A Complete Guide to the Malham Cove Walk (Short)
The Malham Cove walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a real treat, and it is easy to see why this has been a popular place for tourists over the years. There is nothing quite like it. The top of the cliff is a large expanse of deeply worn limestone with a unique pattern. You won’t easily be able to see anywhere else like this in England!
Malham Cove is said to be 300 metres wide and 80 metres high, and from the top, you can see insane views over Malham Village and beyond. Can you believe that it used to be a waterfall? But, unfortunately, it became one again in December 2015 (for one day only) after Storm Desmond.
It was formed along the lines of the Middle Craven Fault, and it erodes backwards from the direction of the fault through the movement of ice and water over millions of years. On this walk, you can navigate through the clints (the limestone blocks) and the grykes (the gaps), which is quite the adventure. The limestone pavement is protected by law! It is one of the best walks in Yorkshire.
If it looks familiar, that’s because it probably is. It is a popular location to film at and has appeared in the BBC’s The Trip and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. That’s right, calling all Potterheads.
Malham Cove Walk Details (Short Route)
Distance: 2 miles (3.2km)
Time: 1 hour
Map: OL2 (Yorkshire Dales)
Route Type: out and back
Stiles: 0
Malham Cove Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows shot a scene at Malham Cove. It was the scene where Harry and Hermione set up camp. They also shot in Malham Village, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar. You’d better rewatch the film now to see it!
We also love Harry Potter and if you are a Potterhead – read our guide to visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland.
How to get there
Train
The closest train stations are Settle (7 miles away) and Skipton (19 miles away).
Car
From Skipton, take the A65 to Gargrave. Follow signs to Malham 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 from north to south.
Bus
You can get the bus from Skipton and Settle to Malham. Furthermore, the National Trust shuttle bus runs from Settle to Malham Tarn between Easter and October.
Bicycle
Malham village is on the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway, a marked on-road cycling route from Airton. This route connects with Pennine Cycleway and National Cycle Network route 68.
Malham Cove Car Park
The central car park is in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Car Park in Malham village. There is no car park at the top of Malham Cove.
It is a pay-and-display car park, and you can pay using cards or coins. There are toilets in the car park and Malham Village. Current Malham Cove car parking charges are:
2 hours – £3
All day – £5
24 hours – £6
48 hours – £7.50
The address is:
Malham Village, North Yorkshire BD23 4DA
You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
There is also street parking in Malham Village. Although this is free, Malhamdale Parish Council has requested donations of £2 for help with the upkeep of the village.
Malham Cove Weather
It is a good idea to prepare for your walk by checking the weather forecast. Remember, Malham Cove is very exposed!
BBC for Malham
Met Office for Malham Tarn.
Rock Climbing at Malham Cove
Malham Cove is very popular among rock climbers, surprising if you do not see any throughout the year. Since 1993, the Cove has also served as an ideal breeding site for peregrine falcons. They can be seen in the summer months, diving, and jackdaws, also called Malham Cove home.
Remember, if you go climbing, be aware of the nests and avoid routes with nests. It will be evident because birds will fly in and out.
Top Tips
- Take all litter home with you (leave no trace).
- Please do not light fires or have a BBQ.
- You must gain the landowner’s permission before you fly drones in the area. There are falcons that nest, and it is a criminal offence to disturb them.
- Stick to marked paths to avoid erosion to the area.
- Dogs are welcome, but they must always be kept on a lead and remember to clean up after your dogs.
- It is a busy walk. Please get there early and remember to avoid popular times, such as weekends, if possible.
Malham Cove Directions
- From Malham village, walk along Cove Road (keep left) for about 300 yards. You will walk past Beck Hall and up towards River Town Head Farm. You can take a detour through the Beckside woodland.
- You must continue straight through the gate into Malham Cove Fields and walk along the well-made path.
- Go through the fields, and the Cove will appear in view. The path is comprehensive and easy to follow, so it is pretty hard to get lost. Eventually, you will see the steps that take you up to the Limestone pavement to the top of the Cove.
- You can also detour to see the Cove from below (which we recommend), as there are usually climbers tackling the cliff face! Finally, you can see how Malham Beck comes from underneath the base of the Cove.
- From here, you can walk up the steps to the top of Malham Cove or enjoy the views from the bottom. If you can, we recommend heading to the top. It is weird, wonderful and fun to photograph. Remember to watch out for the clints and grikes over the limestone pavement. There are also sheer drops, so be careful when you’re on the top.
- From here, you need to retrace your steps, head back down and then turn right to head back into Malham Village.
Don’t forget to support local businesses in the village. There are pubs and tearooms; we visited the Old Barn and Buck Inn and had a great time at both.
Malham Cove walk complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Malham Cove formed?
Over the last one and half million years, Malham likely was covered three times by massive sheets of a glacier. When these glaciers carved across the landscape, they ripped rock off the cliffs of the Cove and took it away. Every time the glaciers melt, massive water floods further degrade the Cove’s face.
The water flows underground today, but in the past, the ground was forever frozen, and the meltwater from glaciers had to flow across the surface. It resulted in huge waterfalls once roaring across the Cove.
Is Malham Cove suitable for dogs?
Yes, you can take your dogs to Malham Cove (the limestone pavement will be rugged for some dogs at the top). However, remember to keep your dogs on a lead, especially during lambing season, which runs from January to June.
How many steps are at Malham Cove?
It is said that there are 400 stone steps (of different sizes) to walk up to Malham Cove.
Was Harry Potter filmed at Malham Cove?
Yes, Warner Bros filmed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Malham Cove.
How high is Malham Cove?
Malham Cove is a 70m high limestone cliff.
Where to park for Malham Cove?
There are several 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 Malham Cove from Malham?
It is roughly 1 mile (1.6km) from Malham Village.
Where is Malham Cove?
It is on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire and near the village of Malham.
Where to stay near Malham Cove?
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:
- The Lister Arms
- Beck Hall
- YHA Malham
- Riverside Campsite Malham
- Malham Glamping Pods
Where else can I walk nearby?
Of course, you can do the classic walking route to Malham Cove, which passes Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar. You can also extend it further to Malham Tarn!
We hope you enjoyed this Malham Cove. 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….
Goathland to Grosmont Walk – An Exciting 3-Stage Route
Places to visit in Leeds, UK – The Complete 3-Day Guide
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.