Malham Cove and Gordale Scar
A great limestone amphitheatre, the pavement on top, and the gorge of Gordale Scar.
- Distance
- 7.1 km
- Ascent
- 310 m
- Time
- 2–3 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 354 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Malham Cove and Gordale Scar is a moderate 7.1 km circular walk with 310 m of ascent, taking 2 to 3 hours. It starts at Malham (grid reference SD 900 628).
Malham Cove is a curving limestone cliff about 80 m high, with a famous pavement of clints and grikes on top. From Malham, a path leads to the foot of the cove, then a long flight of steps climbs to the pavement.
The walk crosses the tops to Gordale Scar, a narrow gorge with waterfalls between towering crags, and returns past Janet's Foss, a little waterfall in the woods. Take care on the pavement: the gaps are deep and the rock is slippery when wet.
Route
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1
Malham Cove
Walk to the foot of the cove and climb the steps to the pavement.
-
2
Gordale Scar
Cross the tops and drop to Gordale Scar.
-
3
Janet's Foss
Return through the woods past Janet's Foss to Malham.
Summit
On the way
-
Gordale ScarWaterfall · on the route
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Janet's FossWaterfall · on the route
Questions about this walk
- How long does Malham Cove and Gordale Scar take?
- Most walkers take 2–3 hours for the 7.1 km route, which has 310 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Malham (grid reference SD 900 628). National Park car park in Malham (charge); very busy at weekends.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses from Skipton to Malham (limited, more in summer). Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Good paths, about 400 steps up the side of the cove, and limestone pavement with deep gaps.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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