Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell
North Yorkshire
Starting from Watersinks car park on Malham Moor, this 18.3km circuit follows the Pennine Way north past Malham Tarn, a glacially carved lake sitting at 377 metres and one of only a handful of upland marl lakes in Europe. The route continues via Tennant Gill Farm before the long, steady pull to the summit of Fountains Fell at 668 metres, where the views extend across the Three Peaks country and into the Forest of Bowland. The return follows the moorland edge via Knowe Fell and the unfenced high road. This is big, open, remote walking with a genuine sense of isolation once you leave the tarn behind.
This demanding dog friendly walk requires a fit, experienced dog and a full day's commitment. The high moorland carries the dry-sweet scent of heather, damp sphagnum and the cold mineral smell of limestone beneath peat. Dogs must be kept on leads throughout, as open fell sheep graze from the tarn onwards, and ground-nesting birds are vulnerable between March and late July. There is no reliable water source on the later stages of the route beyond the tarn, so carry more than you think you need. The terrain is rough and exposed, with significant wind on the Fountains Fell ascent. Not suitable for older dogs or those with joint issues. A serious hill day in one of the Dales' quieter corners.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 18.3 km (11.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on route; nearest facilities in Malham village approximately 5 km away
- Parking
- Watersinks Car Park, Malham Moor, BD24. Free; National Trust car park; no facilities on site
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell dog friendly?
Yes, this is a dog-friendly route with a rating of 8/10, though it's best suited to fit, experienced dogs rather than all canine companions. It's a demanding 18.3km fell circuit with rough terrain, significant exposure on the Fountains Fell ascent, and a real sense of remoteness once you leave the tarn behind , so it's not recommended for older dogs or those with joint issues.
Can dogs be off lead at Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell?
Dogs need to be kept on leads throughout this route. Open fell sheep graze from Malham Tarn onwards, and ground-nesting birds are present and vulnerable between March and late July, so lead control is essential for the full circuit.
What should I know before visiting Malham Tarn and Fountains Fell with my dog?
This is a serious full-day commitment , come prepared with plenty of water for your dog, as there's no reliable water source on the later stages of the route beyond the tarn. The terrain is rough and exposed, and the Fountains Fell ascent can be significantly windy, so only bring a dog that's genuinely fit and used to big hill days. The nearest facilities are in Malham village, around 5km away, and the start point at Watersinks Car Park on Malham Moor is free to use but has no on-site facilities.
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