Malham Cove is one of the most incredible sights in Yorkshire, and it's right on our doorstep.
Even if you’ve never visited before, it might look a little familiar.
Malham Cove was used as a major filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
In one scene, Harry and Hermione are seen scrambling over huge stepping stone-like rocks while trying to solve the clues left to them.
It’s one of the most memorable locations from the film, which sees the main characters in hiding across the UK.
Malham Cove. Credit: The Manc Group
These unusual rock formations are actually part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and a visit to them will lead you on a truly great hike.
You can visit the curving limestone cliffs of Malham Cove, the amazing waterfall and gorge at Gordale Scar, and the pretty pools of Janet’s Foss all in one walk.
Once you make it up to Malham Cove itself, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Read More: The Harry Potter staycation in York you need to visit this summer
The view from Malham Cove. Credit: The Manc Group
You’ll have to leap and bound your way through the rocks – so go steady – where deep cracks have formed between the limestone.
It’s well worth the effort to see the tiny trees that have tried to grow between the rocks and soak up this surreal landscape.
A long, steady flight of stairs leads up from the village of Malham to the top.
Walking through Gordale Scar. Credit: The Manc Group
From there, you can walk through the fields to get down to Gordale Scar, the dramatic limestone gorge with 100 metre-high cliffs and two huge waterfalls.
This part of the national park was used by Netflix crews for The Witcher, and is said to have inspired the writer William Wordsworth as well as famous artists such as J.M.W. Turner and James Ward.
Then nearby is Janet’s Foss, a small National Trust waterfall in the middle of a magical wood.
Janet’s Foss waterfall. Credit: The Manc Group
The easiest way to see all three beauty spots is to take the stairs up to Malham Cove then loop back around past Janet’s Foss.
For those who fancy something a little longer, there’s also a 12.4km loop which heads a bit further into the hills.
There’s a small pay and display car park at the visitor centre – where there are also toilets, maps, and drinking water taps – and a larger parking area further afield.
As always, make sure to stick to footpaths, take your litter away and generally respect this beautiful corner of Yorkshire.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Leeds
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Popular Yorkshire burger chain to move into old Five Guys site in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
From one burger chain to the next...
The big Five Guys site on Duncan Street by The Corn Exchange has been empty for quite some time now, after the chain moved into a new premises on the top floor of Trinity Shopping Centre.
But now, a new burger joint is taking its place.
Urban Fresh Burger was born back in 2017 over in Doncaster and has since built a cult following across Yorkshire, opening a total of five sites.
Their selling point is offering a 'healthier' style of burger using fresh and local ingredients, all of which are fully customisable and made to order.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
But don't just take our word for it, here's how Urban Fresh Burger describe themselves: "A healthier choice with flawless flavour, our signature smashed burgers and hand-cut fresh fries keep customers coming back.
"Our secret sauce? Choosing only the freshest, best quality ingredients from local suppliers. It’s a commitment we’ve held true to since day one, and one we’ll never compromise on."
So, what can you expect to see on the menu? Of course - burgers. We're talking beef burgers, chicken burgers and veggie burgers that come with free unlimited toppings so you can stack yours to your heart's desire.
Choose from a huge list such as lettuce, jalapenos, tomato, coleslaw, onion, grilled mushrooms - the list really does go.
Elsewhere on the menu you'll find chicken tenders, boneless wings, mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.
Pretty much, they're bringing everything you're craving on your next cheat day to Duncan Street, and we're sure it's going to go down a storm. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Find out more about what to expect from Urban Fresh Burger here.
The Hoot -
4th January 2023 
