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Yorkshire Dales
Enjoy picturesque villages, drystone walls, flower filled hay meadows and the characteristic rolling hills of the Dales.
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
Opening times for 12 May 2025
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For Upper Wharfedale there are car parks in Kettlewell and Buckden, not National Trust (charge including members). For Malham Tarn parking is at Waterhouses, Quarry or Watersinks car parks. For Hudswell Woods you can park at Round Howe car park, not National Trust (charge including members).
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome across most of the estate, but please keep them on leads. Assistance dogs only on the boardwalk of the National Nature Reserve at Malham Tarn.
- Toilet
There are toilets in Malham village (not National Trust), and one toilet at the Orchid House (next to Tarn House on the north shore of Malham Tarn). In Upper Wharfedale there are toilets at Kettlewell and Buckden in the car parks (not National Trust) and at Hudswell Woods there are toilets in Round Howe car park (not National Trust 20p charge).
There are RADAR facilities in Malham village, Kettlewell and Buckden Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority car parks and Round Howe car park at Hudswell Woods (not National Trust). A tramper is available to hire at Malham Tarn. Please book in advance of your visit by emailing yorkshiredales@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone 01729 830416.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper available to hire at Malham Tarn. Pre-booking advised.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
Upper Wharfedale is 33 miles north of Bradford; Malham Tarn is 34 miles east of Lancaster; Hudswell Woods is 14 miles south-west of Darlington. The M6 skirts the west, the A66 to the north, the A1 to the east and the A65 and A59 to the south.
Parking: For Upper Wharfedale there are car parks in Kettlewell and Buckden, not National Trust (charge including members). For Malham Tarn parking is at Waterhouses, Quarry or Watersinks car parks. For Hudswell Woods you can park at Round Howe car park, not National Trust (charge including members).
Sat Nav: Use BD23 5JA for Upper Wharfedale; BD24 9PT for Malham Tarn; DL10 4TJ for Hudswell Woods.
- On foot
98:SD935765 for Upper Wharfedale, 98:SD890660 for Malham Tarn and 92:NZ157008 for Hudswell Woods. The Dales Way passes through Upper Wharfedale, the Pennine Way passes through Malham Tarn and there are numerous public rights of way.
- By train
Skipton station for Upper Wharfedale, 12 miles; Settle station for Malham Tarn, 7 miles; Northallerton or Darlington stations for Hudswell Woods, 12 to 13 miles.
- By bus
Services to Hudswell Woods from Darlington, Northallerton and Richmond. Services to Upper Wharfedale and Malham from Skipton.
- Cycling
The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway goes through Kettlewell, Upper Wharfedale and past Malham Tarn. Hudswell Woods is about 10 miles from NCN71.
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
Planning your visit
Article
What to expect on your visit to the Yorkshire Dales
Are you planning a trip to the Yorkshire Dales? Whether you’re visiting on holiday or just for a day we’ve rounded up some information to help you plan your visit.
Article
Visiting the Yorkshire Dales with your dog
The Yorkshire Dales is very dog friendly, and with miles of footpaths to explore, trees to sniff and grass to roll in, your four-legged friend should have a great day.
Article
Borrow a Tramper at Malham Tarn
Did you know we have a Tramper you can borrow at Malham Tarn? The battery powered all-terrain mobility scooter is available to support less mobile visitors to explore the countryside around Malham Tarn.
Highlights
Upper Wharfedale
Steep-sided valley with vast heather covered moorland tops, wooded hillsides and valley bottom hay meadows, with a patchwork of drystone walls and barns.
Malham Tarn NNR
The boardwalk at Malham Tarn weaves through the National Nature Reserve, a unique and special place with a rich and varied range of wildflowers and wildlife.
Hudswell Woods
Close to the historical market town of Richmond and with the River Swale rushing alongside, you'll find picturesque scenery, with hints of a varied history.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to look out for in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the Yorkshire Dales with their rolling countryside, steep-sided valleys, heather-covered moorland and a patchwork of dry stone walls and barns.
Top trails
Trail
Malham village to Janet's Foss
Walk this easy-to-follow, there-and-back scenic walk from Malham village to the waterfall at Janet's Foss.
Trail
Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk
Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.
Trail
Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll
A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.
Trail
Buckden to Starbotton hillside and river walk
Discover a 5-mile circular walk on the fellside at the National Trust's Buckden and Starbottom including a return along the River Wharfe path.
Trail
Buckden to Kettlewell walk
Explore the Yorkshire Dales and spot kingfishers and other water wildlife on this easy linear walk, which follows the River Wharfe through fields, farmland, and along historic dry-stone walls.
Trail
Round Howe and Billy Bank Woods trail
Enjoy picnics and playtime on this family-friendly circular trail, which runs along the River Swale in the Yorkshire Dales, with views of Richmond and historic woodland.
Trail
Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve walk
A scenic walk around the National Nature Reserve. This route goes along the boardwalk, through woodland and into limestone pasture. In spring and summer there is always a colourful display of wildflowers to see, including the striking yellow globeflower or bright pink and purple orchids. Look out for butterflies and dragonflies too.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.
Trail
Explore Langstrothdale by bike trail
Explore the Langstrothdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales on this linear cycle trail, which takes in farmland, medieval churches, ancient stone circles, and a forest home to wild flowers and wildlife.
Trail
Upper Wharfedale Ranger Run
Discover the Wharfedale Valley on this moderate circular run through the farmland, villages, and wooded hillsides of the Yorkshire Dales' glacial valley.
Trail
Malham Tarn cycle trail
Hop on your bike and explore Malham Moor on this family-friendly cycle trail. This circular route follows gravel tracks and country roads and takes in views of Malham Tarn.
Places to stay
The Old Smithy
In a corner of the Yorkshire Dales this secluded, single-storey cottage is perfect for wildlife lovers.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Yorkshire Dales
Rolling countryside with steep sided valleys, vast heather covered moorland hilltops and a patchwork of drystone walls and barns. It can be wild and windswept one day and quiet and calm the next. Whatever the weather this limestone scenery is a great place for stretching your legs on a walk, by bike or simply enjoying the large open spaces and far reaching views.
Our work
Article
Making the Yorkshire Dales sustainable for all
Our work in the Yorkshire Dales is as much about future generations as it is about caring for its magnificent landscapes today. We recognise the Dales as an important place for agriculture while balancing the need to restore more of the natural environment, and we increasingly consider the impacts of climate change on communities further afield. Discover more about our day-to-day work here, from creating new treescapes to managing sites of special scientific interest.
Project
Project
Malham Tarn House: Preserving a historic Dales landmark
Keep up to date with what's happening on the Malham Tarn House project.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Yorkshire Dales.