Walking Weekend
Surrounded by geological masterpieces, idyllic waterfalls and unusual wildlife, this little village manages to stand out even in a place as special as the Yorkshire Dales.
The View
WITH WORLD CLASS geological features set amid sensational Dales countryside, Malham has an embarrassment of scenic riches – too many, perhaps, for a single day. So, with its range of accommodation options and two welcoming pubs, this pretty village is perfect for a weekend stay.
Get your bearings by taking the classic circuit around the head of Malhamdale. This takes in the main attractions: the natural amphitheatre of Malham Cove with its sheer 80m walls, the forbidding chasm of Gordale Scar, and the sylvan waterfall called Janet’s Foss.
Then explore further afield, visiting the unusually alkaline waters of Malham Tarn and passing Water Sinks, where a stream disappears into the ground only to emerge a mile away at the foot of Malham Cove.
Geological wonderland this may be, but that’s not the limit of Malham’s natural attractions as it’s also home to rare flora and fauna. Peregrine falcons nest on the Cove’s cliffs, unusual plants hide deep in the grykes of the limestone pavements, and the Tarn teems with wading birds. These are all reasons why, of the many special places in the Yorkshire Dales, magical Malham stands out.
Don’t miss…
Enjoy a licensed lounge bar and homemade cakes at River House B&B (riverhousemalham.co.uk; rooms from £130). YHA Malham (0345 3719529), meanwhile, offers dorm beds from £15, private
