A Short walk in Malhamdale, Yorkshire
5 miles – Starts with a lengthy climb on tarmac, with the highlight a visit to the stunning limestone pavement high above Malham.
Start at Malham . Facing the Lister Arms in Malham village centre, take the road to the right and uphill along Finkle Street. At the fork take the left branch, which passes between cottages and begins to climb uphill along Malham Raikes. Follow the lane as it climbs giving great views back down Malhamdale.
On a bend to the right, look out for a ladder style and fingerpost sign. Cross the stile and follow the track and where it forks after 100 yards take the left branch. Turn left following the sign to reach a small tarn. Turn right at the sign for Malham Tarn and follow the path to the road and car park giving access to the tarn.
To return, walk through the gate then turn left through the kissing gate at the Malham Cove sign. Walk parallel with the drystone wall on your left and follow the valley as it bends to reach a stile at the head of another small valley. Turn left and follow the path down the valley to reach a stile at the end. Go over the stile, and walk straight ahead to reach the spectacular limestone pavement, with its spectacular views down Malhamdale. Turn right and walk along the limestone pavement to reach steps.
Descend the 400 steps to the valley bottom. Turn right along the track beside the river. Go through a couple of gates to reach Cove Road by the campsite. Turn left and follow the lane into the village.
For some unique photographic perspectives of the Malham area, have a look at our sister website- Yorkshire-Photography.com.
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