ActivityPhoto Wikimedia CommonsMalham Cove
United Kingdom
From the comfort of the bus, look out to the right for the dramatic curved limestone cliff rising 80 metres (260 feet) above the valley floor. Formed by ancient glacial waters, this striking rock formation has captivated visitors for centuries – and even made a star appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Malham Cove, one of the most spectacular geological features in the British Isles. As you approach this massive curved cliff of white limestone, you are witnessing the handiwork of millions of years of geological…
Listen in the app2The Vertical Face — A Climber's Paradise
Standing directly at the base of Malham Cove, the verticality of the limestone is almost overwhelming. This face is composed of Carboniferous limestone, formed over 300 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea. …
Listen in the app3Malham Beck — The Hidden River
At the foot of the Cove, the Malham Beck emerges from a dark, low-arched cave. This is a point of significant hydrological interest. …
Listen in the app4The 400 Steps — The Ascent
To reach the summit of the Cove, one must undertake the ascent of the stone steps, a winding staircase of approximately 400 to 415 steps on the left-hand side of the cliff. This path is part of the Pennine Way, and it represents…
Listen in the app5The Limestone Pavement — Clints and Grykes
We now stand upon the limestone pavement of Malham Cove, perhaps the finest example of this geological feature in the UK. This surreal landscape is the result of thousands of years of chemical weathering. …
Listen in the app6The Glacial Waterfall Site — The Precipice
Approaching the very edge of the Cove, we arrive at the site of the ancient waterfall. While a sheer drop of 80 meters might seem like a permanent barrier, it was once the stage for a spectacular display of hydraulic power. …
Listen in the app7Dry Valley — The Path to Malham Tarn
Turning north from the Cove, the path leads into the Watlowes Dry Valley. This is a fascinating geological relic—a valley that was carved by a powerful river but is now entirely dry. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our tour of Malham Cove, take one last look at the white curve of the limestone cliff against the green of the Dales. We have explored the depths of its hidden river, climbed its ancient stone steps, and walked…
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What is Malham Cove?
Malham Cove is a place in United Kingdom with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 54.0728, -2.1579 |
| Last updated |
