Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janets Foss from Malham
Three of England's most dramatic limestone features in one run — with a scramble through Gordale Scar that makes most runners grin.
Effort: Moderate distance, manageable climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
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Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
The definitive Malhamdale loop combining the limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, the dramatic gorge of Gordale Scar, and the waterfall of Janet's Foss.
Three of England's most dramatic limestone features in one run — with a scramble through Gordale Scar that makes most runners grin.
The route
Malham village is the starting point for this 7.8km circuit. Head to Malham Cove first — the 80m curved limestone cliff is one of the most impressive natural features in England. Climb the steps to the limestone pavement on top, which appeared in Harry Potter.
Gordale Scar
The route descends to Janet's Foss waterfall before approaching Gordale Scar from below. The gorge is genuinely dramatic — sheer walls rising 90m, with a waterfall that requires a short scramble to pass. Wet rock makes this harder; in spate it can be impassable.
Malham Cove
The breathe taking Malham Cove is a must visit for anyone coming to the Yorkshire Dales
Janets Foss
Janet's Foss is a small waterfall near the village of Malham, North Yorkshire, England. It carries Gordale Beck over a limestone outcrop topped by tufa into a deep pool below.
Gordale Scar scramble — wet rock is very slippery. Can be impassable in spate. Limestone pavement — ankle risk in grykes.
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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Runner reports
Nobody's logged a run here yet. If you get out on it, a few lines about how it went helps the next person plan their day.
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