Malham Tarn family cycle trail
Hop on your bike and explore Malham Moor on this family-friendly cycle trail. The circular route follows gravel and grassy tracks through the moors and takes in views of the Yorkshire Dales' own glacial lake, Malham Tarn. Wildlife fans can watch a variety of birds down on the lake's shoreline and might even spot birds of prey over the nature reserve, where wildlife thrives off lime-rich waters and raised bog. The trail also passes an 18th-century smelt mill chimney and a grand Victoria house that welcomed Charles Darwin as a guest.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Watersinks car park, Pennine Way, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD894658
Step 1
From the car park, head north along the bridleway signposted 'Waterhouses', across a rolling grassland track. Follow this until the grassy track meets a gravel path and a gate ahead.
Step 2
Turn onto the gravel track and through the gate. Follow this track along past the Malham Tarn shoreline, through another gateway, and into the woods. You'll eventually reach Malham Tarn House.
Step 3
Once you reach Malham Tarn House, follow the path to the right, around the back of the house and continue on the track through a narrow limestone cutting. Keep going for about half a mile (0.8km).
Step 4
When you reach a track on your left with a post box in the wall, turn left and follow this lane along the edge of the nature reserve until you reach a gate. Go through the gate and turn left, heading down the road.
Step 5
Take the first left turn signposted to Malham and continue on this road for about half a mile (0.8km) until you reach a crossroads.
Step 6
Head straight across the crossroads, following the sign to Malham for about 1 mile (1.6km).
Step 7
You'll eventually spot a bridleway on your left, signposted to Watersinks. Follow this all the way until you reach the road. Turn right, head through a gateway and you'll see the Watersinks car park to your left, where the trail ends.
End point
Watersinks car park, Pennine Way, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD894658
Trail map
More near here
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.
Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk
Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.
Get in touch
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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