Malham Cove

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Limestone pavements and 80m cliffs

[ Limestone Pavement and Cliffs at Malham ] Malham Cove, near Settle, in the Yorkshire Dales, is a wondrous place. Vast 'pavements' of limestone etched with parallel grykes cover the land around a series of dry valleys, the water having long since eroded its way down through the limestone to form an underground stream which emerges at the foot of an eighty metre high cliff. This image was taken in 1999 at dawn after chancing my way in semi-darkness over the ankle-threatening limestone, risking a few shots lying over the cliff edge. I've subsequently returned with camera in 2003 and 2005.

Although often a popular tourist attraction, one can find peace in the tranquil fields above the Cove, which rise up over hills to a large lake called Malham Tarn. On quiet days all one can see are sheep, grass, limestone and dry stone walls.

Footpaths lead:

North to the Dry Valley
West to the tranquil expanses of Ewe Moor
East to the endless slopes of Malham Lings
South east to the enchanting waterfall of Janet's Foss
Down the steps to Malham Beck