How to Hike Malham Cove (Map & Instructions)
This spectacular hike takes you to one of Britain’s most impressive natural amphitheatres in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s a dramatic walk that showcases limestone cliffs, ancient pavements, and breathtaking views.
Malham Cove is a curved limestone cliff that rises 80 meters above the valley floor. It stretches 300 meters wide and forms a natural amphitheatre that has captivated visitors for centuries.
This impressive geological formation sits in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The cove was carved by meltwater from glaciers during the last Ice Age, and it’s believed that a waterfall once cascaded over its edge, taller than Niagara Falls.
This excellent circular hike winds through the charming village of Malham, climbs alongside the imposing cliff face, and explores the lunar-like limestone pavement at the top.
The views are spectacular throughout, but the sight from the top of the cove is truly memorable. You’ll peer down the sheer cliff face and gaze across Malhamdale’s patchwork of fields and dry stone walls.
There are several lovely cafés and pubs in Malham village, perfect for refuelling before or after your hike. The Buck Inn and The Lister Arms are both excellent choices.
The walk is graded easy to medium. You’ll need to tackle some steep stone steps, but the path is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.
In this blog post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about the Malham Cove walk, including how to get to the trailhead, a map, and detailed instructions for the hike.
MALHAM COVE WALK OVERVIEW
- Start / Finish: Malham Village
- Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles (circular route)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Elevation gain: 215 meters
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
This is one of my favorite walks in the Yorkshire Dales because it packs so much drama into a relatively short distance.
The hike begins in the picturesque village of Malham, with its stone cottages and babbling beck. It follows a well-trodden path north alongside Malham Beck, with the cove growing ever larger ahead of you.
The trail then climbs a series of steep stone steps up the eastern side of the cove, bringing you to the top of the cliff. Here, you’ll find the famous limestone pavement, a surreal landscape of deeply eroded rock formations.
A gentle walk across the pavement and through fields brings you to the viewpoint at the top of the cove, where you can peer down the sheer drop.
The return route heads south across high pastures before descending back into Malham village.
I’ve rated the hike as easy to medium for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, while the distance is manageable, there’s a steep climb up approximately 400 stone steps on the eastern side of the cove. It can be tough on the lungs going up, especially on a warm day.
Secondly, the limestone pavement at the top requires some care. The rock can be slippery when wet, and there are deep fissures called grykes between the clints (blocks of limestone). Good footwear is essential.
I recommend sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip, particularly if conditions are wet.
It took me 2 hours 15 minutes of walking time, but I spent about 3 hours 30 minutes in total, taking photos and enjoying a coffee in Malham afterward.
MALHAM COVE WALK MAP
Below is a map of the Malham Cove circular walk with key landmarks marked along the route.
The walk begins and ends in Malham village (marked on the map with parking areas shown in blue).
If you prefer a physical map, I recommend: OS Explorer OL2 – Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western Areas.
For digital maps, download the Yorkshire Dales area on Maps.me or use the OS Maps app. Both have excellent trail coverage, and you can track yourself offline.
USING DIGITAL MAPS: Save the route to your phone before you go, as mobile signal can be patchy in the Dales.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD
The Malham Cove walk starts in Malham village, which is located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
BY CAR
Malham is approximately 25 minutes from Skipton, 50 minutes from Harrogate or Lancaster, and 1 hour 15 minutes from Leeds or Manchester.
There is a large National Park car park in the center of Malham village, just off the main road. The car park is pay and display, costing around £7 for the day (prices may vary). It can get busy on weekends and during peak season, so I recommend arriving early, especially in summer.
Address for Sat Nav: Malham National Park Car Park, Malham, BD23 4DA
BY BUS
The 210 Malhamdale bus service runs between Skipton and Malham. It operates on Sundays and Bank Holidays from April to October, with a limited service at other times.
The 580 bus also connects Malham with surrounding villages, though services are infrequent. Check the latest timetables at dalesbus.org before planning your trip.
BY TRAIN
The nearest train station is Skipton, approximately 11 miles away. From there, you can take the 210 bus or arrange a taxi to Malham.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
MALHAM VILLAGE TO THE BASE OF MALHAM COVE (30 minutes)
Start from the village center near the bridge over Malham Beck. Head north on the well-signed path toward Malham Cove, which you can already see looming ahead.
The path follows alongside Malham Beck, crossing it via stepping stones or small footbridges. In spring and early summer, the meadows alongside the path are filled with wildflowers.
The track is flat and easy-going, perfect for warming up your legs. As you approach the cove, the sheer scale of the cliff becomes apparent. The curved limestone face towers above you, and you’ll likely see climbers scaling its routes.
At the base of the cove, take some time to explore. There’s a small waterfall (though the cove itself rarely has water flowing over the top anymore) and the cliff face is truly imposing from this angle.
CLIMBING TO THE TOP OF MALHAM COVE (45 minutes)
From the base of the cove, follow the path that heads east (to your right as you face the cliff). The trail soon begins to climb via a series of well-constructed stone steps.
This is the most challenging part of the walk. There are approximately 400 steps that zigzag up the eastern side of the cove. Take your time, and there are plenty of good excuses to stop and admire the expanding view behind you.
The steps are uneven and can be slippery when wet, so watch your footing. But they’re sturdy and well-maintained, thanks to the National Trust.
After about 20-25 minutes of climbing, you’ll emerge onto the limestone pavement at the top. This is a stunning landscape of weathered limestone blocks separated by deep fissures. It looks like something from another planet.
Take care walking across the pavement. The grykes (fissures) can be deep, and the rock can be slippery. But it’s an incredible place to explore. Look closely into the grykes, and you’ll see ferns and other plants that thrive in these sheltered micro-habitats.
Continue heading west across the pavement toward the edge of the cove. There’s a stone wall and fence at the very edge for safety. Peer over (carefully!) and you’ll see the dramatic drop and stunning views across Malhamdale.
THE TOP OF MALHAM COVE TO MALHAM VILLAGE (1 hour 15 minutes)
From the viewpoint at the top of the cove, head south following the Pennine Way markers. The path crosses high pastures with spectacular views across the valley.
You’ll pass through several fields with gates and stiles. Make sure to close all gates behind you, as sheep graze these fields.
The path gradually descends, bringing you back toward Malham village. You’ll pass traditional stone barns and walls that are characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales landscape.
As you approach the village, the path joins a track that leads you back into Malham near the church. From here, it’s a short walk back to the car park or village center.
CAFÉS AND PUBS IN MALHAM
One of the best things about the Malham Cove walk is rewarding yourself afterward with refreshments in the village.
THE BUCK INN
A traditional Yorkshire pub serving hearty meals and local ales. The outdoor seating area is perfect on sunny days, and the interior is cozy when the weather turns.
They serve food throughout the day, and their Sunday roasts are particularly popular. It’s best to book ahead on weekends.
THE LISTER ARMS
Another excellent village pub with a welcoming atmosphere. They offer a good range of local beers and ciders, plus a menu featuring Yorkshire classics.
The Lister Arms has a beer garden and serves food from noon to 8 PM.
MALHAM CAFÉ
If you’re after something lighter, the café in the village center serves excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and light lunches. Their cream teas are lovely, and they have indoor and outdoor seating.
BEST TIME TO WALK MALHAM COVE
The best time to walk Malham Cove is from April to October when the weather is generally more favorable, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
I’ve walked it in mid-summer, and while the views are spectacular, it can get busy. If you want to avoid crowds, try visiting on a weekday or arrive early in the morning.
Spring (April-May) is beautiful when the meadows are full of wildflowers, and lambs dot the hillsides. Autumn (September-October) offers stunning colors and clearer air for photography.
Winter walks can be magical, especially after snowfall, but the steps can be treacherous when icy. Only attempt it in winter if you’re experienced and equipped with proper gear.
WHAT TO TAKE ON THE HIKE
Walking Boots or Sturdy Shoes: The limestone pavement can be slippery, and the steps require good grip. I use waterproof hiking boots similar to these Scarpa or Salomon models.
Walking Poles: These are helpful for the descent, taking pressure off your knees. I use Leki poles, which are reliable and easy to adjust.
Waterproof Jacket: Weather in the Dales can change quickly. Even on a sunny day, pack a lightweight waterproof like a Montane or Berghaus shell.
Layers: It’s often windy at the top of the cove, so bring an extra fleece or midlayer even in summer.
Water: Bring at least one liter of water per person. There’s nowhere to refill on the route.
Snacks: Pack some energy bars or sandwiches, especially if you’re taking your time to explore.
Sun Protection: Sunblock and a hat are essential on sunny days, as there’s little shade on most of the route.
Map and Compass: While the route is well-marked, it’s always wise to carry OS Explorer OL2 or have the OS Maps app downloaded to your phone.
Camera: Malham Cove is incredibly photogenic, so don’t forget your camera or phone for photos.
Cash: The car park is pay and display, and some of the village establishments may prefer cash.
EXTENDING YOUR WALK
If you want a longer hike, consider extending to Gordale Scar, another dramatic limestone gorge about 1.5 km east of Malham. This adds approximately 5 km to your walk and another hour of hiking time.
Alternatively, you could continue north from the top of Malham Cove to Malham Tarn, a natural lake about 3 km away. This is a beautiful extension that adds stunning water views to your hike.
WILDLIFE AND GEOLOGY
Keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons, which nest on the cove cliffs. You might also spot ravens, kestrels, and various small birds in the limestone pavement.
The limestone pavement itself is a rare habitat in the UK. The clints and grykes support unique plant communities, including hart’s-tongue ferns and dog’s mercury.
Malham Cove is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its geological significance. The limestone was formed from sediments laid down in tropical seas over 330 million years ago.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- Arrive early: The car park fills up quickly on weekends and during school holidays.
- Check the weather: Conditions can deteriorate quickly in the Dales. Check the forecast at mountain-forecast.com before you go.
- Respect the landscape: Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging the fragile limestone pavement ecosystem.
- Take your litter home: Help keep the Dales beautiful for everyone.
- Close gates: Always close farm gates behind you to keep livestock safe.
ACCESSIBILITY
The path from Malham village to the base of the cove is relatively flat and accessible for most people, including families with sturdy pushchairs. However, the steps up to the top of the cove are not wheelchair accessible, and the limestone pavement is challenging for anyone with mobility issues.
There is an accessible viewpoint of the cove from the village, which still provides impressive views of this natural wonder.
Malham Cove is a truly special place that showcases the best of the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this walk offers drama, beauty, and a real sense of achievement when you reach the top. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit, and I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!