Local legend has it that a Fairy Queen, Janet (also known as Jennet) lives in a cave behind the falls. "Foss" is from a Norse word for force, or waterfall.
Strictly speaking the area behind the fall is not a true cave. Calcium carbonate
deposited from the flowing water onto moss growing on the rock surrounding the
waterfall has created a screen of tufa behind which is the "cave" in question.
There is another, larger cave to the right of the pool. Leaving the waterfall behind we walked through Wedber Wood, towards Malham.
The path runs alongside Gordale Beck and meanders through the dappled shade of ancient woodland. There is a decidedly magical feel about this area; it's easy to see how stories of Jennet the Fairy Queen might have originated in such a place. A fairy glade is an accurate description; or at least that's the feeling I had.
The air was filled with the aroma of wild garlic which was in full bloom when we visited in May.
Several fallen trees have been turned into Wishing Trees and have thousands of coins hammered into them.
Gordale Beck, dotted at this time with bright splashes of yellow Marsh Marigolds, runs alongside the path until it eventually emerges from the woods and passes through pastureland until it finally reaches Malham village.
As we approached Malham we could see the towering limestone cliffs of Malham Cove once more, in the distance.
As always, thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you've enjoyed the photos.
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