Malham Cove Walk, A Walk From Your Doorstep
The Yorkshire Dales brings stunning landscapes, rolling hills and colourful characters, which is why we’re proud to be at the heart of it. At the Buck Inn, you can expect a warm Yorkshire embrace topped with a fantastic selection of food, drink and rooms.
The Buck Inn is ideal for a post walk bite to eat, quick pit stop through the village of Malham, or a great starting point for an afternoon jaunt. Here you’ll be perfectly placed to explore many walks near Malham but one of our favourites is the Malham Cove walk; a trail that can be easily adapted and is accessible so the whole family can enjoy it.
Malham Cove Walk Options
Choose a route depending on your time, fitness, and who you’re travelling with — both options showcase the spectacular limestone scenery around Malham Cove.
Malham Cove Trail
The Malham Cove walk has options depending on your skill and activity level. Ideal for beginners or those looking for a shorter, gentle route, we suggest setting off from the village to the base of Malham Cove. Climb the famed 400 steps to see the limestone pavement and breathtaking natural amphitheatre cliff formation of limestone rock. It’s a dog-friendly, accessible route making it ideal for the whole family.
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Level: Easy to moderate
Malham Circular Walk
Opting for the circular extended Malham Cove walk means you’ll also take in the remarkable Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Tarn on your Malham Cove trail. Janet’s Foss is a magical woodland setting with a lime-rich waterfall and a famously mythical history. Gordale Scar is a true gem on the Malham Cove walk; the hidden gorge boasts torrents of glacial meltwater surrounded by sheer walls of rock towering at hundreds of feet.
- Distance: 7.5–8.7 miles
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Level: Moderate to difficult
Why Visit Malham Cove?
A true geological marvel, Malham Cove stands at over 70 metres high and has been eroded backwards by water and ice over the course of millions of years. Today, the unusual patterns and formations add to the marvel of the natural limestone path and rocks. It creates a unique wildlife habitat that protects a pair of nesting peregrine falcons – which are sometimes spotted in the summer months along house martins and jackdaws – and provides a microclimate for rare wildflowers.
Kids and adults alike may recognise some of the Malham Cove walk from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where many scenes were filmed along the Malham Cove, the tarn, Gordale Scar and the famed limestone pavement.
Top Tips for a Malham Cove Walk
Consider parking, especially at peak times
Malham has very limited street parking, however, if you’re staying with us at the Buck Inn for your Malham Cove walk you’ll benefit from our free, on-site car parking. We’re also conveniently placed alongside the National Park car park (Chapel Gate, BD23 4DA). Malham is a popular village in the Yorkshire Dales and the Malham Cove walk is a much-loved route, so be prepared for busy periods throughout the day.
Check the weather and surroundings
The limestone pavement in particular is very slippery when it’s wet and paths can be muddy or uneven, especially when it’s rained. Bear in mind that longer Malham Cove walks are best in drier conditions. Be sure to stick to the trails and footpaths and respect the delicate nature of the wildlife by keeping dogs on leads, particularly during lambing season.
Safety and preparation
Snacks and water should be packed. Our friendly team are happy to offer picnic lunches on your days out, so be sure to chat to a member of staff the night before your walk to see how we can help you have the best day on your Malham Cove walk. Always bring appropriate footwear, additional layers in the cooler months, and suncream in the warmer months.
Whether you’re just setting off or settling in after your Malham Cove walk, our team is ready and waiting to welcome you with perfectly poured pints to delicious dinners and anything in between.
Step outside and explore — the Malham Cove Walk awaits!
