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 at a Glance#
Address: Malham Tarn Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire, England (near village of Malham)
About Malham Tarn#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 4° | -3° | 166 mm | overcast | 96% | 6.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 114 mm | overcast | 94% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 7° | -1° | 133 mm | overcast | 91% | 6.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 2° | 95 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 91 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 97 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 104 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 10° - 17° | 14° | 125 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 136 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 160 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 168 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 170 mm | overcast | 96% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
