Malham Tarn is the highest lake in the Pennines. Prior to the reformation of the monasteries, the tarn was used to farm trout for the monks of Fountains Abbey. This peaceful lake is said to be the source of the River Aire. A stream flows for a short distance from the tarn to disappear below ground and travel on to Malham Cove where it bubbles up to flow through the meadows and onwards into Malham and joins with Gordale beck to form the River Aire.
This part of Malhamdale belongs to the National Trust. The land is bleak and exposed. There are few farms although there is a remote farmhouse near Malham Tarn. Malham Tarn House stands overlooking the tarn. This house which is now a field studies centre once played host to Charles Kingsley who dreamt up the 'Water Babies' tale, also famous people such as Darwin and Kingsley.
A car park is located close by which serves the needs of walkers visiting Malham Tarn and walking the Pennine Way which passes by the lake.
Views around Malham Tarn. This is an exposed, remote and lonely location. You may have also passed the stone chimney standing on the moor and wondered what it's purpose was.
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