Trails & Inspiration

Discover Your Trail - Part 4: Malham Cove & Gordale Scar

Here at Sportsshoes we love to hear about and share the incredible hiking and running trails across the UK and beyond (you can check out our UK’s Best Walks & Hikes series to see for yourself). That’s why we’ve worked with The North Face to create the ‘Discover Your Trail’ komoot Collection and ask 7 different hikers across the country to share with us their personal stories and favourite hiking routes. 

CHECK OUT THE NORTH FACE x SPORTSSHOES ‘DISCOVER YOUR TRAIL’ KOMOOT COLLECTION HERE

In part 4 of this series, Ben Mounsey tells us all about his hike around Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss in the Yorkshire Dales, as well as his inspirations for running and hiking.

You can check out Ben’s hike here on komoot:

Hi! I'm Ben, an avid trail runner and hiker, based in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park.

As part of The North Face 'Discover Your Trail' campaign I wanted to share my favourite local route to help inspire and encourage others to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.

If you search for popular walks in the Yorkshire Dales, or indeed the UK, then Malham will undoubtedly appear at the top of the list. And for good reason, because this small village is arguably the jewel in the crown of Yorkshire's biggest National Park. Best-known for its stunning limestone scenery, this rural area offers a plethora of visual treats, including Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss and Malham Tarn. 

My love affair with Malham began when I first visited as a teenager back in the early 1990's. I can remember it clearly, almost like it was yesterday - the first time I laid eyes on the cove, my first footsteps on the limestone pavement and that euphoric feeling of stepping into the jaws of Gordale Scar. I was just 13-years old and part of a Geography trip with school. It was one of my first real outdoor experiences and one which lit a flame in my heart. I knew right there and then that I was destined for a life of adventure and exploration, eager to travel and enjoy the great outdoors at every given opportunity.

28 years later and I'm back in Malham, staring up in awe at the mightily impressive Malham Cove. These days, I live over the hill, just 5-miles from the start of this route. I'm proud to call this my home and I'm delighted to share this hike so you can discover my trail.

I'm also joined by my good friend and pro-photographer Robbie Jay Barratt, who has agreed to capture some images of this wonderful hike. I've known Robbie for over 15 years - we both went to the same school. In fact, he was actually a student of mine when I returned there as a teacher. We then became colleagues and close friends, teaching Art and Photography together for many years. What makes our relationship even more special is the fact that he was also the first photographer that I ever worked with as an athlete, back in our hometown of Elland, in Halifax, on my very first photoshoot with my trail running sponsor. So, it's a very fitting tribute that he was able to join me here in Malham on my favourite local hike.

This circular route takes in the very best sights in the area. Starting and finishing in the centre of Malham, you will not be left disappointed. Just don’t forget to pack your camera, as the stunning 260ft cliffs of the cove are also home to peregrine falcons and little owls, and above here you will find one of the finest examples of a limestone pavement in the UK, which famously featured in the Harry Potter film 'The Deathly Hallows'.

Afterwards, I recommend stopping for a pint at The Lister Arms in Malham, a quintessential pub in the centre of the village which serves a wide range of local hand pulled ales. Here in Yorkshire, it's how we like to celebrate a perfect day on the trail!

Pictured: The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking shoes

For this hike, I wore The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Futurelight Mid Hiking shoes because they are perfect for fast hiking, offering a happy medium between a traditional walking boot and a trail running shoe. This versatility means you can tackle all kinds of terrain with a lightweight boot that has grip, breathability and supreme comfort for long days out on the hill. This shoe is also waterproof, so no problem if you want to get up close and personal with the waterfall at Gordale Scar.

SHOP ALL THE NORTH FACE FASTPACK HIKING BOOTS HERE

I chose to wear The North Face Athletic Outdoor trousers because they are incredibly light and comfortable. The material allows you to move freely and dynamically, especially at pace. Which is great for me as I like to move quickly wherever I go!

SHOP ALL THE NORTH FACE WALKING TROUSERS HERE

Pictured: The North Face Athletic Outdoor Insulated Hybrid jacket

I paired the AO trousers with the matching The North Face Athletic Outdoor Glacier T-Shirt in the same range, for exactly the same reasons - it's breathable, lightweight and super-comfortable to wear. 

My outfit was completed with The North Face Basin 36L Backpack. I love the colour, but more importantly the fit and feel is exceptional and you can carry everything you need for big adventure days!

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SHOP ALL THE NORTH FACE ATHLETIC OUTDOOR HIKING RANGE

Photos: Robbie Jay Barratt

Follow Ben and all his outdoor komoot adventures here.

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