Janet's Foss

The whole area around Malham in North Yorkshire is full of stunning geological marvels, and Janet's Foss is often visited as part of a circular walk from Malham village stopping at Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and finally reaching the picturesque waterfall.

We have visited Malham twice in recent years and both times Janet's Foss has been a popular spot with walkers, families and those wanting to have a dip under the clear cascades. This looks a particularly appealing place for a bit of wild swimming and the backdrop of gorgeous woodland and lovely light peeking through the trees makes it obvious why it's a popular spot.

So who is Janet? According to local legend, the waterfall is named after Janet (or Jennet), queen of the fairies, who inhabited the woodland glade with her fairy folk and held court in a cave behind the waterfall. Jennet and her companions were thought to be gentle and protective spirits of nature, often gathering and dancing around the pool and keeping a watchful eye over the forest. The Foss part of the name comes from the Old Norse word for waterfall.

Not only is Janet's Foss beautiful, shrouded in folklore and somewhere to enjoy some wild swimming, the geology of the falls is also fascinating! The waterfall was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, around 12,000 to 15,000 years ago but the bedrock underlying the area dates back to the Carboniferous period around 350 million years ago. Layers of calcium carbonate formed by shells and skeletons of marine creatures compacted over millions of years, created the thick beds of hard limestone that are found around Malham.

The most exciting part, however, might be the formation of the ledge of 'tufa' that the waterfall flows over. When the hard lime-rich water that runs from Gordale Beck interacts with mosses and algae along the banks, it causes dissolved minerals to solidify over organic matter creating a porous, spongy rock. Very similar to the effect of Mother Shipton's Cave or the amazing North Dock Tufa in Sunderland written up by our lovely Jos.

Janet's Foss sits in the beautiful Stone Bank Wood which is managed by the National Trust, and is classed as ancient woodland having existed continuously since at least 1600 AD. Where there is ancient woodland, there are usually Bluebells and Wild Garlic and these are out in abundance in early spring and are always beautiful to see. Ancient woodland is also a haven for wildlife and Dippers can be seen bobbing up and down the beck looking for food - keep an eye out for a stocky brown bird which is constantly dipping into the water.

What more could you want from a day out?