The noble Malham Cove is the majestic highlight of this quintessential limestone Dales walk.
Pennine Way, Skipton BD23 4DJ 6 Miles 3 HoursMedium
Paths: Field and moorland, 400 steps down Malham Cove and 5 stiles
Landscape: Limestone country including Malham Cove
Dog Friendliness: Yes, on lead where sheep and signs are present
Parking: At Water Sinks, near gateway across road
Public toilets: At car park in Malham village
From the car park turn left and go through the kissing gate at the Malham Cove sign. Continue on with the drystone wall on your left and follow the dry valley as it bends to reach a stile at the head of another dry valley.
Make a left turn and follow the footpath down the valley to reach a stile at the end. Go over the stile, then walk straight ahead to the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove. Turn right and walk along the pavement to reach steps. Take care here, both of the sheer drop down to your left and the gaps in the limestone pavement (known as grikes). Turn left to cautiously descend more than 400 steps to the foot of the Cove.
When you reach the bottom go right along the track beside the river. Pass through two kissing gates to reach the road. Turn left and follow the road into the centre of Malham village. Turn left to go over a bridge.
Make a right turn along the side of the river and follow the signs marked 'Janet's Foss'. Follow the signposted, mostly gravelled path through eight gates. Eventually the footpath climbs up through woodland and passes beside the waterfall (Janet's Foss) to a kissing gate. Turn right along the road, towards Gordale Scar.
When you come to a bridge go through a gate on the left. Follow the signed public footpath uphill through two stiles and out onto a lane.
Make a right-hand turn and walk uphill for ¼ mile (400m), to a ladder stile over the wall on your left. Follow the track, go left at the fork to reach another footpath fingerpost.
Go left, following the sign, to reach a small tarn. Turn right at the sign for Malham Tarn, go over a ladder stile, take the left hand path and follow it back to the car park.
We offer plenty of cottages in some of the UK’s most dog friendly places with outdoor space for exploring and indoor space for relaxation. Start your search below.