Malham Tarn Walkway

The walk to Malham Tarn takes you across proper Yorkshire moorland - and the sense of space up there is genuinely magnificent. It's a straightforward route from the village of Malham, heading north past the limestone pavement and steadily climbing until you reach the tarn itself, a natural freshwater lake that sits at 380 metres and feels quite remote despite being only a few kilometres from the road.

What strikes you most is how exposed it all feels. The moorland rolls away in every direction, and on a clear day the views back towards Skipton and beyond are worth every step of the climb. The tarn's worth seeing in person rather than just glimpsing from a distance - the water reflects the sky in a way photographs don't quite capture. You're looking at roughly two to three hours for the full loop, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

This suits walkers far more than casual strollers. Families with older kids who genuinely enjoy hiking will get plenty from it; younger children might find the exposed moorland a bit relentless. The terrain is boggy in places after rain, so proper boots aren't optional.

Based near Skipton, you're perfectly placed for a walking holiday. Malham Glamping Pods sits just 2.7 miles away, giving you quick access to this walk and dozens of others in the area - Malham Cove, Janet's Foss, the various limestone features. It's free to access and open year-round, though spring and autumn tend to offer the best weather for tackling the moorland without getting soaked.