Malham Tarn
Lake Upland limestone tarn in Yorkshire Dales, ecological importance
High on the Yorkshire Dales’ limestone plateau, Malham Tarn draws walkers and birdwatchers to its upland lake, carr woodlands and easy access to Malham Cove and dales walking routes.
Malham Tarn is an upland lake in the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, England, and is among the highest natural lakes in the country. It is recognised for its freshwater and wetland habitats in an otherwise limestone upland landscape.
The tarn and its surrounding wetlands support a range of aquatic and bird life and are a focus for walking and wildlife observation within the Dales. Paths and access routes link the tarn to the nearby village of Malham and surrounding moorland.
The hollow that holds the tarn was sculpted by glacial action during the last Ice Age. Over time it has been managed for conservation and scientific study due to its unusual upland lake ecology.
The tarn sits on Malham Moor near the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in North Yorkshire.
- Conservation status: Designated a National Nature Reserve and covered by SSSI protections for its upland wetland habitats and breeding bird populations.
How to Get to Malham Tarn #
From the A65, follow signs to the village of Malham (approximately 15 miles north of Skipton). The most scenic approach is to park in Malham village car park and walk roughly 2-3 km across pasture to the tarn. During summer months DalesBus services run to Malham from Skipton and Grassington; check seasonal timetables. The nearest rail station is in Skipton or Settle, followed by a local bus or taxi.
Tips for Visiting Malham Tarn #
- Walk from the village of Malham rather than driving: the route across limestone pasture is about 2-3 km and delivers the best first view of the tarn.
- Start early to catch the water still and the skylarks singing; midges can be bad in calm weather, so bring repellent in summer evenings.
- Look for the Malham Tarn Field Centre (FSC) signs; the area has sensitive habitats-stick to marked paths and take binoculars for waterfowl.
Best Time to Visit Malham Tarn #
Late spring through early autumn is best for walking and wildlife. Summers are friendlier for water activities; shoulder seasons offer quieter trails and stronger light for photographers.
Weather & Climate near Malham Tarn #
Malham Tarn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1559 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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