Malham Tarn, near Settle, North Yorkshire
National Trust – Malham Tarn Estate
Lake
Place photograph
7.7
Wildland
Half day
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.7A high limestone lake sits among upland farms and moorland, with wetland habitats and the chimney of a former smelt mill adding an industrial trace to the landscape.
Malham Tarn is more than a lakeside stop: the open-water and wetland setting, upland farm landscape and smelt mill chimney give a walk here several distinct layers. The National Trust’s circular route makes a substantial half-day outing, but its challenging rating and uneven terrain call for preparation.
Wild · Peaceful · Big-sky · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapMalham Tarn, near Settle, North Yorkshire
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The experience
Make the 7.2 km upland farm circular from Watersinks car park the main event. It takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours and crosses fields and tracks, with a road section. Expect challenging walking; the route follows purple waymarkers.
Things to do
Walk the upland farm circular
Follow the purple-waymarked 7.2 km circular from Watersinks car park across fields and tracks, with a section on the road. The route is rated challenging.
2 hours 15 minutes–3 hours
Look for the smelt mill chimney
Notice the chimney remnant of the area’s mining industry on the circular walk.
Watch for roe deer
The National Trust notes that roe deer are often seen in the trees or around Tarn House; sightings are not guaranteed.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Duration not specified; allow time for the walk from your chosen access point and check the route locally.
Quick Escape: a short look at the tarn
- 01
Choose a current, suitable access point for Malham Tarn and check its parking and access information before setting off.
- 02
Take a short out-and-back walk on an open route by the tarn; do not assume the National Trust circular is a short or easy option.
- 03
Pause to take in the lake and surrounding moorland, then return by the same route.
Half day · 2 hours 15 minutes–3 hours; 7.2 km
Make a half day of it: the upland farm circular
- 01
Start at Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24; check current parking arrangements before travel.
- 02
Follow the purple waymarkers on the circular route across fields and tracks, including a section on the road.
- 03
Look for views of the surrounding moorland, wetland areas and the smelt mill chimney; keep an eye out for roe deer around trees or Tarn House.
- 04
Allow extra time for stops and for the challenging terrain.
Verified history
The upland farm circular passes the chimney remnant of a smelt mill, evidence of mining industry in the landscape. The supplied sources do not give a date or further history for the mill.
Hidden details
The smelt mill chimney — A chimney remnant of the mining industry is a tangible historic feature on the upland farm circular; the available source does not provide further details about its date or operation.
Roe deer around Tarn House — The National Trust says roe deer are often seen among the trees or around Tarn House. Look quietly, but treat a sighting as a possibility rather than a guarantee.
When to go
· A clear, settled part of the day is preferable for the exposed upland walk; no specific time of day is stated in the supplied sources.
The supplied National Trust route information identifies wildflowers and wildlife as highlights but does not specify peak months. Spring and summer are a cautious general suggestion, not a guaranteed peak period.
This is an upland walk with open moorland views and uneven terrain. Check the forecast and current path conditions; the supplied source does not provide detailed weather guidance.
The route
- surface
- Mostly grass and gravel paths, with a section on a road
- distance
- 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
- duration
- 2 hours 15 minutes–3 hours
- difficulty
- Challenging
- waymarking
- Purple waymarkers; a map is available in the car park
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24; grid reference SD895658
- parking start
- Watersinks car park. The National Trust also lists Waterhouses and Quarry car parks for Malham Tarn. Check current availability and charges.
- shorter alternative
- No specific shorter circular is described in the supplied sources. Consider a short out-and-back from a suitable access point only after checking current access and route information.
- Malham Tarn and wetland areas
- Views of surrounding moorland
- Smelt mill chimney remnant
- Possible roe deer near trees or Tarn House
Worth pairing with
Malham village
A practical nearby stop for toilets; the National Trust also identifies RADAR facilities in the village. Other attractions or food options are not verified by the supplied sources.
What to look for
The smelt mill chimney, views across the surrounding moorland, the wetland around the tarn and—if you are lucky—roe deer near the trees or Tarn House.
The story
Industrial heritage: the circular walk passes the remnant chimney of a former smelt mill.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for wildflowers and active wildlife; check conditions before walking in wet or exposed weather.
Spring and summer are the best-supported seasons for looking for wildflowers and wildlife. Choose a clear, settled day for the open upland walk and check current conditions before leaving.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The estate has public walking routes, including the 7.2 km upland farm circular walk from Watersinks car park. Check current access and parking arrangements before setting out; the circular route is described as challenging.
Check before visiting
Parking
For the Malham Tarn walk, start at Watersinks car park, Malham Moor, BD24; current parking charges and availability are not specified. Waterhouses and Quarry car parks are also listed for Malham Tarn.
Toilets
One toilet at the Orchid House beside Tarn House on the north shore of Malham Tarn; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome across most of the estate but should be kept on leads. They are not allowed on the National Nature Reserve boardwalk; livestock may be present on the circular walk.
Accessibility
The upland farm circular is challenging, mostly on grass and gravel paths, with a road section. Uneven terrain is noted. A Tramper is available to hire at Malham Tarn; book in advance with the National Trust. Assistance dogs only are permitted on the National Nature Reserve boardwalk.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake, wetland and raised bog. No evidence supplied that swimming or paddling is permitted.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around National Trust – Malham Tarn Estate
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
