Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve walk
A scenic walk around the National Nature Reserve. This route goes along the boardwalk, through woodland and into limestone pasture. In spring and summer there is always a colourful display of wildflowers to see, including the striking yellow globeflower or bright pink and purple orchids. Look out for butterflies and dragonflies too.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Waterhouses car park, BD24 9PT.
Step 1
This route follows the orange waymarkers. From the car park follow the track, keeping the buildings on your left, for a short way until you see a red post box and an unmade track on your right. Turn right down the track.
Step 2
Continue on this track until you reach the entrance to the National Nature Reserve on your left. Go through the gate and follow the boardwalk straight ahead continuing round until you come to a t- junction. Turn right and follow the boardwalk footpath to where the boardwalk ends and becomes a rough footpath. Follow this path and go through a gate, then turn right onto a track.
Step 3
Follow the track through the woods to Tarn House. Just before the buildings turn left turn up a hill.
Step 4
As you approach the top of the hill (before you reach the buildings) you’ll see a footpath to the left and a gate in the wall. Follow this path and go through the gate into a field. Walk straight ahead across the field through an open gateway. From here, follow the orange waymarkers down towards the corner of the wood.
Step 5
As you approach a rocky outcrop on your right bear left heading down towards a gate in the wall. Go through the gate and turn left onto the Pennine Way, following a line of trees, until you reach a gate.
Step 6
Go through the gate onto a track and turn right. Follow the track straight ahead until you reach Waterhouses car park and the end of the trail.
End point
Waterhouses car park, BD24 9PT.
Trail map
Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll
A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.
Malham Tarn upland farm circular walk
Discover England's highest lime-rich lake, home to a unique community of rare plants and animals.
Get in touch
Malham Tarn Estate Office, North Wing, Malham Tarn House, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9PU
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