Kirkby Fell

Overlooking the dramatic limestone landscapes of Malham, this broad, grassy upland offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist paths below. While it lacks a craggy profile, the summit rewards walkers with clear views across Malham Tarn and the sprawling gritstone plateaus of the Southern Dales.

• •The name derives from the Old Norse kirkju-býr, meaning "church settlement," referring to the historic parish of Kirkby Malham situated in the valley to the south.
• •From the summit, the silver expanse of Malham Tarn is clearly visible to the northeast, sitting in its unusual glacial basin atop the limestone plateau.
• •The fell acts as a topographical boundary where the white Carboniferous limestone of the Malham area meets the darker, peat-covered Millstone Grit typical of the higher fells like nearby Fountains Fell.
• •While the Pennine Way passes just to the east, few walkers make the short detour to this summit, making it an excellent spot for solitude even on busy bank holidays.
• •The plateau is remarkably efficient at retaining water despite the porous rock beneath, often turning a simple stroll into an impromptu test of a hiker's waterproof gaiters.