How to complete the Gordale Scar Walk
The Gordale Scar walk has inspired poets, writers, and directors due to its beauty and atmospheric hidden location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire. Prepare to be blown away as you turn the corner into this large gorge that has become deeper and deeper due to the successive ice ages.
Visiting Gordale Scar is fantastic with its high-hanging rocks and two crashing waterfalls. In the past, visitors could not determine the process of creating the gorge. However, we know today that Malham has been covered in at least three massive sheets of glacier ice in the past one and a half millennia.
As these glaciers melted, massive rivers of water ran across the plateau over Gordale and scrubbed away the limestone. Rain and ice further eroded the limestone ravine, resulting in the awe-inspiring chasm visible in the present. The water flowing from the scar is brimming with lime, which is found on the rocks as brown sponge tufa.
Our guide offers walk details, directions, answers to your burning frequently asked questions and top tips.
“..every object conspires to produce one of the grandest spectacles in nature. The rocks dart their bold and rugged fronts to the heavens, and impending fearfully over the head of the spectator, seem to threaten his immediate destruction.”
-Edward Dayes 1805
Gordale Scar Walk Details
Distance: 3.6 miles / 5.8km
Time: 1 hour 40-minutes- 2 hours
Map: OL2 (Yorkshire Dales)
Route Type: out and back
Stiles: 0
Gordale Scar Parking
A central car park is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Car Park located in Malham village. It’s a pay-and-display car park. You are able to pay using credit coins or credit cards. There are restrooms which you can use, as well as an information centre. The current charges are:
2 hours – £3
All day – £5
24 hours – £S6
48 hours – £7.50
The address is: Malham Village, North Yorkshire BD23 4DA
Follow the directions on Google Maps here.
Parking is available on the street within Malham Village. While it’s free, Malhamdale Parish Council has asked for donations of £2 to help maintain Malham Village since it’s overrun with tourists.
How to get there
Train
Settle, and Skipton are the closest train stations. It is 7 miles from Settle station and 19 miles from Skipton station.
Car
You can reach Gargrave by taking the A65 from Skipton. Follow indications to Malham and from Settle. A minor road passes through the Malham Tarn estate towards the North of Malham Tarn.
Foot
The Pennine Way passes through the estate six miles from north to south.
Bus
From Skipton: 210/211, 883/884 and from Settle 580/210 (to Malham village only).
In addition, there is the National Trust shuttle bus service (890) Settle-Malham Tarn between Easter and October.
Bicycle
Malham village is on the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, a marked on-road cycling route from Airton towards the south and Stainforth as well as Settle towards the East.
It connects with Pennine Cycleway, National Cycle Network route 68, which stretches between Derby to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Gordale Scar Weather
Check the forecast before you go, so you can prepare for your visit.
BBC for Malham
Met Office for Malham Tarn.
How difficult is Gordale Scar climb?
We were surprised that the Gordale Scar waterfall climb was not well advertised online as a challenging scramble. The waterfall can be climbed if there are normal conditions. However, if there has been heavy rainfall or it is raining. We would not recommend attempting the walk up the waterfall.
It is complicated. However, if the conditions are reasonable, you must walk up the left-hand side of the falls to reach the top.
It is worth noting and understanding that the centre of this ravine has a high concentration of dissolved limestone. It has dissolved and poured out onto the mossy rock to make the soft tufa screening a prominent attraction at Gordale. The footpath climbed up can damage the tufa and is a reason to refrain from doing this.
Gordale Scar Campsite
Pitches are available all year long at the Gordale Scar Campsite and can accommodate 60 pitches. Motorhomes, caravans, and tents are all welcome too.
Facilities include a toilet block, shower block, wash-up area, and recycling facilities. The campsite is a perfect spot to explore the Malham area and go to Gordale Scar.
Top Tips
- Bring all trash back with you (leave no evidence). If you spot someone else’s trash, pick it up and bring it home.
- Follow the marked trails to prevent erosion of the surface.
- Be respectful of the land.
- If you are visiting in the springtime, you should look out for primroses, and wild garlic in the woodland near
- Spot dippers as well as grey and pied wagtails on the Becks.
- It is mostly on stone paths and roads. In the woods, it is often uneven, and the area at Gordale Scar is rocky.
- Dogs are allowed. However, they should always be leashed, and you must remember to clean up after your dog.
- It’s a popular hike. Make sure you arrive early and avoid busy periods such as weekends, especially in the summer.
Accessibility
There is an accessible way towards the bottom along a paved road so that more people can admire this wonderful area. There are no stiles from the road (but you would not be able to see Janet’s Foss). Directly drive to the entrance instead.
Gordale Scar Directions
Make the right-hand turn from the car park, which goes over the bridge next to Malham Smithy. The direction is towards Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar!
Make a right turn and walk down the path, passing through the wooden gate next to Malham Beck. Continue walking along your way until you arrive at an open kissing gate with a double wooden. From there, turn left and continue to walk by Mires Barn. Follow the straight path and walk along the stone wall to your left.
The route is marked well and easy to follow, as it is a popular place. Keep walking, passing New Laithe, straight through the wooden kissing gate next to Malham Beck.
Continue walking along the Gordale Beck, and then go into the forest area towards Janet’s Foss by crossing the kissing wooden gate. The trail leads you through beautiful woodland, complete with a tranquil stream.
Foss is a Scandinavian word that refers to waterfalls or force. Legend has it that Janet (or Jennet), the queen of the fairies in the area, lived in a cave in the back of the waterfall. Some people go enjoy a wild swim in the waterfall.
From here, you can walk up the path using the stone wall serving as an obstacle to keep you from the falls. The stone can be slippery at times. Enter the gate made of wood and make a right turn to walk along the road to the right to the Gordale Scar.
Soon you will see a large wooden gate to your left. Follow the directions to the Gordale Scar and continue straight. As you turn the corner, you will be amazed by the beauty of the place. It is truly spectacular.
From here, you have a decision to make, you can climb up the waterfall (on the left-hand side) to walk towards Malham Cove, or you can return the way you came and retrace your steps past Janet’s Foss and back into Malham Village. Alternatively, continue to Malham’s Cove.
If you decide to climb up, do it with caution, it is not an easy task! Make sure you enjoy and get the most out of Malham Village on your return. There are many eateries and places to drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Gordale Scar formed?
Similar to Malham Cove, this impressive natural formation was formed by the Middle Craven Fault. However, in contrast to the Cove, it was created by the torrents of glacial meltwater flowing over it, cutting through cracks in the rock.
Numerous Ice Ages have carved it more profound and more affluent over thousands of years, forming the deep gorge we can see now. Some have suggested that it wasn’t created through the collapse of a vast cave. However, smaller caves collapsing over decades may have led to the gorge’s being that deep.
Can you walk up to Gordale Scar?
Yes, it is possible to walk up. However, it is tough after heavy rainfall.
How tall is Gordale Scar?
The overhanging limestone cliffs are more than 300 feet (100 meters) high.
Where to park for Gordale Scar?
There are several car park options in Malham Village. There are limited free (donations welcome) spaces, and the most popular car park is the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Car Park, which currently costs £5 per day. There are also overflowing car parks in the fields.
How far is Gordale Scar from Malham?
It is roughly 2.9km from Malham Village.
Where is Gordale Scar?
The waterfall is on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire, near Malham’s village.
Where can I stay near Gordale Scar?
You can stay in Malham, which means you can be one of the first on the trail. There are many accommodation options to suit all budgets and styles. Some of the options are:
- Gordale Scar Campsite
- YHA Malham
- The Lister Arms
- Beck Hall
- Miresfield Farm
- Malham Glamping Pods
- Cove View Cottage
- Hill Top Farm Bunkhouse
- Riverside Campsite Malham
Where else can I walk nearby?
Of course, you can take the classic route to Malham Cove from Gordale Scar. You can also extend it further to Malham Tarn!
Which writers and artists were inspired by Gordale Scar?
William Wordsworth wrote in his sonnet Gordale, “let thy feet repair to Gordale chasm, terrific as the lair where the young lions couch”.
James Ward created an enormous and imaginative work which can be seen at Tate Britain. J. M. W. Turner also painted a portrait of it in 1816.
The waterfall served as the outdoor filming location for the 1982 film The Dark Crystal, and Goredale Scar appears in the Netflix series The Witcher.
We hope you enjoyed this walk to the spectacular waterfall; remember to be prepared, leave no trace, respect others and have a wonderful time. We adore the scenery, and if you have any questions, please ask in the comments section!
Visiting Yorkshire?
Please read our guides to
Places to visit in Leeds, UK – The Complete 3-Day Guide
Goathland to Grosmont Walk – An Exciting 3-Stage Route
11 Best Things to do in Knaresborough, Yorkshire
Photo Credits: Averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
