Gordale Scar
Nestled deep in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales lies one of England’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders – the dramatic gorge known as Gordale Scar.
This lesser known gem is full of surprises, offering dramatic views, waterfalls, and sheer limestone cliffs.
Climb the rocky path and it’s like a portal into another world. You reach a secluded valley complete with a waterfall flowing through a hole in a rock.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Gordale Scar and experience its magical beauty for yourself.
What’s in this guide?
What is Gordale Scar?
Gordale Scar is a narrow gorge located in North Yorkshire, England, that has been carved out over thousands of years by the waters of an ancient waterfall.
Why you should visit
Experiencing the hidden wonder of Gordale Scar is an adventure that stays with you.
If you’ve parked on the road (our preferred parking spot) heading North you’ll find an old wooden gate. Entering the gate, the valley path gives no hint of the dramatic scene about to unfold. Rounding the final bend, the towering chasm suddenly comes into view for the first time.
When the valley path reaches the towering rockface, the adventure truly begins.
The Basin
Rounding a bend, the towering chasm of Gordale Scar unexpectedly comes into view. The sheer scale of the vast limestone gorge rising before you is breathtaking.
First-time visitors are often left awestruck, overwhelmed by the valley’s unexpected grandeur. Even having seen photos, few are prepared for this humbling first glimpse.
Give yourself a moment to take in the scene from the basin floor. Then when ready, turn your eyes to the waterfall cascading through the gorge’s heart.
Climbing the Falls
Once you’ve explored the basin of the cavern – the next step is to climb the rocky waterfall.
This is not a easy climb, but for the fit an able can be undertaken with no specialist equipment etc.
It would be easy to skip climbing the rocks and tick Gordale Scar off the list – but don’t stop there.
The Hidden Valley
Climbing the falls is like a portal into another world, you’ve found Gordale’s hidden valley.
Lofty rock walls surround this secluded valley. With the tumbling stream at your feet. But the gem is the waterfall. Look up and you’ll see a dramatic waterfall flowing directly through a hole in the cliffside, spilling into the secluded valley now enveloping you.
From this secret vantage, take the rough rock stairs up the left flank for views of Gordale’s fullest splendour stretching vastly below.
Going behind the falls
(As with many hikes, there are dangerous cliffs and slippery surfaces – proceed with caution at all times)
For the bold explorer, carefully follow the cliffside river upstream toward its source. This exposed scrambling route leads behind the very waterfall portal itself for Gordale’s most vertiginous perspective.
As you soak in this hard-won panorama, with the main gorge a distant vision through the portal’s frame, appreciate deeply the effort made to ascend here.
When ready, wind your way back through Gordale’s worlds, emerging anew where once you began a humble valley hike only a short while before.
The Disclaimer
As with many hikes, there are dangerous cliffs and slippery surfaces - proceed with caution at all times. Climbing the rocky falls and the viewpoint behind the waterfall are dangerous. Five Till Nine cannot take any responsibility for any actions taken.
Scenic Spots, Trails, and Points of Interest
Gordale Scar can be included as part of the 3 hour hike – a round trip that also takes in Janet’s Foss and Malham Cove.
Activities at Gordale Scar
Hiking – The most popular activity is hiking through the gorge along the public footpath for dramatic cliff-top views. The full roundtrip hike from Malham village is around 3 hours. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and watch your step on the uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Photography – With its mossy limestone cliffs, waterfall cascades, and forested slopes, Gordale Scar is extremely photogenic. Early morning or late afternoon light creates an enchanting scene. Tripods are useful for long exposure waterfall shots.
Geology – Gordale Scar is a great place to observe the fascinating geology of limestone cliffs, caves, karst pavements and other formations shaped by water over time. Fossils are visible providing a glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past.
Birdwatching – Look and listen for dippers, grey wagtails, and common sandpipers along the stream. Peregrine falcons, ravens, and buzzards can sometimes be spotted circling the cliff tops above the gorge.
Picknicking – Pack a lunch and rest awhile on the grassy banks of the gorge. It’s a picturesque spot for a picnic before heading back.
Swimming – None of the water at Gordale Scar is deep enough to swim, however there is a plunge pool just nearby at Janets Foss which visitors often swim in.
Rock Climbing – The towering cliffs offer excellent traditional rock climbing and bouldering for experienced climbers. Novice climbers should go with a guide or local club. Proper climbing gear is essential.
While exploring Gordale Scar, be sure to stay on marked paths, follow leave-no-trace principles, and respect this protected natural landscape. With its diversity of scenery and activities, it’s easy to see why Gordale Scar is considered one of the top attractions in the Yorkshire Dales!
Geology & History
This area’s drama is the result of a fascinating interplay of geological forces and human history.
The Geology
Gordale Scar was formed by meltwaters from retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. The powerful waters plunged over the cliff, etching away at the carboniferous limestone over time to carve out the 100-meter deep gorge we see today.
The limestone in this area formed during the Carboniferous period when Northern England was covered by tropical seas. Fossils of corals, crinoids, bryozoans, and mollusks can be seen embedded in the scar’s limestone cliffs, providing clues to this prehistoric era.
The History
Gordale Scar has been shaped by human activity as well. Beginning in the Middle Ages, miners extracted lead from the gorge’s limestone which was used to roof Malham’s historic buildings.
The remains of old mine workings can still be seen carved into the cliff walls. Sheep grazing also inhibited tree growth in the dales, exposing the bare rock to increased erosion from the waterfall. More recently in the 18th-19th centuries, Gordale Scar became a destination for artists, poets, and early tourists drawn to its dramatic romantic scenery.
William Wordsworth wrote in the sonnet Gordale, “let thy feet repair to Gordale chasm, terrific as the lair where the young lions couch“. Renown artists James Ward and J. M. W. Turner both have paintings featuring Gordale in the Tate.
Today
Today, Gordale Scar is protected as part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The unique intersection of natural and human forces over thousands of years has created this narrow, forested gorge with dramatic cliff faces and a powerful waterfall plunging through its center. When visiting, you can vividly see the geologic and human history etched into its slopes.
where to park
Geographical Location:
Gordale Scar is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire, England. It sits just north of the village of Malham, about 22 miles northwest of Skipton and 6 miles northeast of Settle.
Outside of Peak Season, I have always managed to park right by the entrance. However it can get quite busy on Bank Holidays etc. I have included Parking locations for both scenarios below.
Preferred parking spot:
Use postcode: BD23 4DL
I have always managed to park at the side of the road here – it is the closest parking spot to Gordale Scar and also very close to Janets Foss.
Alternative parking spot:
This is a free parking area just just over a mile (by road) from Gordale Scar. However the road is very narrow and not the safest for walking.
Link on Google Maps
Use postcode BD23 4DA
Alternatively you can park here and take 3 hour round trip taking in Malham Cove, Gordale Scar & Janets Foss. More on this below.
Parking
Free parking.
There are 3-4 spaces nearby, a large free parking area just over 1 mile away.
Facilities
No toilets available.
Ice-cream or refreshment van is often parked near the entrance.
Costs
Free to park. Free to visit.
Perfect for a day out on a budget.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Gordale Scar – there are sometimes sheep grazing within the campsite so leads would be appropriate.
Accommodation Options
Here are some suggestions for places to stay when visiting Gordale Scar:
- Malham Village – Staying in Malham village puts you closest to Gordale Scar, only a 1.5 mile hike away. Options include traditional Yorkshire stone cottages, country pub accommodations like the Buck Inn, and campsites like Malham Moor.
- Settle – The market town of Settle is located about 7 miles southwest of Gordale Scar. This larger village offers more amenities and accommodation choices including hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and campsites. Makes a good base for exploring the wider Dales.
- Skipton – About 15 miles southeast, Skipton is the largest town close to Gordale Scar with the widest range of lodging. Choose from boutique hotels, budget/family chain hotels, cozy B&Bs, self-catering apartments, and hostels. Great for rail access.
- Camping – Pitch a tent at Malham Moor Campsite or Gordale Scar Campground to wake up right at the gorge. Provides a true outdoor experience amidst nature.
- Holiday Cottages – For a cozy and quaint experience, rent a self-catering cottage in one of the surrounding villages or farmsteads, many dating back centuries. Provides a taste of country living.
Ideally choose accommodation that aligns with your interests and budget. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak visiting season between May to September.
Use Malham or Settle as your base village to easily access everything Gordale Scar and the Yorkshire Dales have to offer.
Conclusion
While Gordale Scar alone warrants the Malham area’s visitation, the surrounding countryside further rewards exploration.
Nearby attractions like the pools of Janet’s Foss Waterfall and imposing cliffsides of Malham Cove integrate seamlessly into the 3-hour circular walk between them.
Whether visiting for a brief detour or full day’s ramble, Gordale Scar rarely fails to make a lasting impression for those that pass through.
This time-hewn gorge encapsulates the Yorkshire Dales landscape’s stirring beauty through its cliffs, crags and caverns hiding off the beaten track.
Come witness the patient hand of nature for yourself at one of England’s most dramatic and inspiring natural sculptures.
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