Events & Courses

The Geological Society Earth Science Week takes place between 13-19 October 2014, and will be celebrating ‘Our Geoheritage’. The British Geomorphological Society will be supporting the event by coordinating a series of guided walks to sites of geomorphological interest.

Event Overview:

Time: 11am – 3pm
Start: Malham village (OS Grid Ref: SD900427)
Map (1:25,000): OL2 Yorks Dales South & West
Parking: Car parks or roadside
Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km)
Time: Approx 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate Climbing: 307 metres
Hazards: Care needed on limestone

This is one of the most popular walks in the Yorkshire Dales, and it’s easy to see why.

There are three distinct geological features along this walk, Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, and Gordale Scar. The three are relicts of the last Ice Age, carved by glacial meltwaters.

Along the route, we will stop to look at limestone pavement, the abandoned 80 metre high Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, and Gordale Scar. We will also discuss the erosion of the limestone bedrock and look for evidence of the underground rivers and streams by looking at the shape of the landscape. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to discuss how the cove got its unusual shape, as well as look at a maps and surveys of the complex network of local caves where the old streams now flow.

• Map, overview, and good description of the walk can be found at http://www.walkingenglishman.com/dales17.htm

Find out more about Earth Science Week 2014 Events & Activities