Malham Tarn to Langcliffe Scar

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.