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Malham Walking Festival 2024 A Day to Remember with Access the Dales


This photo shows a group of people enjoying a day out in a beautiful countryside setting, with a dramatic rocky cliff, likely Malham Cove, in the background. The group is diverse, including individuals using mobility scooters, highlighting an accessible walk. They are dressed warmly, suggesting cool weather, and they appear to be smiling and enjoying each other's company. One person has a small black and white dog resting nearby. The landscape around them features grassy hills and rocky terrain typical of a scenic outdoor walking route in Yorkshire.

This weekend’s Festival of Walking in Malham was an incredible success, with perfect weather adding to the joyful atmosphere. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it a special Access the Dales day.



This photo shows a table after a meal or snack has been mostly finished. The table has several empty plates with only crumbs and remnants of food, indicating that most of the food has been eaten. In the center, there is a bowl of fruit, including grapes, bananas, and apples, as well as a few remaining slices of cake on a plate. The cake appears to be a sponge cake with a layer of jam and cream. There are also utensils, including forks and a cake server, and some cups and napkins scattered across the table. The scene suggests that the group enjoyed a feast, likely the cakes that were mentioned earlier in the event, leaving only a few pieces and some fruit behind. It has a cosy, post-snack atmosphere, with the soft light from a window adding warmth to the setting.

A special shoutout to Laura and the team at the YHA Malham for their hospitality—and the delightful cakes! Not a crumb was left behind, and we can all agree that those treats were a real highlight of the day.



We were also delighted to have the children from Brookland School join us for the walk. Many of these children had never ventured into the countryside before, so it was a particularly special experience. Their visit coincided perfectly with their school project on "Life in Craven," allowing them to see first-hand the stunning landscapes they’ve been learning about.


This photo captures a group of walkers making their way down a country road, surrounded by stunning countryside. The road leads through a scenic, hilly landscape with green fields separated by dry stone walls, typical of the Yorkshire Dales. In the background, rolling hills and rocky outcrops can be seen under a bright blue sky. The group includes both adults and children, some of whom are holding hands as they walk. The children are dressed in warm clothing, wearing backpacks and coats, suggesting the weather is cool but pleasant. The group is spread out along the road, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings, likely as part of an organized walk or school outing. This serene, open landscape, combined with the group’s casual pace, creates a calm and idyllic atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of the rural setting.

Gordale Scar and Malham Cove: Natural Wonders of Yorkshire

Our walk took us through two of Yorkshire’s most iconic natural landmarks:


Gordale Scar is a dramatic limestone ravine that has been carved out over thousands of years by water erosion. Towering cliffs surround this impressive gorge, and its waterfalls make it a breathtaking sight to behold. Some people even say that it inspired scenes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth.

Malham Cove is a magnificent curved limestone cliff, around 80 meters high, which was formed by a waterfall carrying glacial meltwater more than 12,000 years ago. Today, it stands as a stunning example of natural beauty, with views over the village and beyond. If you're lucky, you might even spot peregrine falcons nesting in the area.


This photo captures a group of walkers enjoying a scenic route at Gordale Scar, one of the most dramatic natural features in the Yorkshire Dales. The group appears to be on a gentle incline, with the towering limestone cliffs of the gorge rising in the background. The rugged, rocky outcrops that make up the scar are clearly visible, adding a sense of grandeur and scale to the scene. A waterfall can be seen cascading down the rocks in the background, a striking feature that adds to the raw beauty of Gordale Scar. This waterfall is part of the stream that has, over millennia, carved out the ravine, creating the stunning geological formations that visitors marvel at today. The walkers, dressed in warm clothing, seem to be taking in the surroundings, immersed in the natural beauty of the landscape

A huge thank you to Jonathan Smith for leading the walk and sharing his expert knowledge of the area, and to Andrew McCoy from the YHA for helping with the event logistics.


This photo shows Debbie and Richard outside the Revolootion Mobile Changing Places facility. Debbie is seated in her wheelchair, and both are smiling, enjoying the moment. The Revolootion unit is visible behind them, a mobile facility designed to provide fully accessible changing and restroom spaces for individuals with mobility needs. The backdrop features the mobile unit's clean and practical design, emphasizing its importance in ensuring inclusivity and dignity for all participants at the event. Debbie's wheelchair and the facility together highlight the accessibility considerations that made this outdoor adventure enjoyable for everyone involved. The scene exudes a welcoming and positive atmosphere, demonstrating the impact of accessible solutions like Revolootion at public events.

We were also excited to have the Revolootion Mobile Changing Places facility on-site, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the day with dignity and comfort. This brilliant innovation provides accessible and mobile bathroom facilities, allowing people with additional needs to use the space with privacy and ease.

Thank you again to everyone who made the day so memorable! We hope to see you next time for more walks, cakes, and adventures in the great outdoors.


This heartwarming photo captures a young boy from Brookland School holding hands with Debbie North, who is seated in her mobility scooter, as they make their way down a picturesque country road. The moment showcases a beautiful connection between the two, with the boy walking alongside Debbie, guiding her as they move through the stunning countryside. The scene is set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, with the road winding through green fields divided by traditional dry stone walls. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills and rocky outcrops, characteristic of the area's natural beauty. The bright blue sky above adds to the sense of serenity and openness, framing the scene with sunlight and clear weather. The photo reflects the joy of shared experiences in nature, where inclusivity and companionship are at the forefront. The peaceful countryside setting enhances the beauty of this touching moment, highlighting the adventure and exploration that both Debbie and the young boy are enjoying together.

The Access the Dales and YHA Festival of Walking was not just about getting out into nature; it was about breaking down barriers and proving that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. We hope this event inspires others to create more inclusive experiences in the future and encourages people of all abilities to explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

Thank you to everyone who made the day unforgettable. We look forward to many more adventures together!


The TGA Breeze S4 can be borrowed from the Access the Dales hub at The Lister Arms in Malham


This photo features a TGA Breeze, a silver all-terrain mobility scooter, parked against the striking backdrop of Malham Cove. The scooter, known for its robust design and ability to navigate rough terrains, is perfectly suited to the rugged landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. Behind the scooter, the impressive limestone cliff of Malham Cove towers in the distance, with its curved, sheer rock face standing out against the natural scenery. The area around the scooter features grassy patches and rocky terrain, typical of this scenic countryside. The presence of the TGA Breeze emphasizes accessibility and the ability for all individuals, regardless of mobility needs, to enjoy and explore the outdoors in such a remarkable location. The contrast between the sleek design of the mobility scooter and the ancient, rugged natural environment creates a striking visual.
TGA Breeze S4 at Malham


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