To The Cove

We decided yesterday to head out of town. At the beginning of the year J had booked the day off as  holiday, and even though it was bad luck that he was unwell he said he still felt like getting out. He declared a need for fresh air, gentle exercise and a good dose of Scenery. He had obviously been pondering on it as he knew exactly where he wanted to go, and who was I to argue? Anywhere in the Dales is fine by me. Take me where you will.

We drove out to a beautiful village called Malham. In summertime, this quiet little village gets pretty mobbed by visitors, and it can get quite busy along this sweet main street when the sun shines and the holiday season is in full swing. But in the depths of a wintry week, all was tranquil and peaceful yesterday. In fact, I think Winter is my favourite time of year to be here, I remember walking here before at this time of year.

We parked the car in the village and walked the half mile or so up the road to the start of this track which leads to The Cove. As you can see this is a very toddler/pushchair friendly stroll and although we took the pushchair with us, Little B managed to walk the whole way there and back.

The track starts out quite high above the beck, but soon descends down to water level.

The beck here is newly surfaced, by that I mean it literally springs out of the hillside not far from this point. The water is remarkably clear and pristine looking, makes you want to kind of stick your head in it and drink till you're full.

We're following the little beck towards Malham Cove, there it is look. Magnificent, isn't it? It's one huge, great, big, incredible, ancient Marvel of Nature.

The whole landscape around The Cove is slightly strange, sort of barren but lush at the same time.

The mossy covered rocks and walls looks incredibly vibrant in the dim light of February, especially contrasting with the cool grey of the limestone all around.

We've reached the end of the Toddler-friendly path, and beyond this gate it becomes very rocky and wet. You kind of start walking in river beyond the gate. So I left my boys at this point and ventured in alone. I wanted to get a little closer to The Cove itself (or "The Waaaallllllll" as Little B called it). A very big Wall, well yes, I suppose it is just that.

I've got walking boots on, so I'm kind of half paddling and half rock-hopping my way through the shallow beck.

WoW. It really is the most incredible, incredible place to stand and stare. You look up. You look down. You look all around. And all you see is ancient limestone. You are towered over by it, surrounded by it. Do you see the man in the above picture? See how weeny he looks?

Standing near The Cove makes me feel like a little Dot. But I also feel very energised, it really is breathtaking.

Wow. I turn around and head back to the gate, Little B looking all anxious, then a big beaming smile when he sees me. He's tells me in his sweet way that he's been worrying about me in case I slipped on the rocks. Bless.

We walk slowly back along the track, then back down the lane to the village.

We pass picturesque houses and a campsite and a cafe and a farm. Little B is enchanted by the sight of these cows, he makes lots of talk and chatter to them. He can't seem to say Mooo, so he says "Hi" instead.

Ahhh such mossy delight in Malham! Moss seems to be everywhere, creeping beautifully over the landscape, adding green to the grey.

I really like Malham, the village has a wonderful, sleepy, quiet, contented feel to it. You feel as if time is standing still a little here. It feels ancient. I always come away from Malham feeling like I must return again very, very soon. Springtime I think would be good.

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 Edit to add :: ooooooo yes, I had forgotten that the BBC is currently running a series called "The Great British Countryside" which featured Yorkshire in episode two.....at the moment there is an iPlayer clip where they show you Malham Cove, both from the bottom where I was, and at the top on the amazing limestone pavement where they filmed a Harry Potter scene.

The link to the BBC iPlayer clip is HERE, available until 15th March ( I hope the link works!)

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Diana]

What a lovely walk you had today spending quality time with your family. I feel like I was there too because of the way you describe everything and show us those outstanding photos.
It's pure joy to read your blog. Thank you.xo

[Debbs]

Hi Lucy, every time you're down I want you to remember how much you've changed people's lives. You've taught people how to crochet, you've brought colour into their lives and happiness. Our house is a slowly falling down around our ears, I'm too ill to make any changes, we're too broke and hubby is working all hours as he's self-employed. However, even though I made it a year or so ago, everytime I go into the bathroom and my eye catches the little rainbow of crochet around my jam jar holding the cotton buds - I smile and my heart smiles. You put that smile there - you helped me learn how to crochet again and held my hand with your tutorials to make that little cover. So next time life is getting to you, remember the little rainbows of happiness you have spread around the world and be proud of the difference you make everyday.
Many thanks and for the lovely photos today.

[eva]

One think I've noticed about you: there seems to be no evidence of a television in your home. If so, good for you. Lucky kids, that's why they get to do such fun things with their parents, rather than spacing out in front of the tube. I,too,have no t.v. and must say I'm very happy that my kids were raised without one.

[Jennie]

I'm dying to visit your area- what beauty!

[Ryan]

Looks like a beautiful spot, your lucky to be able to enjoy an afternoon there with your family.

[Rani]

You lucky thing. I would be taking walks every day if my countryside looked like that.

I'm stuck inside after a snow/ice storm, but making the house cozy, warm and clean can be a perk.

[Anne Marie]

I love that area, have cycled around there but spent some time there as there was a Geography centre, when I was at school.

[Lisa G.]

Oh, why does everything in your country look so picturesque? That place reminds me of the Coliseum!

[Seaweed & Raine]

Wow! What incredible scenery! Thank you so much for sharing that jaunt with us. Some of the scenery reminds me of where I grew up on the New England Tablelands. Sigh. Sometimes I miss it still.

[Shannon]

What a perfect out and about - I feel refreshed just from reading about it! Thanks for the edit about HP, too. My youngest son will be so thrilled to view the link!

[Penny Morrison]

Lucy- -your photos are absolutely amazing!! I can imagine being there through your photos- -thank you so much for sharing your beautiful countryside with all of us!!

[sue]

What a gorgeous day out. It's my mission in life to move back to Yorkshire the sooner the better. We had a day out Whitby way last week and it's just made me more determined.Lovely photos as usual.Sue

[maypole]

Looks beautiful

[Bari Jo]

Thank you for the link! These pictures were just breathtaking and I was transported with my cup of tea thanks to your travel diary!!! Loved it!

[Kathy Heaton-Brown]

thank you for this post. It took me back to my teenage years when I went rambling with Mum and Dad and my siblings and Malham was on our itinerary. It is awesome and even though I now live in New Zealand, it is wonderful to be reminded of the beauty of those ancient limestone cliffs.
Kathy

[Emma]

I remember going to Malham on a school trip when I was about 14. I remember it being really lovely. I'm so glad you had a nice trip, especially after you haven't felt so bubbly recently. Hope the fresh air blew away the cobwebs!

[Maggie Moore]

What a beautiful walk! I used to live in East Riding but only for a few months but I never visited Malham Cove - it looks stunning. I live in the Cotswolds now but my favourite place in the short time I was up that way was Robin Hood's Bay. Maggie xx

http://prettyflowersinthewindow.blogspot.com/

[Nicola revill]

We are visiting Settle this weekend, think will also cram a visit to The Cove too as looks awe inspiring

[sue]

Isn't life strange Lucy, last week I drooled over Malham Cove on the telly and now I'm drooling over it on your blog!!!! What an amazing place you live Lucy, actually we all live in amazing places just we don't notice LOL!

[Serena]

What beautiful countryside! Thanks for taking us with you on your trip.

~ Serena :)

[Deco Cat]

Stunning!

[jeannette]

i have linked to you, with thanks.

http://jeannettesmyth.com/2012/02/29/home-pinny-porn/

[Ellie]

Breathtaking photos. I've not seen anything on that scale before!
Ellie
x

[Lika G.]

Looks like a beautiful place to visit! Was just watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and saw the scene and said to myself that it looked like the The Cove that Lucy recently visited! Wow how about that!

[DaCraftyLady]

Just beautiful there. :)