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.
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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
- Most runners complete Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janets Foss from Malham in 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on pace and conditions.
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.
Routes nearby
Start from a town: Settle 8.2 km · Grassington 10.2 km · Kettlewell 12.8 km · Skipton 14.1 km · Horton-in-Ribblesdale 14.2 km
EXPERT
MODERATE
HARD
HARDRaces on this ground
All Yorkshire Dales races →Races starting within 20 km of the Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janets Foss from Malham start, nearest first. If you are entered for one, this route is the rehearsal.
1
May
2027
Pennine Barrier Ultra 50
Malham, North Yorkshire · GB Ultras · 0 miles away
Fifty hard Dales miles out of Malham.
EXPERT
Entries open
4
Sept
2027
Malham Trail Races
Malham Show Field, Malham, North Yorkshire · Due North Events · 0 miles away
From the Show Field at Malham into limestone country above the cove.
HARD
Entries open
15
May
2027
Glorious Gargrave
Gargrave, North Yorkshire · It's Grim Up North Running · 6 miles away
A flat out-and-back on the Leeds & Liverpool towpath at Gargrave on the edge of the Dales, 5k to marathon, six and a half hours. A tougher towpath than most, they say.
Entries open
£18–£43
19
Jun
2027
provisional
Kettlewell (Skirfare) Trail Races
Hawkswick Cote car park field, Kettlewell, North Yorkshire · Due North Events · 6 miles away
Out of Hawkswick Cote into upper Wharfedale, with nine hundred metres of climb on the half.
HARD TO VERY HARD
Not open yet