The rise in visitor levels over Malham's history has led to a deterioration of the areas surrounding paths as tourists stray off the path and cause erosion. This process is known as footpath erosion. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority conduct regular maintenance work onthese footpaths and Malham remains a favourite walkers' destination.
There is a National Park Information Centre and large car park in the village, which attracts many visitors. The long-distance path, the Pennine Way, runs through the village and it is close to the natural landmarks of Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss. In addition, Cawden looms over the village at 301 ft (92 m), and the Malham Show Fell Race runs over it as part of the course.
In May 2006, it was reported that a covert listening device was discovered hidden in the local parish hall, leaving the villagers gobsmacked by its discovery. The electronic transmitter was found in a wall socket during a routine inspection at Malham village hall.
In the 1950s the village awarded its name to a Ham class minesweeper, HMS Malham.
