Malham, Janet Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn & Malham Cove circular walk

Malham Car Park - Nice and early (08:30) - only a few cars dotted about. It costs though, £5 for the day.

Leaving the car park and heading for the village, there's no way you can go the wrong way around here, it's just so well signposted.

I decided to head for Janet's Foss first and took the path alongside the small stream that runs through Malham. The stream is a tributory to the River Aire and it's source is from Malham Cove

Not going to get lost today - even nice flagstones to start the walk which soon disappear and are then replaced with a well prepared path.

Entering the woodland that encompasses Janet's Foss

And here is the Waterfall (or 'Foss' in Scandinavian). Apparently, Janet (or Jennet) lived in the cave behind the waterfall, legend has it that she was the Queen of all the fairies that lived here. I waited a while to see if any fairies appeared, but I'd probably scared them off, not being the quietest of sorts.

Heading for Gordale Scar as I reach the quiet country lane.

Leaving the lane and paying a visit to Gordale Scar - As it was early, I had the whole place to myself

This awesome hidden gorge at Gordale is a wonder to see and has inspired famous artists and writers over the years. Successive Ice Ages carved this natural feature to create the deep gorge as seen here today.

As I retraced my steps back up the gorge - I took one last look at the natural scar before it went out of sight.

I followed the country lane which climbed gradually (reasonably steeply) alongside Gross Field Knott fellside and then headed Northwards when the high ground was reached.

Now time for a gentle stroll in the Yorkshire sunshine surrounded by the beautiful Dales scenery.

I took the left turn at Lee Gate farm - other routes were available to get me to the tarn, but this seemed as good as any.

Now, here lies the ruins of the Roman Camp at Mastiles Lane. But as hard as I looked I could not see anything like a 2000 year old Roman fortification. I'm sure that it's there all the same - maybe I should check out aerial photographs of the area.

A few cars parked up at Street Gate. With some couples taking advantage of the warm sunny weather to enjoy picnics

Just to the front of Great Close Scar (465m), I take a left and head towards Malham Tarn. Again, there are choices of paths which can be taken with another one on the far side of this copse. But both end up at the same place.

I had pleasant memories of Malham Tarn - One of the highlights of our recent Pennine Way walk. I remembered it's serene beauty and enjoyed my time here last year. This is one of the reasons I wanted to re-visit on a day trip.

Malham Tarn - Plenty of wildlife here today, plus people checking and admiring the flora of the area. I spotted blue, red and yellow flowering things. Its amazing what you can learn in such a short space of time !

Ah, been here before too - Going the opposite way though with a sore heel if I remember correctly.

A last look back at Malham Tarn before it disappears in the distance.

Funny looking chaps these - Not a common colour scheme, but quite fetching.

A look back at Low Trenhouse Car Park as I head in the direction of Malham Cove.

A scenic path amongst the Malham Lings

The descent continues towards Malham Cove

There were more people here than anywhere else, such is the attraction of this dramatic natural limestone feature. The top of the cove is a large area of deeply eroded limestone pavement, of a strange pattern rarely seen in England.

This was about as close I was going to get to the edge of the 260 foot vertical face of the cliff. I know there are Peregrine Falcons to be seen, but I'm just too much of a wimp.

Right - I'm going to try and count how many steps there are. It wasn't easy as people kept saying 'hello' or asking me 'how far it was to the top' - Once my concentration was lost, I had to start all over again (only joking, but probably lost or gained a few steps in the process no doubt)

Well I got 407 steps - I wonder if there is an actual number recorded somewhere ?

Stunning Malham Cove. To see the waterfall coming down the top would indeed be something special.

A look back to the cove as I head for the village as my walk nears its end.

Entering the beautiful dales village of Malham via the leafy lane

Stayed here at the Lister Arms a year ago - Nice place alright

The Buck Inn - also worth a visit

The Car Park is packed ! The farmers field car park was also well filled - complete opposite to this morning when I had the place to myself. I was also required to take part in a visitors survey done by local school children - I think I passed, but they must have thought I was a bit too old for a sticker - shame, that would have made the day perfect !