Restricted Access
Access to Malham is a privilege and subject to the following climbers access agreement. Please ensure you read, understand and follow these points to ensure continued good relations with the Parish Council, other landowners, farmers and local residents
- Stick to public rights of way - don't take short cuts though fields below the Cove as these are not Open Acces land
- Always use the public toilet block next to the pub instead of the bushes
- Follow the bolting agreement - no bolting at weekends, during the school summer holiday or whilst the nesting restriction is in effect to ensure noise doesn't disturb nesting birds or detract from other visitors experience
- No wild camping near the Cove or nearby fields, or sleeping in vehicles in the village or parking areas - use the campsite at Riverside campsite in Malham, or the Gordale Scar campsite instead
- Parking is a very sensitive issue - only park in the locations listed in the parking section below
- Make use of local business (pubs/cafes/restaurants etc) after a day at the crag and help to put money back into the local economy
By following these guidelines, you'll be making sure the currently good relations with the village and Parish Council are maintained for the future.
Respect the Rock: How to climb at Malham Cove - YouTube
Seasonal Restrictions
Dates: 1 March to 30 September
Reason: Nesting Birds
Update: The Peregrine restriction for 2025 has been lifted as of 19th May. Sadly the nest failed this year.
The original line climbed by Barrie Biven and Trevor Peck in 1959 climbed
the wall in 3 pitches. The first pitch was short from the right side of the
beck up to the catwalk. The second started around about where Free and Even
Easier does now but climbed up and leftwards through the bulges to the tree
on the upper ledge on the left. The third pitch took a direct line roughly
on the line of what is now Local Hero.
In the early 1960s the second pitch was straightened out and better bolts
were added starting further left where Chiselling the dragon goes now. The
route was very popular in the 60s and 70s but the short first pitch became
redundant and was rarely climbed. This route became known as the
Directissima.
Barrie Biven, Trevor Peck 1959.
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Logged Ascents
Guidebooks for Malham Cove
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If you're not flying, you're not trying
Grade: A2 ***
(Newton Dale (Pickering Woods))