Walking route: Malham to Bank Newton along the Pennine Way
Introducing one of our favourite walks – Malham to Bank Newton along the spectacular Pennine Way
There are so many reasons why we love our location but being on the Pennine Way National Trail makes it extra special. It’s a great feeling that our walking guests can do a beautiful section of the trail from the village of Malham back to Bank Newton. And there are options to make the walk longer or shorter, depending on how you feel.
Using the local Dales Bus service is brilliant for linear walking
One of the great ways to discover Malhamdale is to make use of the excellent Dales Bus service, which runs from Gargrave.
The Dales Bus runs at 10am from Gargrave and it’s a pretty twenty five minute journey to Malham. Please note – we always recommend checking the bus timetable as you plan your stay and to check what is current and if there are any changes. Copies of the bus timetables can be found in the cottages, and double checking online is a good idea too.
We love making use of the Dales Bus because it provides a great service to local villages and enables our guests to enjoy a linear walk.
Here are a few suggestions of how you can accommodate a ride on the bus, with linear walking in Malhamdale
Walk #1 – A longer walk approximately 11-12 miles in length (depending on whether you incorporate a walk to the Cove once in Malham village)
This walk includes a two mile walk from your cottage to Gargrave to be there in time to hop on the 10am DalesBus travelling to Malham.
Once in Malham you can pop into the village, wander down to the Cove and enjoy a cuppa in the Tea Room before walking back to your cottage along the Pennine Way, which passes Hanlith, Airton, Gargrave and Bank Newton.
Walk #2 – A mid-length walk of approximately 7 miles
Begin the day by driving the 2 mile distance from the holiday cottages to Gargrave, and park up in the free village car park on North Street for the day.
You can then board the 10am DalesBus from Gargrave to Malham ,and walk the seven mile section back to Gargrave.
This section of the Pennine Way is walked “downhill”, following the River Aire for the first section of the walk and is very tranquil. There are no strenuous ascents meaning it’s a wonderful walk for all abilities. Along the way you’ll be treated to rolling hills, meandering dry stone walls, wooden bridges and lush fields filled with grazing sheep – quintessential Yorkshire Dales scenery.
Walk #3 – A short walk around Malham Village and local sights, with a return bus journey.
As with the second walking option, you can begin your day with a drive to Gargrave to catch the 10am DalesBus, buying a return ticket to Malham.
When you arrive in Malham you can enjoy a stroll around the village, visit the Cove or take a walk to see Janet’s Foss Waterfall and Gordale Scar – or incorporate all the highlights as you follow the Malhamdale Spectacular route (which is really well signposted). These routes are signed on the side of the Visitor Centre at the entrance to the village. As with any walks, we always recommend taking the Ordnance Survey map with you. For this area it is OL2 Yorkshire Dales South and a copy of this map is provided in every holiday cottage here for you to take out and about with you during your stay.
Malham has a choice of eateries – you could visit the tea room, or one of the villages two pubs, before catching the bus back to Gargrave in the afternoon.
About the Pennine Way
The Pennine Way National Trail was the UK’s first national trail and was officially opened in 1965. The route is signed from Malham to Gargrave, and on to Bank Newton. Look for the Acorn symbols and Pennine Way signage along the trail.
Stay at Newton Grange Cottages to discover wonderful walking on your Yorkshire holiday
There are not many locations where you lace up your boots, head out of your holiday cottage and step onto the Pennine Way. The sense of space and the open views are quite something.
