Saturday 11th - Malham
A Walk Lead by Peter Hitchcock
10 Miles, 1400ft Ascent
Today offers you a marvellous 10-mile hike across typical Yorkshire countryside. We leave Malham northwards along a fairly steep road climb before contouring east to Gordale Gorge and Scar. Unfortunately, the path is closed about 100m short of the scar itself due to rockfalls but you can get close enough to see right into the gorge and the waterfall. We then continue East, again climbing along a quiet road for about 2 kms before heading north to Malham Tarn via the remains of a Roman Marching Camp – although only a plinth to see – but you can take satisfaction on walking on ground trodden by hundreds of legionnaires!!
Lunch hopefully at the Tarn (if you’re not too hungry earlier) before returning to Malham via Prior Rakes and the iconic Malham Cove. There will be plenty of time to linger at both the top and bottom of the Cove for photos etc. There are 423 steps to descend from top to bottom so be warned!
Total climb/descend about 1400ft and there are 3 ladder-type stiles to cross plus quite a few gates. On a clear day, the views are outstanding and you will enjoy this one.
Leaving the village, we cross Malham Beck by a footbridge, and head south along a well defined path, before turning east towards Janet’s Foss. The path leads into a wooded glade, at the end of which is the waterfall known as Janet’s Foss (a Nordic term for waterfall or force). A sign nearby indicates the origin of the name. Clambering up from Janet’s Foss, we join a lane for a short distance to Gordale Bridge, from where it is possible to see Gordale Scar. From the bridge the route joins the Dales High Way up through fields, joining a lane for approx. 1/3 mile. Leaving the lane via a stile (or gate if not locked), we go up onto open moorland, before dropping down and crossing a stile to join the Pennine Way towards Malham Cove. The path drops steeply down into a dry valley, continuing until reaching the limestone pavement above the Cove. Care will be needed crossing the clints and grykes of the pavement, before taking to the 400 plus steps down to the stream as it emerges from the foot of the Cove. The path then leads back to the village and well earned refreshment. There are a couple of stiles on the route, and some stretches of path are very rocky and steep, so care will be needed.
C Walk Lead by Pat Guy & Jennifer Mathias
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