Malham Cove Magical Dark Skies & Full Moon Experience
Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Run in partnership with AFS Mountaineering
What you'll do
Steeped in mystery and myth, Malham promises to provide an adventure like no other...
A traverse down to Janet’s Foss in the dark exudes atmosphere on big shiny, full moons or when it is very dark. Yes, it’s spine-tingling, but-oh-so exhilarating! And you’ll discover more about the folklore of this magical place.
As we meander into the night, you’ll experience a sensory exploration led by Alison - a mindfulness instructor. Moving slowly, you'll discover how to reconnect to this big wide-world and dark sky above you in a completely different way.
You’ll stop every now and again to gaze in wonder at what you can see. Look at worlds normally hidden, but then come alive in the torchlight. Maybe witness a sparkling, star-filled sky if you're really lucky - and so much more.
You'll also learn how to walk in the darkness without a torch for short sections. Infact, being out when dark is a wonderful mood booster and can make you feel exhilarated. In the mix, your ability to experience awe increases - an emotion now considered even more important than happiness.
Although we can't guarantee clear skies, we've had our best evenings when its been cloudy or misty! It provides an extra layer of mystery and magic to an already very atmospheric location.
During the evening you'll also find out more about the geology of the area, planet earth, the cosmos, and discover you're actually looking back in time. Guided by Fabian - our specialist mountain leader and dark skies enthusiast - it’s utterly fascinating.
So come and join us on this magical evening at Malham Cove. You won’t regret it…
PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
The walk length is roughly 5 miles and mainly on footpaths. We'll be following recognised tracks and staying at a low level.
Although we'll be mainly on footpaths, there is a steep hill, rough ground and mud on these routes too. Heading towards Janet's Foss there are lots of tree roots, rocky paths and uneven ground.
For your comfort, a good level of fitness will be needed for this activity. If in any doubt, please contact Alison BEFORE booking.
Please make sure you read the 'What to wear and bring' section of the website, and wear and bring what is listed.
Please note, you will be sent an Event Participation form to complete once we have received your booking. It is essential for us to know of any health information and outdoors experience so we can keep you - and the group - safe. We do not allow event participation without it, for health and safety reasons.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more information.
At a Glance
Group size:
13 people maximum
Includes:
- Two guides for extra safety & quality experience
- Learn a secret formula to enable feelings of awe & wonder
- Find out a little more about the universe, planets, stars, geology & deep time
- Time to stand and stare at this incredible sky
- Feeling exhilarated and alive!
Prices from £49 / person
Sat 25 Oct *NEW*
6.00-9.30pm
NEW MOON (DARK)
Make this into a PRIVATE EVENT
- minimum of 6 people
Contact Alison if smaller numbers
What's included
Small, personal group-size. Services of a mountain guide and 'wellbeing in nature' instructor.
A sensory nature walk that will get you into the 'zone' so you'll see and hear so much more.
Learn about the geology of the area, planets, star systems and other interesting facts about the universe. Peace of mind. Safety. Feeling calmer and awe - which is priceless!
What to bring
Please refer to our Equipment List & What to Bring page for further information.
Joining Instructions
Please note joining instructions will be be given after you have booked, closer to the event date. If you have any queries about anything don't hesitate to contact me.
Please make sure you read the
T & Cs page
too
as this includes cancellations or changes due to inclement weather.
Stay Over
Malham is a stunning place and a stay here comes highly recommended. Take a look at this webpage for accommodation options or The Yorkshire Dales National Park's website.
We can also highly recommend The Listers Arms in Malham for food and accommodation. Book ahead though!
Meet your Leaders
Alison
is the owner of Adventures for the Soul and is passionate about the natural world and the outdoors. She holds a BSc degree in Environmental Management and PGCert in Tourism, Conservation & Sustainable Development. A dark sky enthusiast, nature lover, contemplative walks leader, Yoga teacher, and former Zen Buddhist, she's taken people to some of the most stunning areas of the UK on wellbeing and walking holidays since 2009.
Fabian
our walk leader for the evening is the Founder and Director of AFS Mountaineering. He's not only a qualified winter mountain leader, but a PhD scientist with a specialism in evolution and life in extreme habitats. He also has a fascination with stars and planets. He works alongside some exceptional mountain leaders, offering safe guide-led walks to some of the most amazing places in the UK. When Fabian is not available, his very experienced colleagues will step in.
Where you'll be & staying over
The walk starts at the Yorkshire Dales National Park's car park in Malham.
We'll meander along the classic route that follows Malham and Gordale becks, to Janet’s Foss, a waterfall set in its own little amphitheatre. Then onto to Gordale Scar, a gorge with limestone cliffs over 100 m high, then to Malham Cove itself. Please note, we'll be following recognised tracks and staying at a low level. We will not be heading up to the limestone pavement at the top!
The area is steeped in geological history. The Cove is particularly spectacular being a huge, curved amphitheatre shaped cliff formation made from limestone rock. Formed from the action of ice and water over millions of years, the vertical face of the cliff is around 70 metres high. It has amazed visitors for centuries.
Why not extend your stay so you can really reap the benefits of this super-chilled area? Check out the
Yorkshire Dales National Park's website
for accommodation choices and the
Malhamdale website.
Images: AFS Mountaineering, Lee Collings, Yorkshire Pics, Steve Bell
