Malham Tarn archaeology walk
Uncover the history of Malham Moor on this archaeology trail. Explore this area of ancient limestone pastures, upland hill farms and the beautiful Malham Tarn, and discover archaeological remains in a landscape which has been used by man since the Mesolithic era.
Near to
Yorkshire DalesStart point
Street Gate (roadside parking). Grid ref: SD905656Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Street Gate (roadside parking). Grid ref: SD905656
Stage 1
Pass through the gate and follow the wall on your right along Mastiles Lane to the Roman Camp.
Stage 2
Turn left, taking the footpath across the northeast corner of the Roman Camp, and follow towards Middle House Farm. After you've crossed Gordale Beck, look to your right - the tops of the fells were full of settlements during the Iron Age.
Stage 3
Optional detour: From Middle House Farm you can wander up the hill to the left of the farm to look at the 16th century farmstead of Old Middle House. Alternatively, to skip the detour, head straight to Step 5.
Stage 4
Return down the hill, pass through the gate and then follow the path to your right.
Stage 5
Follow the old Monks' Road to Malham Tarn. Much of the land on Malham Moor was used by Fountains Abbey to rear sheep, hence the name Fountains Fell.
Stage 6
When you reach the shores of Malham Tarn turn left and then take the left fork onto a grass track which goes beneath Great Close Hill, away from the Tarn.
Stage 7
Pause at Great Close Plantation and take a look around you. This was the site of the great cattle fairs of the 18th century.
Stage 8
After Great Close Plantation, bear right to join the track and return to Street Gate and the start of the trail.
End point
Street Gate (roadside parking). Grid ref: SD905656
Trail map
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Get in touch
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
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