Malham Cove

Malham Cove is one of my favorite Yorkshire Dales locations and is just up the road from where we live in Gargrave.

The cove was created by a massive ice river that fell over a limestone cliff at this point. The drop is 260ft and more than 980ft wide. The flowing water over time created the curve of the cove.

The water course today is marked by a stream that flows out of Malham Tarn and goes under the surface about 2 miles from the top of the cove and emerges at the foot of the cove. Most of us accept that this is where the River Aire commences although some tests have brought that into question!

The cave systems usually carry away any water before they reach the fall; however, Malham Cove temporarily became a waterfall for what is believed to be the first time in centuries on 6 December 2015, after heavy rainfall from Storm Desmond.

Here are a few photographs – I will add new ones from time to time!