Malham Cove
Rising above the village of Malham is one of the natural wonders of the Yorkshire Dales, Malham Cove. This huge natural amphitheatre, formed of limestone was once a huge waterfall. The mighty river that flowed over it is now a small stream which sinks into the limestone pavement at the top, resurging at the foot of the cove eventually becoming the River Aire. Nearby is the impressive Gordale Scar, a limestone gorge. Both are a magnet for tourists, geologists and natuallists. The area was the inspiration for Charles Kingsley's 'Water Babies'. The Pennine Way passes through here bringing in additional visitors.
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This has resulted in the village of Malham
becoming a very busy place in summer. Malham has a
National Park Centre and plenty of guest houses. Two
pubs, the Buck Inn and Lister Arms are found here. In
addition there is a Youth Hostel and a Field Studies
Centre. Malham Village |
Two miles (3km) away is Malham Tarn,
popular with birdwatchers who come to visit the rich variety of
wild and water fowl that gather there.
A mile (1.6km) to the south of Malham is Kirkby Malham. Until
recently isolated with it's distinctive dialect, this village
takes it's name Malham from the Anglo-Saxons with the Danes
adding the Kirkby prefix. The 8th Century church, St. Michael the
Archangel is dubbed 'Cathedral of the Dale'. This roomy church
has old box pews bearing their owners names or initials, some
inticately carved.
