![The National Nature Reserve at Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/yorkshire-dales/library/summer/978416fountainsfellridgeandpennineway.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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
![Malham Tarn moderate walking trail map](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/yorkshire-dales/library/malham-tarn-moderate-walking-trail.png?auto=webp&width=767&dpr=2 2x)
![Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/yorkshire-dales/library/malham-tarn-yorkshire-849048.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Watersinks to Malham Tarn easy stroll
A short linear walk along the scenic shores of Malham Tarn, a beautiful and internationally important wetland site.
![A deep blue lake on a bright sunny day with a pine tree on the left of the picture and exposed, sheer grey cliffs on the hills behind the lake.](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/yorkshire-dales/library/malham-tarn-yorkshire-dales-1571836.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
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
Our partners
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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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Things to look out for in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the Yorkshire Dales with their rolling countryside, steep-sided valleys, heather-covered moorland and a patchwork of dry stone walls and barns.
![Visitor at Janet's Foss, part of the Malham Tarn Estate, North Yorkshire](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/yorkshire/places/yorkshire-dales/library/summer/1079529-visitor-at-janets-foss-part-of-the-malham-tarn-estate-north-yorkshire.jpg?auto=webp&width=505&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
What to expect on your visit to the Yorkshire Dales
Are you planning a trip to the Yorkshire Dales? Whether you’re visiting on holiday or just for a day we’ve rounded up some information to help you plan your visit.
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Outdoor activities in the Yorkshire Dales
Discover the best walking, running and cycling routes around the Yorkshire Dales.