Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss
North Yorkshire
This 8.2km circuit from Malham village packs three of the Yorkshire Dales' most dramatic limestone features into a single walk. The route heads through meadows to Janet's Foss, a mossy woodland waterfall with a clear plunge pool, before entering the towering gorge of Gordale Scar where overhanging crags close in and a waterfall crashes down the back wall. From Gordale the path climbs to open moorland, then descends via the dry valley to the famous limestone pavement above Malham Cove's 80-metre cliff face. Around 320 metres of ascent, with the Gordale scramble providing the crux. Note: check the Yorkshire Dales National Park website for any access restrictions at Gordale Scar due to rockfall.
Dogs experience three distinct worlds on this dog friendly walk: damp woodland thick with wild garlic at Janet's Foss, cold mineral spray in the gorge, and dry limestone moorland above the cove. The plunge pool at Janet's Foss offers a safe swimming spot in calm conditions. Leads are essential through the rocky scramble in Gordale Scar and on the limestone pavement where the deep grykes between the clints are a genuine hazard for paws and legs. Livestock is present throughout the farmland sections, so leads are needed in the valley meadows. Water is available at the foss and the stream below the cove. Best suited to fit, agile dogs comfortable on rough, uneven ground.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, Historic, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Toilets at car park; Lister Arms and Old Barn Tea Room in Malham village
- Parking
- Malham National Park Centre Car Park, BD23 4DA. Pay and display; £3.50 up to 2 hours, £5.50 over 2 hours; cash and card
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss dog friendly?
This walk rates a strong 9/10 for dog friendliness, and it's easy to see why , dogs get to experience three very different environments in a single 8.2km circuit: mossy woodland at Janet's Foss, the dramatic spray of Gordale Scar's gorge, and open limestone moorland above Malham Cove. The plunge pool at Janet's Foss even offers a safe swim in calm conditions. That said, the route is best suited to fit, agile dogs that are comfortable on rough and uneven terrain.
Can dogs be off lead at Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss?
There are sections where leads are essential rather than optional. Dogs must be kept on lead through the valley meadows where livestock is present, during the rocky scramble inside Gordale Scar, and on the limestone pavement above Malham Cove , the deep grykes (cracks between the limestone blocks) are a genuine hazard for paws and legs. There's more freedom on the open moorland sections, but it's worth keeping an eye on conditions and your surroundings throughout.
What should I know before visiting Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss with my dog?
The Gordale Scar scramble is the most demanding section , it involves climbing up beside a waterfall with uneven, potentially wet rock, so confident footing matters for both dog and owner. It's also worth checking the Yorkshire Dales National Park website before you go, as rockfall can occasionally cause access restrictions at Gordale Scar. On the practical side, parking is at Malham National Park Centre Car Park (BD23 4DA) with pay and display charges of £3.50 up to 2 hours or £5.50 for longer, and the Lister Arms and Old Barn Tea Room in the village are handy for refuelling afterwards.
Malham National Park Centre Car Park, Chapel Gate, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DA, United Kingdom
54.0617, -2.1548
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