One of the most spectacular and most popular villages in the Dales is Malham. With dramatic limestone scenery just a stone's throw from the village centre, Malham has few equals anywhere in the UK. A gentle stroll of about half an hour from the village will bring you to Malham Cove. The Cove is a massive natural limestone crescent-shaped cliff visible for miles. A stiff climb up the steps beside it brings you to a remarkable area of limestone pavement that has featured in many movies, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Easily accessible by footpath to the east of the village is Gordale Scar, an impressive limestone gorge. For centuries it was rightly regarded as one of the natural wonders of England. Close by is Janet's Foss, a lovely waterfall said to be home to Janet, Queen of the Fairies.
All three beauty spots can be visited as part of our 'Malham Landscape Trail' walk, pop into Malham National Park Centre to buy a copy of the leaflet and also to view our geology exhibition.
If you want more of a challenge, then it's a pleasant, if steep, walk along the Pennine Way up past Malham Cove and through a remarkable natural limestone 'Dry Valley' to Malham Tarn, a glacial lake which is now a National Nature Reserve.
Pubs and cafes
Malham village, though small, has two excellent pubs, The Buck Inn, built in the nineteenth century to accommodate tourists keen to see Malham's natural wonders, and The Lister Arms, an old coaching inn with lots of original features. Both pubs serve food made from locally-sourced ingredients along with cask ales. The Old Barn Café, just round the corner from the National Park Centre is another great place to eat in the village, muddy boots are definitely welcome and there is a gluten-free menu. There is also Beck Hall with its dog friendly café and restaurant found on the way to the Cove.
Staying in Malham
There is a good range of accommodation in and around the village with B&Bs, a couple of campsites, self-catering cottages and a large Youth Hostel. Visit the Malhamdale website for details or visit our National Park Centre.
Getting to Malham
You can travel to Malham by bus from Skipton which has good rail connections. Car park, toilet facilities and a picnic area are available at the National Park Centre. The car park is a designated Dark Sky Discovery site, so why not visit after dark to experience the dark skies overhead
