Malham

Bradford Pennine Gateway NNR

Ilkley · 17 miles

Covering more than 1,200 hectares across the northern fringe of Bradford, the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve was formally opened on 25 March 2025. Situated around Ilkley and extending into Haworth, Harden, Bingley, Baildon, Shipley and surrounding villages, it represents the first national nature reserve in West Yorkshire and forms part of King Charles III’s “King’s Series” of new reserves. The designation, announced in May 2025, links eight distinct sites and provides enhanced protection for a range of habitats, including wetlands, heathland and peat bogs. The reserve’s varied environments support a number of notable wildlife species such as adders, short-eared owls, golden plovers and curlews. Approximately 40 % of the area, amounting to 738 hectares, received new protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. One of the constituent sites, Bingley North Bog, originated over 10 000 years ago when glacial retreat left sediment that formed the present wetland. Work that began in August 2025 focused on clearing paths, restoring the bog and removing invasive plants; the bog now hosts curlews, herons, bats, kingfishers and dragonflies. Management of all sites rests with Bradford City Council, and the reserve is intended to serve as a venue for field studies by local colleges and universities. In 2026 the reserve featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s list of seven wonders of the world.

Twelve Apostles

Ilkley · 18 miles

A stone circle set on Rombalds Moor, between Ilkley Moor and Burley Moor, marks the archaeological interest of the parish of Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire. The remains lie at roughly 381 metres above sea level, some 800 metres north-west of the Grubstones circle. The layout measures about 15 metres across; originally between sixteen and twenty stones stood, but only twelve survive today. All stones are fashioned from the local millstone grit and now rest on the ground after having fallen by the mid-20th century. The circle is bounded by a low bank, approximately 1.2 metres wide and 0.6 metres high, which was still discernible in the 1920s but has since been worn away by foot traffic. At the centre a small mound hints at a possible burial cairn, though its exact nature remains uncertain. Survey work carried out in 1929 by Arthur Raistrick suggested a burial function surrounded by standing stones, while later commentators have entertained the idea of a ring cairn rather than a full stone circle. In 1971 a group of amateurs attempted to re-erect the fallen stones without permission; the stones collapsed again shortly afterwards. Subsequent re-erection has taken place, though the responsible party and date are not recorded. The site now suffers marked visitor erosion, having lost its former heather cover and becoming an area of bare, trampled soil. It is listed as one of the most damaged prehistoric sites in West Yorkshire, and remains a recognised archaeological feature near Ilkley.

Malham Mill

Malham · 0.6 miles

Manorial corn mill from C13th. Rebuilt as a cotton mill 1785. Derelict by 1850s.

Field Barns

Malham · 0.6 miles

Building extant in mid-C19th. Wall outlines still visibl on ground

Bombey's Barn

Malham · 0.6 miles

Barn extant in mid-C19th

Janet's Foss

Malham · 0.6 miles

view of regionally famous waterfall