Gordale Scar

The limestone cliffs rear up from the moorland without warning, a proper dramatic sight. Gordale Scar is a natural amphitheatre - two sheer rock faces rising 200 feet or so above a stream that tumbles over a waterfall in the middle. You walk in from the car park near Malham village, and the path gets steeper and wetter as you approach. The final push to stand beneath those walls is scrambling through water and loose stone, but worth every muddy boot.

It's the kind of place that makes you feel small. Photographers come for the moody light hitting the rocks, walkers come because it's proper challenging, and families with younger kids might find the waterfall splash zone entertaining for a bit - though the slippery approach means careful footing. Allow a solid hour if you're actually going into the scar itself rather than just photographing from the entrance. Go after heavy rain if you want to see the waterfall at its best, but the rocks will be treacherous.

Skipton's the nearest town, about ten miles away, though Malham itself is closer for supplies. This slot in nicely with other Yorkshire Dales walks - Malham Cove and Janet's Foss are nearby. If you're staying put for a few days, Malham Glamping Pods sits just 1.2 miles away, making it dead easy to return when light and conditions are best. The caravan parks at Wood Nook and Wharfedale are also close enough for a day trip without rush.