Malham Tarn Upland Farm Circular Walk

This 6.9 km circular walk explores the upland farming country around Malham Tarn in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Starting in classic limestone country, the route climbs gently through pasture and open fell, with around 164 metres of ascent spread comfortably across its length, making for a moderate outing of roughly an hour and three quarters.

The path passes Water Houses, a small settlement tucked into the landscape, before opening out onto wider views across the high ground. To one side lies Great Close Scar, one of the dramatic limestone outcrops that give this corner of North Yorkshire its distinctive character, with pale crags rising above rough grazing land studded with drystone walls and weathered barns.

The return leg loops back through traditional hill farming country, where sheep work the slopes and skylarks are common in summer. It is a satisfying introduction to the Malham uplands without the crowds that gather at the more famous nearby features, and the circular shape means you finish where you started with the tarn's wide skies overhead.