A Walk in Malham, March, 2000
Part 2: Gordale Scar
We walked the 1/2 mile to the approach to Gordale Scar, a spectacular limestone formation caused either by a collapsed cave, or erosion. In any case, walking next to the loud stream and into the narrowing valley formed by the steep sides provides great visuals and results in much gawking at the sheep on the scree high above.
The approach to Gordale Scar--November, 1999
That view, however, didn't prepare us for rounding the final bend of the approach, were we walked into an imposing canyon about the size of a basketball court. The ground was covered with limestone blocks, some pretty large. The overhanging walls were steadily dripped water and narrowed to a foaming waterfall. We wandered around, taking a few pictures and generally oohing and ahhing.
Connie and Dave check out our route
Princess Leia considers our options
Discretion being the better part of valor
The route called for a short scramble up the central part of the waterfall to start the trek to Malham Tarn. Given the volume of water coming over the rocks, that approach didn't seem wise. So we scratched Malham Tarn from the itinerary and decided to cut over the hill to Malham Cove, which was originally the third stop on our planned route.