{"id":3646,"date":"2021-10-08T13:29:38","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T13:29:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.newton-grange.co.uk\/?p=3646"},"modified":"2021-10-08T13:32:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T13:32:31","slug":"majestic-malhamdale-walking-in-an-incredible-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.newton-grange.co.uk\/majestic-malhamdale-walking-in-an-incredible-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Majestic Malhamdale – Walking in an incredible landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"
There are so many words to describe the spectacular scenery in the limestone landscapes around Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.<\/p>\n
Something that I discovered again for myself on a morning walk today in the autumnal sunshine. Setting off early is always a good plan for Malham. It meant that I had the footpaths pretty much all to myself – certainly for the first hour of this short 4.5 mile route, and it was bliss.<\/p>\n
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The babbling streams – with renewed water levels after recent rainfalls. Translucent and inviting, the ripples are soothing to watch and walk beside.<\/p>\n
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I followed the “Malham Landscape Spectacular<\/a>” walk, which is set out in the helpful ‘Welcome to Malhamdale’ leaflet found in most shops and businesses in the Dale, albeit I walked it in the reverse order.<\/p>\n First of all, was the path to the ancient woodland in which Janet’s Foss Waterfall sits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Always a hidden gem and it was all the more special for being the only person there. This is not something you can always say for Malham – indeed, far from it. But if you have the chance to visit and you can pick your time carefully – then immersing yourself in these landscapes promises something very special indeed.<\/p>\n After Janet’s Foss the footpath crossed the road. Guided by these colourful signposts, I walked along the lane and through the gate to join the path towards Gordale Scar, with its majestic opening at the top.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before I set off I had wondered if I would climb the waterfall today and walk up the path that rises out of the top of the waterfall, which from memory is really rather wonderful. When I got there, and saw the amount of water descending the falls, not to mention the pools that would have to be crossed to get there, I thought better of it. Next time, I’d bring company and my gaiters, perhaps my walking poles too, and I’d have a go. It’s fun to plan for the next times, and knowing that it’s a place you’ll return time and again. Especially when Malham is just a 20-25 minute drive away from Newton Grange Cottages<\/a> in Bank Newton.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Standing at the foot of Gordale Scar Waterfall is dramatic as the height of the rockfaces towering above you at either side make it feel like something out of a giant’s landscape. It is also eerily cool, being quite sheltered from the sunshine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saying goodbye to Gordale Scar and it was a short hop back down the path with the gentle stream to the side of you, back to the road to meet the cheery signpost again. Navigationally this walk felt very straightforward, albeit it is a route I know well of old, and there was little need to consult my map that was with me.<\/p>\n Over a stile and up the hill soon became one of my favourite moments of the walk. Not another soul in sight. Far-ranging views and such greenery, and yet, very sparse on trees. The intricate nature of the dry-stone walls stood out to me, as well as the historic field system patterns made by the walls criss-crossing the hillsides. I really loved this particular section of the route.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n