Malham Tarn to Langcliffe Scar
You run from Malham Tarn out across the high limestone to Langcliffe Scar, joining the two greatest pieces of Dales limestone in one loop.
A 28.7km loop from Malham Tarn over the limestone to Langcliffe Scar and back, with around 610m of climbing. A big Malhamdale circuit linking Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and the wild scars above Settle.
You run from Malham Tarn out across the high limestone to Langcliffe Scar, joining the two greatest pieces of Dales limestone in one loop.
The route
Start at Malham Tarn and make a 28.7km loop north crossing the high moor to Langcliffe Scar above Settle and returning down the dale, with around 610m of climbing. It is a big day on classic Dales ground, mixing the famous honeypots with long, quiet moorland where you are unlikely to see another soul. The climbing is spread out, so it stays runnable despite the distance.
The limestone
Malham Tarn is one of the highest lakes in England and a national nature reserve. From there the route strikes out across the high moor to Langcliffe Scar, a wilder line of limestone crag above the Ribble, before dropping towards Settle and back. It is limestone country at its grandest and its emptiest in a single loop.
Why it works
This is a route for a substantial day that pairs spectacle with solitude. The honeypot sections around the Tarn are busy and easy underfoot; the moorland between is boggy, exposed and needs a map in cloud, where the trods fade. It suits a strong long run or a big day out. The limestone pavement is treacherous when wet, with deep grikes to catch a foot, so run it with care, and save the high moor for reasonable weather. Malham has cafes, pubs and a National Park car park with toilets, making it an easy base for a memorable loop. Start early to have the Cove and the pavement to yourself before the day-visitors arrive, and the contrast with the empty moor beyond is all the sharper.
Limestone pavement is treacherous when wet, with deep grikes that can trap a foot or ankle. The high moor is exposed and boggy with faint trods that need a map in cloud. Keep back from the edge of Malham Cove and the scars.
Safety on this route
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text register to 999
- Tell someone your route and expected return time before you head out
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
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