MALHAM AND THE PENNINE WAY

Details
Get some fresh AIRE on a relatively low level, moderately strenuous, winter walk through Malhamdale where many villages including Malham, Hanlith and Airton, were named by Anglian settlers. Formerly a quiet farming valley, Malhamdale now attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. From Gargrave in Airedale the walk heads north past Winterburn Reservoir, built late 19th Century to help maintain water levels on the Leeds & Liverpool canal, to Weets Top east of Malham, with views over Malhamdale. The walk then passes through Malham, joining the Pennine Way, which in April 1965 was formally opened at Street Gate, north of the village, near Malham Tarn. The P.W. is then followed back to Gargrave.
Route
Leaving Gargrave via the Leeds & Liverpool canal towpath, the walk passes through woodland around Eshton, and crosses Eshton Beck at Brockabank Bridge. A short road walk leads to Friars Head, a 17th Century yeoman's farmhouse, with four lofty gable bays and mullioned windows. Tracks lead north over farmland and moorland above Winterburn Reservoir, followed by a gradual climb west up Whetstone Gill to the highest viewpoint of the day at The Weets 414m/1358ft marked by a trig point and a medieval boundary stone, at the border of Fountains Abbey monastic land. Descending to Malham village, the route then joins the Pennine Way which is followed south along the River Aire to Hanlith, passing 17th Century Hanlith Hall, and Airton. To the east is Newfield Hall, a guesthouse of the Holiday Fellowship which provides walking holidays. Eshton Moor is crossed before the final descent to Gargrave.

This is a Leeds CHA walk of about 14 miles with approximately 1400ft of ascent, on good tracks with some road walking. We will start walking at 09.45am. Please arrive in sufficient time to park, change footwear etc. We expect to finish around 4.15pm.

There is no charge to attend the first three CHA walks, but to attend further walks we request that you join our club for an annual membership of only £6. This will give you access to an unlimited number of walks, social events, coach trips and weekends away, in line with our parent club Leeds CHA Rambling & Social Club. For further details follow the link on this website.