Activities
Malhamdale
The local area of Malham is a perfect setting for a break in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, both for the keen rambler or those wanting something less strenuous. Within a mile of the village there is Malham Cove a 250ft limestone cliff topped by a unique limestone pavement. A short stroll from River House you will find Gordale Scar a deep rift in the landscape once painted by “Turner”, and Janet’s Foss, a enchanting waterfall where local legends abound.
River House is centrally located in Malham Village, amidst the stunning dales scenery. With the Pennine Way and other Yorkshire Dales walking and cycling routes running just past the front door, we are an ideal location.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is best known for its stunning scenery with deep valleys, of which Malhamdale is just one. River House is ideally situated for exploring the southern dales around Malham and Skipton or the northern dales around Hawes and Reeth.
There really is something for everyone in the Yorkshire Dales from walking and cycling to historic houses and loads of family attractions. Alternatively you may just decide to relax and enjoy the scenery or visit one of the many village pubs in the dales.
Experience Days
Sausage Making & Butchery Courses
Located in the next Yorkshire Dales village, in Kirkby Malham (10 mins drive), you will find Town End Farm shop. The butchery and charcuterie building was opened by Ade Edmandson and this was seen in the series on ITV.
Town End Farm Shop offers Butchery, Sausage Making and Charcuterie course offer something a little bit different, visit our traditional Dales Farm, try your hand at butchery, sausages, curing and lots more, great informative fun and superb Dales hospitality.
Become a Blacksmith for the day
Hot Air Ballooning
Wild Swimming in the Yorkshire Dales
Please note No swimming is allowed in Malham Tarn due to algae.
A lovely wild swim challenge is the 3 Fosses...
Appletreewick
Hardraw Force
Days Out
Scenic Drives
Malham to Grassington circular
You can not go wrong by heading out of Malham towards Malham Tarn with Malham cove on your left and head to wards Arncliffe, this circular drive take you round to Grassington, a lovely dales village with tea rooms shops and a Yorkshire Dales National park centre. With you then heading from Grassington towards Hetton and the small villages of Airton and Kirkby Malham, and returning driving up Malhamdale back to the village of Malham.
Malham to Kirkby Lonsdale circular taking in Ribblehead viaduct.
Head down Malhamdale to the village of Kirkby Malham and over the tops to Settle, picking up the B6479 to Horton in Ribblesdale, then of to Ribblehead viaduct which is further along on the B6479. From there head towards Dent and from Dent down to Casterton and Kirkby Lonsdale. From Kirkby Lonsdale the return roads to Malham can be the direct A65 and from Settle returning to Malham from over the tops.
Malham to Skipton circular via Bolton Abby and Appletreewick on the return journey.
Head from Malham down Malhamdale and picking up the A65 in Gargrave heading left towards Skipton. It has a town Markets 5 days a week and Skipton castle with its fabulous history. lots of parking can be found thoughout the town of Skipton. From Skipton head towards Addingham and though Addingham picking up the B6160 to Bolton Abby and onto the small villages of Appletreewick, Hebden, and Grassington. Taking the shorter route back to Malham via Hetton, Calton, Airton and then onto Malham, or head from Grassington to Kilnsey and Arncliffe returning back to Malham via the Malham Tarn road.
Walking
River House is an Ideal base for lots of lovely walks in the area of the Yorkshire Dales National park and beyond. Situated in the village of malham we have the Pennine Way running just past the front door. This is just one of the major walking routes to run near the house. with the Dales High Way, Settle loop, being just a few more.
We have a wide range of guides, maps and walking options at River House, that can be borrowed or photo copied making lots of suitable walks for just about any requirement.
The following websites have more information on the walks in the area of Malhamdale and the Yorkshire Dales:
Malham Cove Walk
Malham Cove is a magnificent limestone amphitheatre formed through ice and water erosion during the last million years.just a 15 min walk from the house, A section of the Pennine Way leads from Malham Village to the Cove, ascending the western grassy side of the 250-feet high cliff. At the top there is a remarkable limestone pavement with its clints (small flat blocks) and grikes (deep crevices between), and a sensational view over the valley. Beyond, the Dry Valley leads northwards towards the Water Sinks and Malham Tarn.
The Yorkshire 3 peaks
The Pennine Way
Baggage / Luggage Transfers
Brigantes is a company that is local to the area of Malham it provides a Baggage Courier Service, it has been used and appreciated by hundreds of walkers and cyclists for many years, throughout the north of England. Our baggage courier service provides the daily transportation of your baggage along your route from door-to-door, so that you will only need to carry a small bag containing your daily requisites. All details on them can be found on their website www.brigantesenglishwalks.com
Cycling in the Yorkshire Dales
RAt River House we provide excellent facilities for cyclists when using us as a base for a nights stay or a few when touring this stunning part of Yorkshire. We offer a great location to stop and rest during your travels.
There are so many cycling routes close to us at River House. The Yorkshire dales cycle way been just one that runs just past the front door, up through Malhamdale and up over the tops to Settle and Ribblesdale. The Way of the roses is another very popular cycle route that runs just south of Malham, from Morecambe on the west coast, to Bridlington on the east coast.
More on Cycling in the Dales:
Bike Hire
Should you not want to bring a bike with you there are several place near by, where you can hire one, local to us is a company called Off the Rails based in Settle , it is an Award winning cycle rides and tours company and you can also hire mountain bikes and hybrid bikes all details on them can be found on their web site www.3peakscycles.com
Bike Facilities at River House
Stirrup pump & a bicycle repair kit available (you never know when you will need one)
Outdoor washing facilities for bikes.
Washing / Drying room for muddy cloths.
Packed lunches available to order
Portable tool kits and first aid kits to lend for your trips out
Provision to lend or photocopy a variety of maps, books, leaflets, local routes for cycling.
Bird Watching
Rock Climbing
Yorkshire Dales Show Caves
You don’t have to go far in the Yorkshire Dales before becoming aware that caves and potholes are important to the geology and landscape of the area. Ingleborough Cave, first entered and made accessible in 1837, is the premier show cave in the Yorkshire Dales – www.ingleboroughcave.co.uk
The longest show cave in the area is White scar cave near Ingleton. www.whitescarcave.co.uk
The other cave in the area, is over towards grassington, Stump Cross Caverns is one of Britain’s premier show caves, located in Nidderdale on the border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We are a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is home to some amazing natural formations www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk
Historic Houses, Gardens & Museums
Across Yorkshire you’ll recognise some of the world famous exteriors and marvel at the hidden treasures within. But don’t forget the magnificent surrounding gardens, landscapes. and Museums, some of the nearest grand house and garden, museums nearest to us at River House are as follows. :-
www.parcevallhallgardens.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall/
www.newbyhallandgardens.com/site/
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival
Main Festival: February to 06 March 2022 - Fringe Festival: 22 to 31 October 2021The stunning dark sky of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is free from light pollution and has been designated a Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark Sky Association.
