Map & Elevation
About this Route
The Malham Landscape Trail brings together three of the Yorkshire Dales’ great limestone sights in one walk: woodland and falling water at Janet’s Foss, the high walls of Gordale Scar and the huge curved cliff of Malham Cove. Between them are fields, old stone walls and a stretch of limestone pavement that makes the final approach to the Cove unlike an ordinary hilltop path.
Starting at the National Park visitor centre, this circuit heads beside the becks towards Janet’s Foss, visits the lower gorge at Gordale Scar and returns to Gordale Bridge. The signed field path then climbs towards Malham Cove, crossing the pavement before descending the western steps and returning through the village. The GPX is 7.6 km with 251 m ascent; allow 3–4 hours with stops. Its 1h 57m Naismith estimate is moving time only.
The visit into Gordale Scar is an out-and-back part of this landscape walk. Turn around in the lower gorge and return to the bridge; the route does not climb the waterfall. From the bridge, follow the signed public footpath towards Malham Cove through the fields, rather than taking an informal path up the side of the Scar.
Malham Cove inspired Wordsworth’s poem quoted below, and the view from its limestone pavement still rewards an unhurried stop. Take particular care here: the cliff edge is unguarded, the pavement is deeply fissured and the limestone becomes slippery in rain. Keep children and dogs close, use the established steps down and leave the rock, plants and drystone walls undisturbed. This is a countryside walk with stiles, gates, steep steps and rough ground, rather than a surfaced stroll throughout.
Was the aim frustrated by force or guile, When Giants scoop’d from out the rocky ground, Tier under tier this semicirque profound.
William Wordsworth, ‘Malham Cove’ (1819)
Route Waypoints
Leave the National Park visitor centre car park near SD 900 626 and walk into Malham. Cross the beck by the village footbridge and follow the signs for Janet’s Foss. The path heads through fields beside the becks, passing the Mires Barn area.
Follow the maintained path into woodland to Janet’s Foss. Continue past the waterfall on the established path, taking care on wet roots and limestone, then reach Gordale Lane. Turn towards Gordale Bridge, watching for traffic on the short road section.
Go through the signed entrance beyond Gordale Bridge and follow the broad footpath into Gordale Scar. Turn around in the lower gorge at about 3.0 km, below the waterfall climb. Retrace your steps to the bridge, then take the signed public footpath towards Malham Cove.
Follow the public footpath up through fields and gates towards Malham Cove. Keep to the signed route across the road and along the field boundaries, passing the Shorkley Hill area. Continue to the eastern approach to the limestone pavement above the Cove.
Cross the established route over the limestone pavement towards the western side of the Cove. Keep well back from the unguarded cliff edge and watch the deep gaps between the limestone blocks. Find the main stone steps and descend carefully to the path below.
Follow the clear footpath south beside Malham Beck, leaving the Cove behind. Rejoin Cove Road and walk through the village to the visitor centre car park. Take care beside traffic and leave gates as you found them.
Essential Tips
Visit the lower gorge and return to Gordale Bridge. The onward Landscape Trail uses the signed field path to Malham Cove. Climbing the waterfall or following the steep side paths is unnecessary for this circuit.
Wet limestone can be extremely slippery. The Cove pavement has deep fissures and an unguarded cliff edge. Wear footwear with grip, keep well back from the edge and supervise children closely on the pavement and steps.
Allow 3–4 hours, including stops, for the 7.6 km circuit. Gates, stiles, crowds and the long descent beside the Cove can slow progress. Carry a map, food, water and waterproof layers, and start with enough daylight.
Use the National Park car park and check its current charges and facilities on arrival. Keep dogs on leads around sheep, respect signed access and leave gates as found. The route includes short road sections; watch for vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Malham Landscape Trail?
This GPX is 7.6 km with 251 m ascent, visiting Janet’s Foss, the lower Gordale Scar gorge and Malham Cove. Allow around 3–4 hours with stops. Different published distances reflect the exact start and turnarounds; the figures here describe the downloadable file.
Does this Malham circuit climb Gordale Scar waterfall?
No. Walk into the lower gorge, then return to Gordale Bridge and take the signed public footpath towards Malham Cove. The waterfall climb is a separate, much more demanding undertaking and is not included in this GPX.
Is the Malham Landscape Trail suitable in wet weather?
Rain makes the limestone pavement, woodland rocks and Cove steps slippery. The pavement also has deep gaps and an unguarded cliff edge. Judge the conditions and your group’s ability carefully, follow local notices and turn back if flooding, ice or footing makes the route unsafe.