Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk
Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, wetland areas and the smelt mill chimney (a remnant of the mining industry), as well as views of the surrounding moorland. Keep an eye out for roe deer which are often seen wandering through the trees or around Tarn House.
Near to
Yorkshire DalesStart point
Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658
Stage 1
This route follows the purple waymarkers. From Watersinks car park follow the grassy path north, away from the road, along the Pennine Way towards Malham Tarn. Continue following the grassy path as it bends to the right before joining the track. Continue on the track to the gate. Go through the gate and continue on the track with Great Close on your right.
Stage 2
Walk along the shore of the Tarn and pass through a gate at the entrance to the woods. Continue on the track to Tarn House. Follow the track to the right, going around the back of Tarn House. Stop off at the Orchid House and have a look around the exhibition area. There is also a toilet here. From here continue on the track around the building. Ignore the first turning right that climbs steeply uphill and continue on the track (bearing right) going through a cutting in the cliff. Follow the purple waymarkers.
Stage 3
Walk along the track through the woods, passing a bird hide on your left. Continue on the track going past the entrance to the National Nature Reserve and a number of buildings and turn left at the postbox onto an unmade track. Walk to the end of this track until you reach a gate and the road. Alternative route: When you reach the entrance to the National Nature Reserve (at Sandhill's Cottage) turn left and follow the footpath that leads to the boardwalk through the reserve. When you reach the end of the boardwalk go through the gate onto an unmade track and turn left. This leads to another gate and the road. Please note: dogs aren't allowed on the National Nature Reserve boardwalk.
Stage 4
When you reach the road, go through the gate and turn left. Walk along the road and take the left fork after 327 yards (300m). Continue along the road to the crossroads. Go over the stile diagonally in front of you to your left and cross the field, heading towards the smelt mill chimney.
Stage 5
At the chimney, enjoy the views before walking eastwards, away from the Tarn, heading uphill towards the corner of the field above the barn. At the corner, follow the wall on your left to the wall in front of you (leading uphill). Go over the stone step stile and continue eastwards until the land begins to descend. You will see a track at the foot of the hill leading to an open gateway in the wall to your left.
Stage 6
Go through the open gateway and follow the track across Dean Moor, in a north-easterly direction until you reach the road and car park at Watersinks.
End point
Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658
Trail map
More near here
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.
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.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in Yorkshire
Discover some of the best walks in Yorkshire, from rugged Pennine beauty spots, views over the coast, to parkland and meadows perfect for a family stroll. Most are dog friendly and many can be enjoyed as part of your day out to the nearest National Trust property.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.
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.
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.