Janet’s Foss is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England, near the picturesque village of Malham. The waterfall is tucked away in woodland close to Gordale Scar and is one of the area’s most well-known natural attractions. “Janet” comes from local folklore, referring to a fairy queen said to live in a cave behind the waterfall. “Foss” is an old Norse word meaning waterfall, commonly found in place names across Yorkshire. The limestone waterfall is about 5 metres high, where water flows over layered rock into a clear, emerald-green pool below. Over time, dissolved calcium carbonate has formed distinctive white tufa terraces on the rocks, similar in appearance (though smaller in scale) to Turkey’s Pamukkale. The surrounding area is ancient mixed woodland, rich in seasonal changes—bluebells in spring, dense green canopy in summer, and a habitat for various birds and insects. It’s often visited as part of the classic Malham walking loop, together with Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, forming an approximately 8 km hike. From Malham village, it’s an easy 1.6 km (around 20-minute) walk to reach the waterfall.
Janet's Foss
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Janet's Foss
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Janet's Foss famous?
Janet's Foss is famous for its folklore — local legend says the cave behind the waterfall was home to Janet, the Queen of the Fairies. The waterfall's name comes from 'foss,' an old Norse word for waterfall, and the site's enchanting moss-covered tufa formations and woodland setting make it a beloved beauty spot in the Yorkshire Dales.
Can you swim at Janet's Foss?
No — the pool is shallow and rocky; swimming is generally discouraged by local authorities. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Janet's Foss?
Dogs allowed on leads on the footpath and in the surrounding area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Janet's Foss free? Do you need a permit?
Free to visit; parking fee applies in Malham village (typically £3–6 for the day, rates may vary). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Janet's Foss?
Parking available in Malham village car park (pay and display, fee applies); Janet's Foss is about 1 km walk from the village. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Janet's Foss?
About 1.5 km / 1 mile each way from Malham village car park (3 km / 2 miles return). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Janet's Foss hike difficulty
Easy — well-maintained footpath with minimal elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels and families. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Janet's Foss?
Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) offer good water flow and pleasant walking conditions, though the waterfall flows year-round. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Janet's Foss
From Malham village car park, follow Gordale Lane eastward out of the village. The well-signposted footpath leads through woodland alongside Gordale Beck. After about 1 km, you'll reach Janet's Foss, where the waterfall tumbles over a tufa (moss-covered limestone) ledge into a small pool. The path continues onward to Gordale Scar if desired.
Janet's Foss official website
Attractions near Janet's Foss
- •Gordale Scar — dramatic limestone ravine with waterfall, 1 km east
- •Malham Cove — iconic curved limestone cliff, 2 km north
- •Malham village — historic Yorkshire Dales village with pubs and shops
- •Malham Tarn — glacial lake and nature reserve, 5 km north
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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