Malham Cove & Janet’s Foss: Yorkshire Dales Family Classic

Published by Mark Lane, Founder — Ocio Montaña

Malham is a showstopper: limestone pavement, a towering cliff face and two delightful waterfalls make this a family favourite in the Yorkshire Dales. Distances vary by route, but a popular family circuit that includes Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss and the village is commonly completed in 1.5–3 hours and is easily adapted for younger walkers. Official visitor materials describe circular routes of roughly 2.5–4.5 miles depending on the detours you take. 

Start at Malham village car park and follow well-signed trails to Janet’s Foss wood and waterfall, then across pasture to Malham Cove — a vast curved limestone amphitheatre with steps up to the top for more adventurous family members. The route is varied: pretty woodland, river valley, pasture and the dramatic limestone pavement. Note the limestone surface can be slippery when wet; children love hopping across the slabs but supervise carefully.

What kids love: scrambling on flat limestone slabs, jumping across streams, and exploring the small caves and rock features near the cove. Practical tips: wear sensible footwear; avoid the limestone pavement in wet weather; there are cafés and pubs in Malham for post-walk refreshment.

Why it works: the varied scenery, short distances and dramatic geology provide adventure without long distances — excellent for families wanting a “big landscape” day that’s still child-friendly.

Explore without limits!