A good tour of some of the many things to see at Malham - including Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, the Tarn and the Cove. Though you will have to walk a short distance to see them close up. Lots of options in these parts too.

Start at the National Park Center car park (SD900626) on the left as you enter Malham village (there're some public toilets here).

1. Going back out of the car park where you came in, turn left into the village, then right across the bridge (signed Gordale). Continuing straight along this road there's a short climb and descent at the bottom of which, on the right, is a footpath to Janet's Foss (SD912634). It's worth the very short walk (literally only a few metres) to see this waterfall. After you're done here, further along the road on the left you'll see Gordale Scar and the path leading to it (SD913634). This is a bit further of a walk (~600m) but is definitely worth it! Ok, back to the ride. The road climbs steadily from here up onto the moors - it's a bit of a slog, but the surface is good.


2. As you come to the end of the tarmac (SD925644) there's a farm to the right, a footpath to the left and the track we want straight ahead (signed Mastilles Lane). Up here, through a gate, go right onto another track, then take the right hand gate at the end. Follow this track along the wall on the right, fording a stream, to join Mastilles Lane (SD929654). Turning left here takes you back across the stream again and onwards along this fun green lane. There's the remains of a Roman marching camp along here somewhere too.


3. Reaching Street Gate (SD904656), you need to decide whether you fancy the cruise round the Tarn or not. If you do, head off down the track that bears right at the cross roads ahead. It's well made and fairly quick all the way round behind the field centre to the road. Turn left here (SD885675) then take the left fork, signed Malham, then straight on at the cross roads (you don't have priority though so look out). If you don't fancy the Tarn cruise, the bridleway past the water sinks is a great option - head straight down the road and it's on the left, signed Pennine Way (SD893657). Bear right up the hill then down to the road.


4. If you fancy a bit more, there's a climb and descent on grassy / rocky track off to the right just over the cattle grid here (SD888648). If not, carry on down the road, increasingly steeply, until a sharp bend to the left. Head through the gate straight on here (SD892636), and descend back to Malham down a walled track (a right turn at the track T junction takes you towards the car park). Great views of the Cove to your left on the way. The pubs and / or cafes are calling!

Any comments or suggestions about this route? Pop em in the forum where I'm sure others will be interested to read them.