Malham Cove is a uniquely dramatic location, featuring an impressive 260-ft high, vertical limestone rock face. Access to it is easy, with good, well-maintained footpaths leading from the village of Malham, and remains a popular visitor attraction, particularly during the summer months.<\/p>\n
Malham Beck originates further up the valley, at Malham Tarn, where it disappears underground and flows through a system of limestone cracks and gullies before reappearing at the base of the cove. In 2015,the area experienced extremely heavy rainfall from Storm Desmond resulting in the beck actually flowing over the top of the cliff \u2013 briefly making it the highest waterfall in England \u2013 and the first event of its kind since 1824.<\/p>\n
Many of the adjacent fields have visible terracing, which are signs of medieval farming methods, and a pair of peregrine falcons nest in the cracks on the surface of the cove. It\u2019s quite common to see groups of bird-spotters set up alongside the beck with their telescopes focused on the nest; they always seem happy to discuss the falcons and offer passers-by a look through their eye-pieces.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re up to it, a climb to the top (not straight up like the climbers do, but via the steps to the left) is a must-do. An impressive limestone pavement awaits the visitor, providing some truly amazing views back down the valley, although I would avoid it when its wet, as the stones can become very slippery.<\/p>\n