Janet's Foss
Nestled amongst the rolling hills and quintessential villages of Malhamdale lies one of the Yorkshire Dales’ hidden spectacular spots – Janet’s Foss.
This magical waterfall and woodland walk may be tucked away, but it has still managed to firmly establish itself as one of the national park’s shining gems.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Janet’s Foss in Malham and experience its tranquil, fairy tale-like atmosphere for yourself.
We’ll suggest the best walking routes to take, fill you in on the intriguing myths and legends associated with the waterfall.
What’s in this guide?
What is Janet's Foss?
Janet’s Foss is a quaint waterfall and woodland walk located in Malhamdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The main feature is a punchbowl waterfall, fed by a small beck. The waterfall flows into an almost perfectly circular plunge pool that measures about 15 feet deep and 30 feet across. Mossy green tufalines the grey stone walls of the punchbowl, created over centuries as mineral deposits built up from the waterfall’s constant spray.
A short stroll upstream leads through the Fairy woodlands to more secluded waterfall pools and cascades, creating an otherworldly oasis that feels completely cut off from everyday life. The area has an almost magical, fairy tale-like quality that makes it easy to see why it has inspired so many legends and myths over the years.
While Janet’s Foss may seem like a well-kept local secret, its breathtaking natural beauty and whimsical charm has made it one of the most popular natural sights in the Yorkshire Dales.
Despite the growing number of visitors, its tucked away location still makes it feel like a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered.
Why you should visit
Janet’s Foss makes for an ideal quick stop off on a hike or the perfect compliment to a trip to nearby Gordale Scar. While you might not want to spend your whole day here, it’s definitely worth stopping if you’re already exploring Malhamdale.
Cook up a tasty breakfast picnic on the rocky banks of the waterfall’s plunge pool before heading out on your Yorkshire Dales adventure for the day. Then relax streamside under the dappled sunlight filtering through the leafy Fairy Woods canopy, serenaded by the gentle tumbling of Janet Foss Beck.
With its mossy tufa walls, framed views of Gordale Scar from the punchbowl lip, and trails winding through ancient woodland, this really is a magical spot. Lovers of local legends will enjoy tracing the intriguing tale behind names like ‘Fairy Wood’ and ‘Janet’s Foss’ as they uncover the waterfall’s storybook origins.
For the adventurous, Janet’s Foss’ deep plunge pool is perfect for a brisk dip on a hot summer’s day too. Its refreshing clear waters offer cold water swimming to inspire the muse or simply cool off weary hikers reinvigorated to continue their Dales trek.
The Disclaimer
As with many hikes, there are dangerous drops and slippery surfaces - proceed with caution at all times.
Five Till Nine cannot take any responsibility for any actions taken.
Activities at Janet's Foss
Here are some of the main activities to enjoy during a visit to Janet’s Foss:
- Hike the Waterfall Trail from Malham Village – This 4-mile loop trail follows Janet’s Foss Beck through sheep fields before entering a magical woodland that leads right to the heart of the falls.
- Picnic Beside the Plunge Pool – Enjoy a meal on the rocky slab shores of the circular plunge pool as Janet’s Foss cascades right beside you, or have a hot cuppa tucked amongst the mossy tufa and tree roots.
- Ponder Local Legends – Learn about mythic tales of fairies, ghosts, and even petrified villagers as you uncover the waterfall’s storybook past and intriguing named sites like ‘Fairy Wood’ and ‘Janet’s Cave’.
- Explore Tufa Cascades – Wander upstream to discover a hidden world of calcified waterfalls, glimmering pools, and twisting tufa formations that resemble an enchanted forest straight from fantasy.
- Swim in Emerald Pools – Take a dip in the punchbowl on hot days or hunt out gorgeously green plunge pools between the tufa-lined streams and waterfalls of the fairy glen.
The Legend
Now this tale is one that is a classic Yorkshire Dales fairytale.
Janet’s Foss is a popular and utterly picturesque waterfall in Malham, enjoyed by hikers and swimmers alike. It is said to be home to Janet – the mythical Queen of the Fairies who dwells in a cave secreted behind the tumbling cascade.
If you’ve ever visited on a golden summer’s day, you’ll find the whole glen is a vision in emerald green. Velvet moss cloaks the time-sculpted tufa rock surrounding the falls. A verdant canopy of leaves filters dappled sunlight from above to dance across the rare clarity of the plunge pool’s turquoise waters below. This secluded hollow behind the punchbowl cascade truly looks the stuff of fairy tales.
But as with any good folklore, there are always two sides to the story.
In some sinister tellings, Janet’s sweet guise hides a more malevolent spirit. Some say she is a wraith-like water guardian who will appear as a swirling green mist, showing terrifying visions to any who dare enter her cherished plunge pool. Several dippers have surfaced babbling of ominous shapes in the scintillating water.
where to park
Geographical Location:
Janet’s Foss 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
Janet’s Foss makes for an ideal day trip from nearby villages, but staying locally allows you to truly soak up the atmosphere morning and night. Here are some top suggestions for places to stay to enjoy sunrise or sunset at this hidden wonder:
Within Malham village itself The Lister Arms is a traditional pub with eight boutique-style guest rooms featuring rainfall showers and Malhamdale stone fireplaces. Only a mile walk from Janet’s Foss, it’s perfectly located.
Alternatively Buck Inn and Town Head Barn offer characterful bed and breakfast accommodation full of quaint architecture and Yorkshire hospitality. Expect stone flagged floors, arched doorways and views over the dales.
Kettlewell makes another charming base just over 2 miles from Janet’s Foss along scenic walking trails. The Bluebell Inn is a stylish newly renovated boutique inn with a relaxed vibe and excellent seasonal menus sourced locally.
Wherever you lay your head at night, waking up to sunrise over Pen-y-ghent or enjoying a pint in the golden hour after a day exploring the fairy glen will create lasting memories to treasure.
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