Malham is basically my homeland, I grew up in Stainforth, two or three miles west ish, very close to Settle. There is a campsite in Knight Stainforth (just outside the village) that overlooks the waterfalls. There are clear and easy footpaths down to Settle or head up to Malham from there. I've never camped on it as I've never needed to! All I know is the area is amazing and not too out of your comfort zone. I will say that in the height of summer/school holidays with good weather, there can be a lot of noise/loud fools running about jumping in the waterfalls. But sometimes its actually dead quiet....maybe give them a ring first to see how booked up they are....There's always the pub you can stay at in Stainforth?! The Craven Heifer is pretty cosy I used to work there about 11 years ago (like 13 haha)In an absolute emergency my Mum lives opposite and is a great host....she makes a great braised beef dinner, just don't expect to get breakfast in bed!
PS be careful driving down the very old thin bridge on the way down, go round the back way through Settle and Stackhouse (road turns off just after the schools)
I haven't actually camped at Malham for donkey's years, but I'm aware of the campsites at Gordale Scar and near Malham Cove. The Cove site is a bit closer to the village than the Scar, and while they're both fairly basic, they're a lot better equipped than they were when I was a yoof. I've been baked in the sun and buried in snow while camping at Malham, and despite years of visiting the place, I've always found it very crowded.
Thanks for you help, will look at the Stainforth site.
Kirst. Tell your mum I will be banging on her door, if it is wet and cool. As for breakfast in bed - 26 years with the wife, I have never had it so wouldnt expect it.
I love the site at Goredale scar, but a lot of people complain about the facilities being badly maintained. The one shower is very basic indeed, peeling paint, concrete floor. Plus, Malcolm who runs it doesn't like to throw anything away so the area outside the washblock is piled high with old barbeque tins and broken camp gear of every kind. In fact the inside of the washblock is also piled high with saved items that might come in handy one day. It's a little eccentric.
