Yorkshire

Malham Tarn trail for Trampers

A visitor in a Tramper stops on a trail in Elterwater, Cumbria to chat to another visitor in winter — Exploring trails by Tramper | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Everyone can discover the moorlands surrounding Malham Tarn on this accessible trail suitable for Trampers. This flat circular route explores the woodland and shoreline surrounding the glacial lake. It also passes a Victorian house that welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and John Ruskin as guests. Wildlife fans can spot oystercatchers by the water, roe deer in the woods and colourful wildflowers in the summer.

Near to

Yorkshire Dales

Start point

Waterhouses, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD886674

Book Tramper early

We have one Tramper which is available to book Mondays – Fridays between 10am – 2pm. Booking is essential. You can email the team on yorkshiredales@nationaltrust.org.uk to make a booking.

Address
Waterhouses, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PT
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Settle station is about 7 miles (11.3km) away.
Horton-in-Ribblesdale station is about 9 miles (14.5km) away.
Skipton station is about 16 miles (25.7km) away.
By bus
Details can be found on www.dalesbus.org/malham
www.dalesbus.org/malham
By road
From Settle: Take the B6479 signposted Horton in Ribblesdale and Hawes. After about three quarters of a mile turn right at Langcliffe signposted Malham. Follow this road for approx 3 miles. Once you can see the Tarn, at the next junction keep left following signs to Arncliffe - do not follow signs to Malham. Keep on this road for approx 1.5 miles then turn right to Waterhouses car park.
From Skipton: Take the A65 towards Kendal and Settle; as you enter Gargrave turn right, signposted Malham, and follow signs to Malham. Once in Malham village, go straight on through the village past the Buck Inn, do not turn right over the bridge. You will pass the Cove on your right as you leave the village, keep going up the hill, over two cattle grids, and you will come to a crossroads. Go straight ahead - signposted Arncliffe – past High Trenhouse Conference Centre on the left. At the next T-junction bear right towards Arncliffe. After approx half a mile take the next turning on the right to Waterhouses car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads. Please note, they're not allowed on the boardwalk of the National Nature Reserve if you choose to visit it. Look out for local notices, as there may be restrictions at certain times, such as during lambing season or between March and July when ground-nesting birds are raising their young. Please be vigilant when walking near livestock, especially those with young. Try to not get too close and keep your dog on a lead under close control. If approached by cows, move away carefully and if necessary let go of your dog's lead – the dog will outrun the cows.
Car park
Free parking is available at Waterhouses car park or at Quarry car park.
Toilet
A toilet (not wheelchair accessible) is available at the Orchid House behind Tarn House. The nearest accessible toilets with RADAR facilities are available at Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in Malham Village, 3 miles (4.8km) south from the trail's starting point.
Café
The nearest cafés can be found in Malham village, 3 miles (4.8km) south from the trail's starting point.
Tea-room
The nearest tea-room can be found in Malham village, 3 miles (4.8km) south from the trail's starting point.
Pub
The nearest pubs can be found in Malham village, 3 miles (4.8km) south from the trail's starting point.
This route has been tested and deemed suitable for Trampers. However, please note that the route may not be suitable for other types of mobility scooters. Due to the remote nature of the area and uneven terrain, we always advise you to be accompanied on this route. This route follows gravel tracks, unmade footpaths across grassy areas, and country roads. It's reasonably flat, but can be muddy after wet weather. There is a cattle grid to cross and some gates on the route. An alternative route is provided if you'd prefer to avoid a stretch of footpath on grass. The nearest accessible toilets with RADAR facilities are available at Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in Malham Village, 3 miles (4.8km) south from the trail's starting point.
Powered mobility vehicle
There's one Tramper available to visitors from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm. It's free to use, but please book it in advance via email.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Waterhouses, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD886674
Stage 1
From the car park, follow the track for just over half a mile. Please be aware, there are speedbumps on this section and go slowly over them. You'll spot glimpses of Malham Tarn through the trees on your right before reaching Malham Tarn House.
Stage 2
Follow the track round Tarn House and continue through the woodland, going over the cattle grid and on to the shore of Malham Tarn.
Stage 3
Continue around the shore for about half a mile until you reach a gate.
Stage 4
Head through the gate and immediately take the grassy path to your right. This takes you round the edge of the woodland before continuing along the shore again. Follow this path until you reach Watersinks car park. Please be aware, this stretch follows rough grassy ground so you'll need to slow down and take extra care. It may be muddy after rainfall. Alternative route: If you would prefer not to go on the grassy path, ignore this path and instead carry on down the track. When you reach the road turn right and head straight until you reach Watersinks car park.
Stage 5
At the entrance of the car park turn right and head up the road and through a gateway. Carry on for about 1 mile (1.6km), until you reach the crossroads. Turn right. Continue on this road until you reach a T-junction. Take the right turning, following the signpost to Arncliffe. While driving on the road, please be aware of other road users - turn the Tramper lights on and take extra care, pulling over to the side to allow other vehicles to pass you safely.
Stage 6
After approx. quarter of a mile, head through a gate on the right onto a stone track which takes you around the edge of the reserve. Follow this track to the end, where you'll meet a road and should spot a red post box in the wall on your right. Please note: the boardwalk around the reserve is not suitable for Trampers or other mobility scooters.
Stage 7
Turn left and head back up the track to Waterhouses car park and the end of the trail.
End point
Waterhouses, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD886674
Trail map
Malham Tarn circular route for trampers map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU

01729830416

yorkshiredales@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

Book Tramper early

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 7

Total stages: 7

Start point

Stage 1

Point of interest

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Point of interest

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Stage 6

Point of interest

Stage 7

End point

Trail map

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