One of Yorkshire’s most popular waterfalls, Janet’s Foss has been attracting beauty-seekers since the late 1700s. And it really is no wonder. Hidden away behind a burst of trees, the pool twinkles with dappled light, with a flowing stream of water cascading over the rocks to create one of the most tranquil places in the Yorkshire Dales.
It’s so pretty, in fact, that it’d almost be a waste if it didn’t have any folklore behind it. And fortunately, it does.
Legend has it, Janet’s Foss was once home to the Queen of the fairies, whom the waterfall gets its namesake from. Janet is said to have lived in a small cave behind the waterfall, and her colony of fairies would also frequent the woodland paradise, too, dancing over its turquoise waters. Sounds pretty innocent and magical, right?
Not quite. Other tales tell of a mysterious green mist that lingers above the pools, which is said to actually be a wraith (a type of ghost or spirit) who haunts anyone who looks directly at it. The visitors who have encountered the ‘mist’ have described it as travelling and shapeshifting just above the water, while others have reported that the mist showed them things and transformed into visions that terrified them to their core.
So, was Janet really an airy fairy, or something far more sinister hellbent on haunting those who cross her path? It’s not clear if the two myths are related, however, both have been well-known in the local area for decades – even centuries.
Today, the beauty spot is one of the most popular in the Yorkshire Dales – with accounts of tourism dating back all the way to the 1700s. Loved by hikers, the stunning pool and waterfall attracts thousands annually, from photographers and wild swimmers taking advantage of the nature of the place.
Just a short walk from the picturesque village of Malham, Janet’s Foss is most often visited as part of the Malham Cove circular, which showcase stunning sights including the waterfall, Gordale Scar just metres down the road, and Malham Cove, a further mile uphill.
The three destinations are the hiking powerhouse of the area, and a bucket list destination for those visiting the Yorkshire Dales. Fortunately, no reports of sinister green mists haunting anyone in modern times.
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