Dan Rutstein got three trips for the price of one when he visited Malham

It may be a long drive to Malham up in the Yorkshire Dales, but when you arrive, you certainly get your money's worth.

There are no fewer than three features all worth visiting in their own right, but complementing each other to make it a perfect day out in the country.

Firstly there's the mountain lake known as Malham Tarn, then the amazing limestone pavements above Malham Cove, and there's also the beauty of the Gordale Scar waterfall.

And if these three attractions weren't enough, you might also stumble upon another hidden jewel of the Yorkshire countryside, known as Janet's Foss. Used as a pool for washing sheep in medieval times, the waterfall and subsequent splash pool are buried deep in the woods just outside Malham village.

Add to all this the fantastic pubs in Malham and you cannot go wrong - unless it rains. The versatility of the place means it can be enjoyed by all varieties of people. Kids will love playing in the streams, below the cove or at the waterfall - perfect with a picnic - while the more mature among us can head out on any number of scenic walks.

The route we chose on the day - and this is not a walk, it's an adventure - involved a scenic drive up the winding roads to Malham Tarn. After a little relaxation and a picnic, we then headed down over the limestone pavements above the cove, surrounded by rolling hills and deep valleys. Down the rocky path and we found ourselves at Malham Cove itself.

No less impressive than the White Cliffs of Dover, the sheer climb and the babbling brook are a haven for stressed parents and adventurous children alike. Ice-cream parlours and 'real' pubs make stopping for refreshment a pleasure, in fact the return journey to the car was in doubt at one stage as the three weary travellers supped another pint of Black Sheep Ale. A walk back up to Gordale Scar was well worth it.

The impressive waterfall is next to the camping site but never gets too busy. However, if there are kids around, expect to be splashed.

Dave Blackadder, my travelling companion on the day, summed up our day out when, looking over the sun-soaked view from Malham Tarn, he said: "It doesn't get much better than this."

Fact File

Distance: 60 miles, 1hr 15 mins by car

Refreshments: pubs and shops in Malham

Directions: Take the A59 out of York and turn on to A65 at Gargrave. Follow unclassified roads signposted for Malham.