News Science

Malham Cove Becomes a Wonderful Waterfall for the First Time in Centuries

Malham Cove, a limestone cliff formation in North Yorkshire became a stunning waterfall on this weekend, thanks to the freak weather of the region which brought heavy rains and flooding in North Yorkshire.

Malham Cove lies 1 km north of Malham village, and according to locals, it became the highest unbroken waterfall in England when water started cascading down from 260 ft- high cliff.

Storm Desmond brought heavy rains in the region and Cumbria was forced to declare it a major incident. There were 130 flood warnings made by the agency, and these warnings also included River Ure, Ure Bank, Ripon and River Swale at Richmond.

“It was truly amazing.” Alan Hulme, Yorkshire Dales National Park’s head of ranger services, told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

According to Alan Hulme, the water systems became full after incredible amount of rain, and most of the villagers came out to view the spectacle.

“The cove was formed in the Ice Age and melt-water created a natural amphitheatre 300 metres wide and about 80 metres high.”

“We are struggling to find out the last time it flowed as a waterfall.”

“People are saying for one day, and one day only, it was the biggest unbroken waterfall in England.”

England’s usual record holder waterfall is Hardraw Force which is also situated in the Yorkshire Dales.

Mr Hulme said: “There was a lot of interest in it yesterday and while the weather put off a lot of visitors, it was picked up on social media quickly.”

“The people who saw it have been very fortunate.”

“It was just a fantastic experience.”