Malham, Footpath No. 20, Malham - Temporary Footpath Closure due to Safety Concerns following Rock Fall

YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF PEDESTRIANS)

(FOOTPATH NO. 20 (part) MALHAM) ORDER 2025 No. 5

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 – Section 14(1)

(as amended)

Notice is hereby given that the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has made an Order, the effect of which is to prohibit any pedestrian from proceeding along part of Footpath No. 20 from the point of closure at Grid Reference SD 9139 6428 for a distance of approximately 393 metres to Grid Reference SD 9147 6399 in the Parish of Malham, from 4 November 2025 until 5 May 2026 inclusive.

The closure is to allow for further investigations to prevent potential danger to the public following a substantial rock fall at Gordale Scar. It follows an Emergency Notice prohibiting pedestrian access until 3 November 2025.

During the closure period pedestrians may use an alternative route (shown on the accompanying map) by following a path over open access land and Footpath No 19 as follows:–

From the point of closure at Point A (SD 9139 6428) proceeding south westwards for 769 metres to a stone step stile, then west for 167 metres to point C (SD 9090 6359) where it joins Footpath 19 (Malham). Following this path south eastwards for 406 metres leads to the public road at point D (SD 9127 6345). Pedestrians wishing to walk to the point of closure (Point B) to view Gordale Scar (but avoiding the main danger area) may proceed north eastwards along Gordale Lane to the start of Footpath 20 at Point E (SD 9132 6348) and continue to the north-northeast for 532 metres to Point B (SD 9147 6399).

The closure will be put into effect when necessary by means of notices and signs.

Dated: 28 October 2025

Clare Bevan (Solicitor)

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Yoredale,

Bainbridge DL8 3EL