Conditions for limestone pavements are created when an advancing
glacier scrapes away overburden and exposes horizontally-bedded
limestone, with subsequent glacial retreat leaving behind
a flat, bare surface. Limestone is slightly soluble in water
and especially in acid rain, so corrosive drainage along joints
and cracks in the limestone can produce slabs called "clints"
isolated by deep fissures called "grikes" or "grykes".
Malham village itself lies in a broad valley called
Malhamdale, which further downstream becomes known
as Airedale. The huge precipice of Malham Cove dominates
the scenery as seen to the north of the village, where
the Craven fault marks a clear geological boundary
between the gentle pastoral valley and the limestone
uplands above. The Pennine Way also passes through
Malham, and the village is a great destination for
climbers, cavers, walkers and tourists alike, offering
tea rooms, two pubs and cafes to visit after a day
exploring the sights. There is also a car park and
National Park Information Centre, with displays about
the geology and natural history of the area
Malham Cove
Malham is the centre of England's impressive inland
scenery.
A giant amphitheatre of sheer limestone, and a gorge
with an overhanging rock some 30 metres high. Malham
Cove is a huge natural limestone cliff which was once
the scene of a spectacular prehistoric waterfall.
The valley above the cove is now dry, with the river
having found alternative routes through an undiscovered
cave system deep underground. However, at the foot
of the cliff, a small stream called Malham Beck rises
from a submerged cavern, which is still being explored
by cave divers.
At the top of Malham Cove, (access via steps or a
short uphill treck on road then PF) you can gaze at
the clints and grykes (the stones and gaps) in all
their beauty. See Video.
