.
The main path to Malham Cove is generally good, but some sections can be uneven. The walk to the top of the cove involves steps. Malham Tarn itself is often described as more accessible.
From Malham village, the walk to Malham Cove is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and takes around 30-45 minutes each way, depending on your pace.
Dogs are generally allowed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including around Malham Tarn and Cove, but must be kept on a lead, especially around livestock and sensitive wildlife areas.
Malham Tarn is a haven for birdlife, including various waterfowl and waders. You might also spot insects and other small creatures.
📸 📸 Photography
Malham Cove's dramatic cliffs, the cascading waterfall at Janet's Foss, and the rugged beauty of Gordale Scar are all prime photography locations. The reflections in Malham Tarn can also be stunning.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Avoid midday sun for more dramatic shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in National Parks and around sensitive natural sites. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky.
The main path leads to the base of the cove. For a higher perspective, there are steps and a track leading up the side of the cove.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed experience, consider the walks around Malham Tarn, which can be less crowded and offer gentler terrain. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be uneven and slippery.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1Consider tackling the full circular walk for a rewarding day out. The varied terrain offers a good challenge, and the sense of accomplishment upon completing it is immense. Always inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a map or GPS device.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the grandeur of the scenery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add dramatic flair to your photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Malham Circular Walk: A Trifecta of Natural Wonders
The walk typically starts from Malham village. You'll first encounter the impressive Malham Cove, a massive amphitheatre-shaped cliff of limestone. From there, the path leads to Gordale Scar, a spectacular gorge with sheer rock faces and a powerful waterfall. Be prepared for some scrambling and potentially wet conditions here. Finally, a short detour takes you to Janet's Foss, a picturesque waterfall in a woodland setting, often described as magical.
While popular, this walk can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak season. Some visitors recommend starting early or late in the day to avoid the largest crowds. The terrain can be challenging in parts, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Malham Tarn: A Peaceful Escape
+2The area around Malham Tarn is rich in history, having been studied by Charles Darwin himself. Today, it's managed by the National Trust and offers a different perspective on the Dales. The temperature around the tarn can be noticeably cooler due to its exposed location, so bringing extra layers is advisable.
Many visitors combine a visit to Malham Tarn with the Malham Cove walk, often using it as a starting or ending point to find a quieter route. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying the vast, open skies of the Yorkshire Dales.
+1The 'Harry Potter' and 'Lord of the Rings' Connection
While not an official filming location, the sheer scale and natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales can certainly inspire such comparisons. The feeling of stepping into another world is a common sentiment shared by hikers exploring these areas.
If you're a fan of fantasy films or literature, exploring Malham might just transport you to a magical landscape, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your visit.
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