Malhamdale, Ribblesdale & Settle


In the south west lie Ribblesdale and Malhamdale, boasting between them some of the National Park’s most spectacular limestone scenery.


The idyllic village of Malham is most famous for its spectacular natural limestone amphitheatre, Malham Cove, home to many species of plants and animals, including the famous resident peregrine falcons who nest here every year - much to the delight of avid bird watchers.


Nearby Gordale Scar is a towering limestone gorge which has been the inspiration for many artists and poets. A short walk from here takes you to the altogether smaller but no less enchanting waterfall of Janet’s Foss, cascading through pretty natural woodland. A longer walk takes you to the nature reserve of Malham Tarn; nestled in the rugged scenery of Malham Moor it is one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales.


Known as ‘Three Peaks’ country, Ribblesdale features the three highest mountain peaks in the area, Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent, offering plenty of fantastic walking opportunities. The famous gruelling annual fell race involves competitors running up all three in just a few hours.


The town of Settle has a market charter dating back to 1249 and has retained many of its old buildings, which now house a range of small independent shops.


Climb up Castleberg Rock from the market place to be rewarded with fantastic views or take a tranquil walk along the river Ribble to Stainforth Foss. The picturesque villages of Langcliffe and Stainforth lie further up the dale.


Taking on Pen-y-ghent in the annual Three Peaks race (Pete Hartley)


From Settle, the famous Settle-Carlisle railway line runs up Ribblesdale and passes over the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct before plunging into the longest tunnel on the line at Blea Moor. A tremendous feat of Victorian engineering and part of the national rail network, it is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk for timetables.


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Visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park online at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk


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