There is no end of places to take in the views and surroundings of the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
But there is one “unique” landmark that offers beautiful sights of the national park that has “amazed visitors for centuries” – can you guess where it is?
Nestled in the quaint village of Malham, it’s of course Malham Cove, dubbed “nature’s beauty” and a “peaceful corner” by walkers.
The 70 metre (230ft) high, “gently curving” cliff of white limestone was formed along the line of the Middle Craven Fault, according to the Yorkshire Dales National Park website.
“It has been eroded backwards from the line of the fault by the action of water and ice over millions of years,” it adds.
Is Malham Cove worth a visit?
The experts continued to explain: “Over the last one and a half million years, Malham was probably covered at least three times with huge sheets of ice.
“As these glaciers ground their way over the landscape they plucked rock from the face of the Cove and carried it away.
“Each time the glaciers melted, huge floods of water further eroded the face of the Cove.
“The water flows underground now, but then, the ground was permanently frozen and so the glacial meltwater had to run over the top.
@jonesnofixedabode Malham Cove & Janets Foss 📍 – – was a scorcher of a walk today! This circular route offers a chance to witness waterfalls, cliffs, and a unique limestone pavement. The entire circular walk is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers). Tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales – its a steady incline The cove itself is over 80 meters high and was used to be a waterfall surpassing the height of Niagara Falls! #walk #malhamcove #yorkshire ♬ Viva La Vida Coldplay sped up – ol
“The result was that a massive waterfall once thundered over the Cove.”
Fast forward to today, and the magnificent rock face of Malham Cove has become a popular spot for climbers – did you know it also protects a pair of nesting peregrine falcons which can be viewed during the summer months?
The birds can be seen “diving and wheeling” alongside the house martins and jackdaws that also call the Cove home, the Yorkshire Dales National Park website reveals.
At the bottom of Malham Cove is a small stream, known as Malham Beck, which appears from a cave at the base of the cliff.
But to see the dramatic scenery from the top, adventurers can follow a “well-maintained” path.
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Some have even hailed the surrounding views as “breathtaking” on Tripadvisor.
Among the more than 1,000 reviews, this person wrote: “One of my favourite places to go. Really enjoyable walks, breathtaking views, and very well maintained for an open attraction.”
Another shared: “I’m not sure how the cove is not more widely known in the UK. It’s spectacular and unique.
“From below the cliffs are superb and from above the limestone pavements and views are breathtaking.
“It’s an easy walk from Malham on very good paths. There are good steps to get to the top that are easy to follow (take your time – there are a lot). We visited as part of the Malham loop walk.”
Someone else commented: “Nature’s beauty, well worth a visit to this peaceful corner of Yorkshire. The circular walk is around 4 miles up to the cove & back through Gordale onto Janet Foss back to Malham. Lovely tea room near the carpark too.”
Visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park website for the best advice and important safety information for walking up Malham Cove.
