Walk Description

Today I was joined by Jeanette and Julie.  I decided that we would visit Malham, as there is plenty to see there even if the weather is not at its best.  This is an ideal setting for an introduction to some of the best of our countryside and the wet weather didn't dampen Jeanette's and Julie's enthusiasm for the day's walk.

We parked at the National Park car park and after taking a photograph of Jeanette and Julie in front of the information sign, we set out along the main street towards Malham Cove.  Out first stop was at the small barn where we took turns at pretending to milk a cow.  We then walked up the road and through the gate to the fields beside Malham Beck. Malham Cove was very quiet today and there wasn't anyone climbing on the Cove.  We followed the beck right up to the cliff face.  There was plenty of water welling up from under the cliff.

We then retraced our steps back to the Pennine Way and started up the steep steps to the top of the Cove.  As we reached the top of the steps we could hear voices.  There was a group abseiling down the edge of the cliff.  We were all glad when we had finished climbing the almost never-ending steps, unfortunately we were now exposed the the wind and the rain.  Despite wanting to explore the limestone pavement, I decided that we would be better off leaving the top of the Cove and heading across the field to Gordale. 

The path was fairly easy to follow despite the wind and rain and by the time we reached Gordale Lane, I was ready for a hot drink.  This was the first time that I had been here during the week and the usual drinks/ice cream van wasn't here, so we carried on through the campsite towards Gordale Scar.  The recent rain had swollen the stream and the waterfalls at Gordale were magnificent.  We all agreed that it would be extemely foolhardy for us to attempt to climb the waterfall today.  We sheltered under the cliff and had lunch.  Jeanette managed to find goodies for all of us in her rucksack, from eggy peggy sandwiches to Kit Kats and hot Bovril.

Once lunch was over and we had had a suitable rest, we retraced our steps back to Gordale Lane.  We then visited Janet's Foss, supposedly the home of Jenet, the Queen of the Fairies and then followed Gordale Beck through Little Gordale woods back to Malham.  
 
The walk took approximately 4 hours.  According to Jeanette it was everything she could have wished for in a walk.  I had promised a WOW walk and had delivered threee WOWs; Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss.  Despite the poor weather it was going to be a walk to remember.  Thanks to Jeanette for driving us to Malham and for the very welcome hot drink.

 

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.