Malham Tarn is a distinctive region in the Yorkshire Dales, characterized by its unique geological and ecological features that provide a varied landscape for outdoor activities. It is home to England's highest freshwater lake, situated within a classic limestone environment featuring impressive cliffs, crags, and expansive moorland. The area's terrain, shaped by glacial action, includes diverse habitats such as upland pastures, hay meadows, and raised bogs, offering a range of surfaces for exploration. These natural attributes make Malham Tarn suitable…
109
Routes
4.4
(1021)
Average rating
8714
People visited

4.8
(367)
3,318
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.9
(184)
1,244
hikers
11.1km
03:17
200m
200m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(9)
31
hikers
12.1km
03:22
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
45
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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2.5
(2)
4
runners
10.4km
01:10
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

5
runners
13.6km
01:44
360m
360m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

39
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

35
runners
37.5km
04:41
1,180m
1,180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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4.6
(38)
225
riders
25.4km
02:16
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(7)
65
riders
41.3km
03:35
840m
840m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(4)
7
riders
25.7km
02:17
580m
580m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
riders
23.3km
02:00
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(6)
100
riders
32.6km
01:53
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

37
riders
52.4km
02:42
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

31
riders
27.5km
01:33
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
16
riders
40.8km
01:54
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
31
riders
40.8km
03:37
820m
820m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(3)
30
riders
42.5km
02:41
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

22
riders
37.7km
03:24
990m
990m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
riders
31.4km
02:41
720m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(4)
15
riders
17.1km
01:24
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
20
riders
26.1km
01:59
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
59.4km
04:34
1,290m
1,290m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
25.2km
01:49
450m
450m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Malham Tarn is England's highest freshwater lake, situated 376 meters above sea level in the Yorkshire Dales. It is one of only 8 upland alkaline lakes in Europe and a unique geological feature within a limestone landscape. The area is part of an internationally important National Nature Reserve.
Malham Tarn offers various outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling. The diverse terrain provides options for different skill levels and preferences. More than 147,000 visitors have explored routes in this region.
Yes, Malham Tarn provides numerous hiking routes, ranging from gentle circular walks around the tarn to more challenging trails. Pathways include boardwalks, unmade tracks, and grassy footpaths. Information on routes is available in guides such as Hiking around Malham Tarn.
Mountain biking is available in Malham Tarn, with trails featuring gravel tracks and sections across grassy limestone terrain. These routes offer varying levels of technical difficulty. Specific routes can be found in the MTB Trails around Malham Tarn guide.
Yes, Malham Tarn offers easy walks suitable for various fitness levels, including gentle circular routes around the tarn. These paths often feature boardwalks and well-maintained tracks. The Easy hikes around Malham Tarn guide provides specific options.
Malham Tarn has family-friendly walking options, including routes that are less strenuous and suitable for children. These trails often explore the natural features of the area. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Malham Tarn guide for suitable routes.
Specific trails in Malham Tarn are suitable for walks with dogs. It is advisable to check local signage and guidelines regarding dog access, especially in nature reserve areas. The Dog-friendly hikes around Malham Tarn guide lists appropriate routes.
Key natural features include Malham Tarn itself, Malham Cove with its limestone pavement, and Gordale Scar, a large gorge with a waterfall. Janet's Foss, a smaller waterfall, is also nearby. The area showcases classic limestone scenery and diverse habitats.
Routes in Malham Tarn are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 147,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The average rating for routes in this region is 4.69 out of 5 stars, based on over 16,000 ratings.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Malham Tarn, covering various activities and interests. Examples include Hiking around Malham Tarn, MTB Trails around Malham Tarn, and Family-friendly hikes around Malham Tarn.
The Malham Tarn Estate is managed by the National Trust. The official website for information is nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire-dales/malham-tarn-estate. The estate can be reached by phone at +44 1729 830416.
Malham Tarn is geologically unique as a freshwater lake in a typically porous limestone area, a result of glacial action. It is England's highest freshwater lake and one of Europe's few upland alkaline lakes. The area also features iconic limestone formations like Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
Waterfall hikes in Malham Tarn typically feature natural attractions like Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. These routes offer scenic views of cascading water within the limestone landscape. The Waterfall hikes around Malham Tarn guide provides specific options.

