I took a few extra days off after the Easter weekend and loved every moment of it. But it’s back to work now, at least, in theory. It’s the school holidays of course, so Poppy and Harry are in and out- a distraction, but a nice one. Not only that, work has begun on our garage-to-office conversion, which I’ll write about in more detail once it’s complete. So, I’m doing my best to stay focused; something made easier by the fact I’m reliving happy memories.

On Good Friday, Ian and I went to Malham, which is about a twenty minute drive from home. It’s a place I visit often. (You might remember that I had a fabulous dinner and overnight stay at Beck Hall there, just less than a year ago). It’s popular all year round, but more so on bank holidays. However, we found a parking space and set off through the village to Malham Cove before climbing the 400+ stone steps up to the top.

Malham Cove

Malham Cove is a curved cliff formation made out of limestone. Every year, at this time, the cove is graced by a pair of nesting peregrine falcons. Volunteers from the RSPB set up telescopes and are incredibly informative and always willing to point out the birds if they’re on or around the nest. Ian and I were lucky to see the male in flight, but we didn’t manage to capture him on camera. It’s too early in the season to see chicks, but late May is a good time to go if you’re interested. It really is quite wonderful and the birds draw a lot of visitors.

Harry Potter at Malham

I confess that I can take or leave Harry Potter. However, I’m proud to say that scenes from The Deathly Hallows were filmed on the limestone pavement at the top of the cove.  This rock formation is very distinctive and geologists and geographers flock to study it.

The view from the top is spectacular.

Malham Village

The village of Malham is a pretty and quaint one. It was a little bit overcast when we were there but its charm is plain to see. The daffodils and lambs prove that spring is imminent, despite the temperature being barely above zero.

What To Wear For A Walk in Malham

It probably goes without saying that sturdy walking boots or very good trainers are essential. (Mine are ancient. I mean really ancient. 19 years old).  The limestone pavement at Malham is slippery at times and some of the rocks are a little wobbly. The 400+ stone steps are irregular, so need to be taken carefully. The walk from the village to the cove is a loop, so one can ascend via the steps or by climbing up a steep(ish) road. There are a few stiles to clamber over, but nothing more challenging than that. Either method of ascent gets the heart rate up. I go in all weathers and I always feel very warm once at the top. It’s exposed up there though, so you soon cool down.

I recommend layers, a hat and gloves. I also advise suntan lotion or a moisturiser with an SPF in it. (The Boots Your Good Skin anti-oxidant day cream is excellent. It has an SPF of 30 and retails at just £7.99.)

My down coat and thermal leggings are my staple “soccer mom” attire. I mentioned the coat in my post “How To Look Stylish When It Snows.”  I got the leggings more recently. They have a fleecy, thermal lining and are the cosiest, warmest trousers I’ve ever worn. They work as a base layer too because they’re not too bulky. They’re an investment, but a wise one. And sometimes, wisdom and warmth are what count.

My next blog post is one we photographed by the canal in Skipton later that afternoon, one of those impromptu photo-shoots. I got changed out of my walking clothes in readiness for a late lunch. It was a casual and hastily thrown together outfit because we were starving; but I really liked it. So, I’ll be back with that later this week.