Malham Cove became an 80m waterfall after Storm Desmond's deluge. Photo: Yorkshire Dales NPA
The Yorkshire Dales gained a new natural attraction at the weekend, thanks to Storm Desmond.
Malham Cove was transformed into an 80m high waterfall as thousands of gallons of water poured over the lip of the limestone crag.
Hundreds of visitors gathered to view the phenomenon, which has not happened in living memory.
Alan Hulme, The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s head of ranger services, said: “I have lived here for 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like this before.
“It was an amazing sight. Some people are saying there hasn’t been a waterfall over the top since the 1700s, which shows how rare a thing it is.”
The water flowed from Malham Tarn down Watlowes, which is usually a dry valley, before pouring over the limestone pavement on the top of the Cove.
News of the unique occurrence brought national and international media attention, with the story being carried worldwide.
M Nicholson
13 December 2015I'd like to see, if there are any, photos of the river that must have been formed when the water overflowed the water sinks in the fellside across the road from the outlet from Malham Tarn.
Sophie
03 January 2016Cool
Doddy
19 February 2020I seem to recall it started flowing again a few years back, probably after all the snow in 2010.It was said then it was the first time in living memory:-)