Janet's Foss
A charming waterfall in a woodland setting, famed for its fairy folklore and clear pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Janet's Foss
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterfall in a woodland setting, famed for its fairy folklore and clear pool, perfect for a refreshing dip.
"The most magical waterfall, a must-visit for its enchanting atmosphere and crystal-clear waters."
🚗 Parking near Janet's Foss
Limited roadside parking available near the Foss. If full, use the Malham village car park (£8, card accepted).
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the walks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Janet's Foss Waterfall
Woodland trail from Malham village
A charming waterfall cascading into a clear, inviting pool, steeped in fairy folklore.
Malham Cove Circular Walk
Starting from Malham village
An iconic 5-mile loop featuring limestone pavements, dramatic cliffs, and stunning waterfalls.
Gordale Scar
Part of the Malham Cove circular walk
A breathtaking limestone gorge with towering cliffs and a dramatic waterfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Magical Experience
Combine with Iconic Yorkshire Dales Walks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking near Janet's Foss
Limited roadside parking available near the Foss. If full, use the Malham village car park (£8, card accepted).
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the walks.
🏊♀️ Brave the wild swim!
The water is crystal clear and invigorating, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Be prepared for the cold!
📸 Capture the magic
The woodland setting and waterfall create stunning photo opportunities. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking near Janet's Foss
Limited roadside parking available near the Foss. If full, use the Malham village car park (£8, card accepted).
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for the walks.
🏊♀️ Brave the wild swim!
The water is crystal clear and invigorating, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Be prepared for the cold!
📸 Capture the magic
The woodland setting and waterfall create stunning photo opportunities. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
🗺️ Download offline maps
Mobile signal can be patchy in the Dales. Having offline maps is crucial for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Janet's Foss, calling it a 'magical' and 'beautiful' spot with crystal-clear water perfect for a refreshing dip. The easy woodland walk from Malham is a plus, though it can get very crowded, diminishing the serene experience. Many recommend combining it with the Malham Cove and Gordale Scar walks for a complete Yorkshire Dales adventure.
"Fairly flat most of the way. Shady in some parts too. Scenic but can be busy and also noisy at the waterfall. Fairly short walk too but worth a look.
Parking was £8 in a field near where the trail starts in the village, cards accepted."
Jude Goodier
"My wife and I love the Lake District and are relative newcomers to the Yorkshire Dales. However, from the trip we did earlier this year, we love it and one of the main reasons is the number of beautiful waterfalls
Janet’s Foss was one of our favourite finds and has the bonus of a beautiful small pond to dip your feet in. The hardest part of getting there is driving down narrow country roads to get to Malham where the walk begins
There’s a decent sized car park with toilets and a gift shop. The walk to Janet’s Foss is about 30 minutes direct along a flat route running beside a bubbling brook. The waterfall itself is beautiful with a small pond at its base
You can continue on the route to see the Gordale Scar and Malham Cove - this is definitely more strenuous! If you can turn back to the village"
Yee Gan Ong
"From car park its only 25 minutes walk to janets foss from there you can.go to godzale that 15 mins away form janets foss. If you have more time you on way coming back godzale you can take track to malham cove which is 25 minutes walk thats awesome place to visit so don't miss"
muhammed naveed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take a train from Leeds to Skipton, then catch a bus to Malham village. From Malham, Janet's Foss is a short, scenic walk.
There's limited roadside parking very close to Janet's Foss, but it fills up quickly. The main car park is in Malham village, which costs £8 and accepts cards.
Yes, you can reach Malham village by train to Skipton and then a bus. The walk from the village to Janet's Foss is approximately 30 minutes.
Janet's Foss is a stop on the Malham Cove circular walk. You can follow the path from Janet's Foss towards Gordale Scar and then on to Malham Cove. +1
Yes, there are toilets available at the main car park in Malham village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Janet's Foss is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance ticket. Parking fees may apply in Malham village.
Janet's Foss is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor natural site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
The walk itself is free to access. Parking fees apply in Malham village.
Yes, wild swimming is popular at Janet's Foss. The water is clear but can be very cold, even in summer.
Yes, the walk from Malham village to Janet's Foss is relatively short (around 30 minutes) and is a beautiful, worthwhile stop.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from Malham village car park to Janet's Foss is approximately 30 minutes along a fairly flat, scenic route.
The path from Malham village is generally flat and easy, making it accessible for most. Continuing to Malham Cove or Gordale Scar is more strenuous.
Janet's Foss is said to be the home of a fairy queen named Janet. The magical atmosphere of the waterfall adds to its charm.
Absolutely! Janet's Foss is part of the popular Malham Cove circular walk, which also includes Gordale Scar. +1
Janet's Foss can get very busy, especially on weekends and during holidays. Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours is recommended for a quieter experience.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the magical atmosphere. Drone photography can provide unique aerial views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
The area around the pool at the base of the waterfall offers excellent perspectives. Exploring the woodland paths can lead to other scenic spots.
Drone footage can offer stunning views of Janet's Foss and the surrounding landscape. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
The combination of the cascading water, lush green woodland, and the fairy folklore creates a uniquely picturesque and enchanting scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The clear pool at the base is perfect for paddling on a warm day, though parents should supervise closely. Consider extending the walk to include Malham Cove and Gordale Scar for older children who are up for a bit more adventure.
The dramatic landscapes will surely capture their attention. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited along the trails. Sturdy footwear is a must for everyone, as paths can be uneven. 🏊♀️ Wild Swimmers & Adventurers
+1 Many visitors describe the water as 'invigorating' and 'crystal clear'. Janet's Foss is often the first stop on the Malham circular walk, making it an excellent starting point for a day of adventure.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Consider using a tripod for longer exposures to capture the silky smooth effect of the water. The surrounding woodland also offers opportunities for macro photography, capturing the intricate details of mosses, ferns, and fungi.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Janet's Foss Waterfall
The accessibility of the waterfall, combined with its enchanting atmosphere, makes it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike. Many visitors describe the water as crystal clear and the surroundings as magical.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, wild swimming in the pool at the base of Janet's Foss is a popular activity.
Despite the invigoratingly cold water, many find it a refreshing and memorable part of their visit. It's a place that truly lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales. Exploring the Malham Cove Circular Walk
The walk takes you past Janet's Foss, then onward to the dramatic limestone gorge of Gordale Scar, with its towering cliffs and impressive waterfall.
This circular route is highly recommended for its variety and the sheer scale of the natural formations.
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