YORKSHIRE DALES WALK • 7-MILE CIRCULAR
Malham Cove Walk: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar & Tarn
A dramatic circular walk linking Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn and the famous limestone pavement above Malham Cove.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
This is one of the Yorkshire Dales’ great all-round walking adventures. In a single circuit you pass through woodland to Janet’s Foss, enter the towering walls of Gordale Scar, cross open country beside Malham Tarn and finish on the limestone pavement above Malham Cove. It is varied, dramatic and incredibly photogenic, but wet rock, exposed edges and the length of the route make it a challenging day rather than a gentle stroll.
Mapped and ready
See the route before you set off.
The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.
Route overview
The route links five completely different landscapes:
1. Malham village and the woodland path beside Gordale Beck
2. Janet’s Foss waterfall and pool
3. Gordale Scar and the safe alternative path around the gorge
4. Open upland walking towards Malham Tarn
5. The limestone pavement above Malham Cove and the stepped descent to the village
Use the original Days Out Now map alongside current waymarkers and an offline Ordnance Survey map. The plotted line shows the complete circuit, but do not attempt to climb through the waterfall at Gordale Scar.
Follow the route
1. Leave Malham National Park Visitor Centre and walk through the village, following the paths towards Gordale Beck. Continue into the woodland leading to Janet’s Foss.
2. Pass Janet’s Foss and continue towards Gordale Scar. The rocks around the waterfall and pool can be extremely slippery, so take care.
3. Walk into Gordale Scar to see the gorge, but do not climb the waterfall or the fragile tufa beside it. The Yorkshire Dales National Park asks walkers to avoid this climb. Return to the safe alternative path around the gorge, following current signs or advice from the visitor centre, and rejoin the mapped circuit above the scar.
4. Continue across the open upland tracks and fields towards Malham Tarn. Navigation matters here, particularly in mist, heavy rain or low cloud.
5. From the tarn, follow the recorded route south-west through limestone country towards the top of Malham Cove. Conditions can be colder and windier than in the village.
6. Cross the limestone pavement carefully, keeping children and dogs close and staying well back from the unprotected cliff edge. Descend the long flight of stone steps and follow the path back through Malham village to the visitor centre.
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Before you go
Practical information.
GORDALE SCAR SAFETY: Do not climb beside or through the waterfall. The Yorkshire Dales National Park states that climbing the footpath damages the fragile tufa screen and advises walkers to use the alternative route around the gorge. Check current signs or ask at Malham Visitor Centre before setting off.
Parking: Malham National Park Visitor Centre, BD23 4DA, has a pay-and-display car park. Charges apply to all users and the machines are card-only. The car park is extremely busy on fine weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays, so arrive early and have a backup plan. Never block village roads, gateways or verges.
Facilities: The visitor-centre car park and toilets remain open even when the centre is closed. Malham village has cafés, pubs and accommodation, but opening times vary.
Terrain: Expect woodland paths, mud, uneven limestone, open upland ground, steep stone steps and slippery rock. Strong walking footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and offline navigation are recommended.
Cliff safety: The top of Malham Cove has deep grikes and unprotected drops. Keep children and dogs close, stay away from the edge and never jump across gaps in the limestone.
Accessibility: The full circuit is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. A much shorter, surfaced route leads from Malham towards the base of the Cove and is suitable for many wheelchair and pushchair users, although assistance may be needed at a gate.
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Useful answers
Malham Cove Walk: Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar & Tarn FAQs.
How long is the Malham Cove circular walk?
The complete Days Out Now circuit is about 7 miles or 11.3 km. Allow roughly 3.5–4.5 hours, and longer if you stop at the waterfalls, tarn and viewpoints.
Should I scramble up Gordale Scar waterfall?
No. The Yorkshire Dales National Park asks walkers not to climb beside the waterfall because this damages the fragile tufa. Walk into the gorge to enjoy the view, then use the current alternative route around it.
Where should I park for Malham Cove?
Use Malham National Park Visitor Centre car park, postcode BD23 4DA. Charges apply and its machines are card-only. It fills quickly during good weather and holidays, so arrive early and park responsibly.
Is the Malham Cove walk suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
The full 7-mile circuit is not accessible because it includes rough ground, steep steps and uneven limestone. The shorter path from Malham towards the base of the Cove is surfaced and suitable for many wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Where next?
More walks in Malham, Yorkshire Dales.
Keep the planning going with another mapped Days Out Now guide from the same area.
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