If you’re searching for England’s finest landscapes, look no further than Malham Cove in North Yorkshire.
Part of the famed Yorkshire Dales, this pristine landscape is among the best ol’ England has to offer. Perhaps, I’m biased because I grew up in Yorkshire so I’ll always have an affinity with this part of the world. However, I don’t think I am because I’m the first person to call some part of Yorkshire grim. Not everywhere offers green valleys and cobbled stone streets, but if that’s what you’re looking for then North Yorkshire has it in abundance. Like everywhere, you have to do your research beforehand, otherwise it’s easy to find yourself in the bowels of some pretty rough establishments that you wouldn’t even wish upon your worst enemy. I say this because I know. I was born in Bradford.
But let’s get back to the positive areas. If there’s one place in Yorkshire with undeniable beauty, it’s Malham Cove with its distinct natural limestone formations. No list of Yorkshire highlights would be complete without it.
How was Malham Cove formed?
The formation of Malham Cove began around 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. As glaciers covered the area, they eroded and sculpted the landscape, creating a deep glacial valley known as Malhamdale. When the ice retreated, a large meltwater lake formed in the valley, and over time, the lake overflowed and cascaded over the limestone cliffs. This continuous flow of water led to the formation of the impressive limestone amphitheater that we see today as Malham Cove.
The force of the water tumbling over the edge of the cove eroded the limestone, particularly in the weaker areas, forming a large horseshoe-shaped cliff face. The combination of water erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and weathering gradually deepened the cliff and smoothed its surface.
If you follow the stone steps located left of the cove it leads to the top where you’ll be greeted with heavily separated and eroded limestone. It’s a challenge to walk over without losing balance, but any instability and difficulty getting to the top is worth it once you clap eyes on the majestic panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales.
Film and television appearances
The unusual, almost Gothic appearance of Malham Cove creates a very cinematic backdrop. Some of you might even recognise it from Harry Potter and the Dealthy Hallows. It also starred in the BBC TV series Seven Natural Wonders, and my personal favourite, The Trip. A comedy series starring Steve Coogan aka Alan Partridge.
One of the crew almost stumbled into the river, but through team effort and fast reflexes we managed to rescue the fall. Phew!
The grey limestone cliff sits in stark contrast with the surrounding landscape of gentle, green valleys criss-crossed with dry-stone walls and a picturesque river.
7 Responses
Thank you! It’s definitely a fine landscape to walk inside! And, please have a good Wednesday! 🙂
Beautiful landscapes, although it looks very cold.
They were taken just after Christmas, so indeed, very cold but very crisp! The perfect weather for some serious walking!
Beautiful, that first photo. I’ve not made it to Yorkshire and Northern England yet, but it’s very high on my list. Love the old stone fences, the landscape reminds me a little of southern Norway, actually – which isn’t all that strange, I suppose – just a little bit of North Sea between them.
Yorkshire and Northern England beckons you! Yes, I agree the moors can look like certain areas of Norway… alas if only we had the fjords though! I’ve been reading your website, you’ve made some really interesting posts!
awesome pictures, love your blog
That’s especially nice to read, since I love your blog!