Malham Cove

Airedale is known for its spectacular limestone crags and the most impressive is at Malham Cove, near the source of the River Aire. The Cove makes an imposing sight as you approach, as the 300 metre wide arc reaches 80 metres in height. However, the most impressive aspect is definitely from the top, where the limestone pavement has been cut with channels and fissures.

A few miles to the north of Malham Cove is Malham Tarn, a natural upland lake, which has been forced to the surface by the North Craven Fault and at 375 meters above sea level is the highest in the Pennines. The tarn is known for the quality and number of its trout and you can spot a variety of bird life, including curlews, green woodpeckers and mallards from the nearby hide. The author Charles Kingsley visited Malham in the mid 19th century and the area inspired him to write the famous childrens story, 'the Water Babies'.