Best mountain peaks around Calton offer a diverse landscape for outdoor exploration near the Yorkshire Dales. This region features notable geological formations and elevated viewpoints. Visitors can discover a variety of natural monuments, summits, and hills. The area provides opportunities to experience the unique features of the Dales, including limestone pavements and moorland paths.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
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When hiking from the reservoir side, the trig pillar is located off the main path over the side of the wall accessed via a stile
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There is a good moorland path that leads from Rylstone Cross right through to Embsay reservoir which makes for great fell running - it's rocky in parts, muddy in others and always up or down. The highlight and a great goal for a run is the trig point set in huge boulders on the summit of Crookrise
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Where the scene in Harry Potter was filmed where Harry and Hermione sat in the Deathly Hallows. Harry & Hermione set up camp in a tent on the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove, scenes from the film feature views across Malhamdale including the view to Cawden and down to Malham Village and Kirkby Malham. There is amazing views from this point over the scarred landscape. Malham Cove is a 70m (230ft) high curved crag of carboniferous limestone formed after the last ice age. Meltwater, particularly from Malham Tarn, cut back the cove as it fell over the edge as a waterfall. This erosion took place more actively at the lip of the fall, hence the curved shape. The cove was formed by glaciers that plucked rock from the cliff face and carried it away, and by meltwater that eroded the cliff face after the glaciers melted. The top of the cove is a limestone pavement with a distinctive pattern of limestone blocks called clints and fissures called grykes. The grykes have a more humid and warmer microclimate than the pavement, which supports different plant life. The top of the limestone has dry, stony conditions that support plants like Rock Rose and Thyme. Malham Cove once had a waterfall that was larger than Niagara Falls. The last time water flowed over the waterfall was in the 19th century, until extreme rain in 2015. Malham Cove is a short walk from the village of Malham, and is popular with rock climbers. Malham Cove has been featured in several films and TV shows, including Wuthering Heights, the previously mentioned Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and The Trip.
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Malham Cove is a large curved limestone formation a short walk from the village of Malham. It was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. Easy access to the cove from Malham and there are steps to the side of the cove which allow you to climb to the top. Careful very slippery at the top when on the limestone pavement in wet conditions.
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There's a good trail on the ground either from Flasby (the more interesting route) or Skipton side, and a rocky summit with a trig point - the perfect destination for a fell run
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The 70 metre (230ft) high, gently curving cliff of white limestone is a Yorkshire Dales gem. It has some unique and rare limestone formations at the top of the cliff. You may recognise scenes from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows which featured the unique limestone pavement and views down to Malham Village and Kirkby Malham.
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The region around Calton, situated near the Yorkshire Dales, offers a diverse landscape of natural monuments, summits, and viewpoints. Among the most popular are Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove, known for its unique geological formation and impressive 260-foot cliff face. Other must-see spots include Sharp Haw Summit, which offers panoramic views from a well-placed bench, and Weets Top, easily accessible from Malham with superb views and moorland paths.
Yes, the area is renowned for its unique geology. The most prominent example is the Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove. This striking formation, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, was formed over millions of years and features a dramatic 260-foot high cliff. It even served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movie series.
The mountain peaks around Calton offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales landscape. From Sharp Haw Summit, you can enjoy expansive vistas from a bench just below the peak. Weets Top provides superb views over moorland paths, while the Crookrise Trig Point offers views for miles, with the trig point set amidst impressive gritstone boulders.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't listed for all peaks, many routes in the Yorkshire Dales can be adapted for families. For example, the walk from Malham village up to Malham Cove is popular. Combining a visit to Weets Top with sights like Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss can also create an enjoyable outing for varying abilities.
Beyond hiking to the peaks, the Calton area offers a range of outdoor activities. You can explore various routes for gravel biking, running, and road cycling. For example, there are numerous gravel biking routes, running trails, and road cycling routes that allow you to experience the diverse landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Yes, many peaks are accessible via well-defined trails. Sharp Haw Summit sits along the Dales High Way, a long-distance hiking trail. For Weets Top, you can find moorland paths for extended walks, with gradual ascent options from Hanlith or Calton. The Crookrise Trig Point is reached via a good track from Rylstone Cross to Embsay reservoir.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, the unique geological formations, and the sense of tranquility found on the moorland paths. Many appreciate the opportunity to combine visits to peaks like Weets Top with other local attractions like Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. The Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove is particularly popular for its dramatic scenery and historical connections.
Yes, the area offers opportunities for circular routes. For instance, you can walk from Malham village up to Malham Cove and continue on to Malham Tarn for a rewarding loop. Many of the trails connecting the peaks and other natural features can be combined to create varied circular walks.
Yes, if you follow routes towards Sheriff Hill, you can often find yourself on higher ground that provides excellent views of Gordale Scar. These routes are typically quieter, offering a unique perspective compared to the more common paths directly to Malham Cove.
While the guide doesn't specify a single 'best' time, the mention of Malham Tarn being 'worth a visit, especially during the summer months' suggests that warmer seasons are popular for exploring the area. Moorland paths and trails are generally more accessible and enjoyable in drier conditions.
When heading to the Limestone Pavement at Malham Cove, consider taking the alternative route up past the pub from Malham village, which offers better photo opportunities. Once at the top, don't miss the chance to visit Malham Tarn, which is only an extra 10-15 minute walk and highly recommended, especially in summer.


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