Malham Tarn trail for Trampers
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.
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.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Malham Tarn estate office, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD886674
Step 1
Turn left out of the estate office and follow the track for just over half a mile. You'll spot glimpses of Malham Tarn through the trees on your right before reaching Malham Tarn House.
Step 2
Pass Tarn House and continue on the track through the woodland, going over the cattle grid and on to the shore of Malham Tarn.
Step 3
Follow the stone track around the shore for about half a mile until you reach a gate.
Step 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: For a smoother route, ignore the grassy path after the gate and instead carry on down the track. When you reach the road turn right and head straight until you reach Watersinks car park on your right.
Step 5
At the entrance of the car park turn right and head up the road, through a gateway and over a stream. Carry on for about 1 mile (1.6km), passing a farm and then turn right at the crossroads. 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.
Step 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.
Step 7
Simply turn left and head back up the track to the Malham Tarn estate office and the end of the trail.
End point
Malham Tarn estate office, Settle, BD24 9PT. Grid ref: SD886674
Trail map
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.
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, following the beck along gravel paths and through fields and woodlands.
Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll
A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.
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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