Attermire Scar
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Attermire Scar

4.9
·2k reviews·Malham, United Kingdom

Dramatic limestone gorge with a waterfall, ancient pavement, and hidden caves. A must-see natural wonder in the Yorkshire Dales.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Attermire Scar

Attermire Scar

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dramatic limestone gorge with a waterfall, ancient pavement, and hidden caves. A must-see natural wonder in the Yorkshire Dales.

4.9
(2k reviews)

"Prepare to be captivated by Gordale Scar! Its stunning natural beauty and unique landscape offer an incredible experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good hiking boots are essential.

💧 Consider a Swim

On warm days, brave souls can enjoy a wild swim in the stream near Gordale Scar.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 2,293 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gordale Scar Gorge

Gordale Scar Gorge

Deep-sided gorge

A breathtaking natural gorge with a waterfall, offering a sense of awe and wonder.

TikTokReddit
Malham Cove Limestone Pavement

Malham Cove Limestone Pavement

Top of the gorge

Vast, ancient limestone pavement with incredible views, famous for its unique geological formations.

TikTokInstagram
Janet's Foss Waterfall

Janet's Foss Waterfall

Woodland walk

A charming waterfall nestled in a woodland setting, perfect for a serene stop.

TikTok+1
Attermire Scar Caves

Attermire Scar Caves

Pennine Bridleway

Explore ancient caves, including Victoria Cave, offering insights into prehistoric life.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Gordale Scar's Terrain

Gordale Scar's dramatic gorge can be challenging. While the main path is manageable, attempting to ascend the waterfall directly is not recommended for non-climbers. Stick to marked trails for safety and enjoy the stunning views from the surrounding fields and higher vantage points. Reddit

Beat the Crowds at Malham

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are incredibly popular, especially during holidays and weekends. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday to experience the natural beauty with fewer people. Free parking is available but fills up quickly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warm weather for exploring
Crowd
High
When
Autumn weekdays
Why
Beautiful foliage, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You need to add this to your UK bucket list… 📍GORDALE SCAR - YORKSHIRE DALES #bucketlist #gordalescar #yorkshiredales #exploretheuk #ukhikers #malham
@ourcottageinyorkshire
27.3K likes • 727.3K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good hiking boots are essential. TikTokReddit

💧 Consider a Swim

On warm days, brave souls can enjoy a wild swim in the stream near Gordale Scar. TikTok

Gordale Scar/ Malham Cove walk #fyp #bucketlist #nature #Vlog #CapCut
@voyage_en_famille3
27K likes • 51.8K views
A mere two years after my first 6c send, I have finally managed another. Maybe the third will come earlier than 2025, but I'm promising nothing. Birthday Groove, 6c, Attermire Scar ✅️ Turns out I climb so slowly that even in 3x speed, Instagram cuts me off before the chains 🤣 #climb #climbersofinstagram #womenclimb #thisgirlcanclimb #climbing_is_my_passion #sportclimbing #yorkshirelimestone #a...
lmm_does_stuff
22 likes • 238 views

⬆️ Don't Climb the Waterfall

Avoid attempting to scale the main waterfall; stick to designated paths for safety. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning shots of the gorge, cove, and waterfalls. Drone footage is also popular. TikTok

Bimbling around at Attermire Scar yesterday , ticks ✅ for the day, the sun ☀️ was out, no need for the vit D 💊 today! I saw lambs 🐑, they made me smile. I got shut down on 7a 😒….. can’t have everything, i’ll take the sun thx. Hope you got out! This 6b+ was a belter , a bit soft for the grade maybe but a lovely wandering 3D line #rockclimbing #climbingismypassion #climbing #climber #klettern #esca...
blochead_climbing
43 likes • 862 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the waterfall. Good hiking boots are essential. TikTokReddit

💧 Consider a Swim

On warm days, brave souls can enjoy a wild swim in the stream near Gordale Scar. TikTok

⬆️ Don't Climb the Waterfall

Avoid attempting to scale the main waterfall; stick to designated paths for safety. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning shots of the gorge, cove, and waterfalls. Drone footage is also popular. TikTok

🗑️ Leave No Trace

Help keep this beautiful place pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. Reddit

🚗 Parking is Limited

Arrive early for free parking, as spaces fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Gordale Scar and Malham Cove, describing them as breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The unique geological formations and waterfalls are major highlights. However, the popularity means it can get extremely crowded, detracting from the experience for some. Litter can also be an issue in certain areas.

"A fantastic piece of nature and a beautiful waterfall that is hidden within a scar. This is a lovely place to stop and have a snack/break when exploring the area with great protection from the wind and sun on hot days."

Matt H

"Prepare to be captivated by Gordale Scar! Its stunning natural beauty and unique landscape offer an incredible experience, from exhilarating rock climbing to fascinating educational insights. Plus, there's a certain ethereal quality that makes it easy to imagine anything from ancient legends to unexplained aerial phenomena unfolding around you - truly a place of wonder!"

Madusha Fernando

"if all trails tells you to go up the waterfall to go around the top, don't. from a non rock climber there is pretty much nothing that looks even scalable.
but this place is CRAZY. the size is overwhelming and vertigo inducing. walking along the path there, and back through the field along the stream is really nice.
some people leave rubbish around, so try and pick it up if you find it."

Kali

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Unique geological formations
Impressive waterfalls

What People Dislike

Extreme crowds
Litter in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gordale Scar and Malham Cove are located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, near the village of Malham. The most common access point is via the Malham Visitor Centre. You can drive to Malham, with parking available near the village. Public transport options include buses that run to Malham, though services can be infrequent. TikTok+1

Yes, there is parking available near Malham Cove and the start of the walk to Gordale Scar. It's often free but spaces are limited and fill up very quickly, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, you can reach Malham by bus from nearby towns like Skipton. However, bus services can be limited, so it's advisable to check timetables in advance. Once in Malham, Gordale Scar and Malham Cove are within walking distance. TikTok

Attermire Scar is accessible via the Pennine Bridleway, often starting from the market town of Settle. A short but steep climb up Sugarloaf Hill offers great views of the scar. Instagram+1

Yes, guided walks are sometimes available, such as the 'Friends Free Guided Walk' which can include views of Attermire Scar. Keep an eye out for local walking groups or visitor centre information. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Gordale Scar and Malham Cove is free. There are no admission fees to explore these natural attractions. Reddit

Gordale Scar and Malham Cove are natural attractions and are open to visitors at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best experience. Reddit

Attermire Scar is part of the natural landscape and accessible via public footpaths, so there is no entrance fee. Instagram

As there is no admission fee, advance booking is not required for Malham Cove or Gordale Scar. However, parking can be an issue, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

While there are no official restrictions, it's important to be mindful of the natural environment. Please stick to paths, take your litter with you, and be aware of the challenging terrain in certain areas. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most popular walk is the circular route from Malham village, taking in Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and Janet's Foss waterfall. This loop is approximately 5 miles and offers diverse scenery. TikTok+2

The main path to Gordale Scar is generally manageable, but the terrain can be uneven. Attempting to climb the waterfall itself is considered difficult and not recommended for casual walkers. TikTokReddit

Attermire Scar features dramatic limestone cliffs, caves like Victoria Cave, and stunning views over the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. It's also a popular spot for rock climbing. Instagram+1

While not officially designated for swimming, some visitors enjoy a wild swim in the stream near Gordale Scar on warmer days. Be cautious of the currents and cold water. TikTok

The main path to Gordale Scar is suitable for families, but the terrain can be challenging in places. The area around Malham Cove and Janet's Foss is generally more accessible for younger children. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The top of Malham Cove offers panoramic views of the limestone pavement and the surrounding landscape. The base of the cove and the path leading to Gordale Scar also provide dramatic perspectives. TikTok+1

Drone flying is permitted in many areas of the Yorkshire Dales, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Some videos showcase impressive drone footage of the scar. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh. Instagram

The walk up to the tarn above Gordale Scar offers spectacular elevated views. The path along the stream leading back from the gorge also provides excellent photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of Malham Cove and the gorge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details and wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. TikTok

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