Yorkshire

Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll

This short linear walk takes you along the shores of Malham Tarn, a scenic and internationally important wetland site.

Near to

Yorkshire Dales

Start point

Watersinks car park, Malham Tarn, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.6 (km: 4.16)

Duration1 hour to 2 hours

Dog friendly***

*Mostly flat with grassy footpaths and gravel tracks. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Terrain is reasonably flat. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome under close control and on a lead. There may be livestock on this route. For further details, see section marked Facilities.

Address
Watersinks car park, Malham Tarn, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24.
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Settle station 7 miles (11.3km) away and Skipton station 19 miles (30.6km) away.
On foot
6 miles (9.6km) of the Pennine Way runs through the estate.
Cycling
The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway runs through Malham village and by Malham Tarn.
By bus
From Skipton: services run from Skipton to Malham village. Please follow the link to view the latest timetable.
Dalesbus
By road
From Settle: Take the B6479 (Langcliffe Road) 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 right following signs to Malham - do not follow signs to Arncliffe. Keep on this road until you get to a crossroads, go straight ahead. You will pass a farmhouse on your left, shortly after that you will pass through a gate. Watersinks carpark is on the left.
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. Turn right at the crossroads. You will pass a farmhouse on your left, shortly after that you will pass through a gate. Watersinks carpark is on the left.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads, however they are not allowed on the boardwalk of the National Nature Reserve. Watch out for local notices as there may be restrictions in woodland or farmland at sensitive times of year, during the lambing season, or between March and the end of July when ground-nesting birds are on eggs or raising their young. Please be vigilant when walking near livestock, especially those with young. Try not to get too close and keep your dog on a lead under close control. If approached by cows, move away as carefully and quietly as possible, and if necessary let go of your dog's lead and let it run free, the dog will outrun the cows.
Toilet
Toilets in Malham village and one toilet at step 4 of this trail.
Tea-room
There are tea-rooms, toilets and pubs in Malham village 2 miles (3.5km) away.
Pub
There are pubs, toilets and tea-rooms in Malham village 2 miles (3.5km) away.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Watersinks car park, Malham Tarn, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658
Stage 1
Park at Watersinks car park and follow the grassy path north, away from the road, along the Pennine Way. Continue following the grassy path as it bends to the right before joining the track. Continue on the track to the gate.
Stage 2
Go through the gate and continue on the track along the shores of Malham Tarn.
Stage 3
Continue through the woods and walk to the right, around the back of Tarn House. Pause at our small exhibition about Malham Tarn's National Nature Reserve.
Stage 4
When you reach this point, turn around and retrace your steps to the car park.
End point
Watersinks car park, Malham Tarn, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24. Grid ref: SD895658
Trail map
Watersinks to Malham Tarn stroll | © 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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Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll

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