Swimming in Lake District resources: These are what we used in deciding where and how to swim: Lake district national park swimming page: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo/water/swimming Explains what waters/lake you can and cannot swim in and additionally, which one have less boat traffic etc. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! Loughrigg Tarn is a reed-fringed lake set among farmland in the heart of the Lake District. Its a fabulous canyonesque waterfall that I never see anyone talk about which is pretty mind boggling. part of the Wild Swimming Walks series. Should I swim with someone?Ideally yes where possible. Park at the car park at the top of the Foulstep Road just above Skelwith Bridge, then walk for 5 minutes down to the tarn. Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for plunging into a lagoon pool from rocky ledges. Come with cobwebs and leave with clarity. The pretty waterfall cascades into an emerald pool and its hard to believe such a lovely spot is both free to visit, and a mere five minute easy stroll. Best wild swimming in the Lake District to soak your limbs at the end of a day. But if youre ready to channel your inner Wim Hof, then you probably wont find a more dramatic swimming spot. With Scafell Pike, Great Gable and more looming you should be asking yourself why you havent taken a wild swim here already? BMK0DP Coniston Village and Coniston Old Man, The Lake District, Cumbria . The Lake District is an excellent destination for open water swimming. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. Not suitable for jumping. The Peak District may be landlocked with a distinct lack of salty sea air, but there are some fantastic spots for a refreshing dip and paddle with the kids. Heres everything you need to know about visiting Scale Force. It's significantly colder than many of the other wild swimming spots around the Lakes and the plunge pool is small, so you can't really swim to warm up. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Its an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way. 3. Looking up to Great Gable mountain at the head of the lake, or across at the spine of rocky scree as you swim, is a great way to while away an afternoon. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. There's a National Trust car park just a short walk from the top of the falls. This is the hardest bit though, so once youve over that, there is nothing worse to come. You cant swim in the pool, but its more than enough to simply sit and take in the idyllic scene. Thanks for your support Paul & Mark. There are plenty of hand and footholds to get down the steep dirt track, as well as tree roots for stability. Buttermere and its surrounding area have been voted time and again as some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the Lake District, if not the entire UK. After a few minutes youll pass through a kissing gate, which is signposted for Scale Force. Walk length: 2 miles (3.2km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. All around you are rocks and cliffs that form the walls of the Pot. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. The tarn is located along one of the best hiking paths to Scafell Pike the highest peak in the Lake District. Wild Swimming simply means swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Accessing the pool is easy as you can just walk straight in, but just watch for slippery stones underfoot. Its more like an ice bucket challenge! Now thats not a bad feeling to have. 3 Do not swim in rivers with strong currents, there is a risk of being swept downstream. At the 1.3km mark, youll pass over a wooden bridge and after this point there are lots of little patches of water scattered along the track. The reward for your efforts is staring up at one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the Lake District and probably the whole of the UK! The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. The upside of living in the rainiest place in England is that there is (usually) a great selection of wonderful swimming spots to explore. Walk length: 2.2 miles (3.5km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. The deepest of the lakes at over 250 feet deep, Wastwater also stretches for 3 miles in length and around mile wide with the Screes also making up one part of the shoreline. From this point on the scenery gets even better. Waterfalls. There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. The most important part is to get out there and swim with a smile. The Sava Bohinjka River provides a chilly thrill for flow-swimming fans. The atmosphere is other worldly. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for wading amongst high, picturesque views. All the details on the walk, as well as another waterfall nearby (not on this list) are in this guide. Read Next 15 stunning Lake District walks. Skelwith Force might not be the biggest waterfall in the Lake District, but its both beautiful and powerful. It may be small, but Rydal Water is still an amazing place to venture for a wild swim. Black Moss Pot 16. Given this is a pool on top of a huge waterfall, you need to be very careful about when you visit, please read all the details, including the safety warning in this guide. Swimming is a fantastic exercise and when you can do it out in the open with such stunning scenery, it enhances the experience immensely. Ritson's Force is one of those magical places that makes you instantly grateful to be alive! The water cascades into a narrow mossy chasm and the walls are so high that no light can penetrate. Booking your trip via the links on this page (or on our book page) will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Combine the swim with one of the best walks in the Lake District and youre in for a treat. Its a scenic remote spot and one of our favourite wild swimming locations in the Lake District. Where can I swim for free in the lake district?Any of the main lakes, tarns etc are all free to swim in. There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Ullswater at Glenridding isnt exactly the wild swimming location in the Lake District for getting away from the crowds, but on most days, you can find a decent spot to call your own. The closest car park to the trail head for Scale Force Waterfall is at the Buttermere Court Hotel - postcode CA13 9XA, its a pay and display car park. Hypothermia from wild swimming is known and should be protected against. If youre feeling brave you can take a dip in the icy waters beneath Scale Force. If the weather has been wet I would recommend heading back the way you came. 0 reviews . We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. If you are looking for freedom, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to explore the very best in wild swimming spots, then the only place to visit is the Lake District. Spend your summer spent swimming in mountain waterfalls, exploring lost ruins and caverns, and camping in ancient forests. In the sunshine, it would rival the prettiest turquoise water weve seen anywhere in the world. The best spot to swim is just south of Countess Beck. Thank you for subscribing! Cross the bridge and head through the gate, and then right. Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. Find local news and events in your area, water campaigns that might interest you or join a group or a meeting of like-minded people. Read Next Where to stay in the Lake District. 14 Incredible Lake District Waterfalls: wild swimming and hidden gems, Catarata Del Toro: difficulty, trail conditions and how to beat the crowds, Tips for experiencing the magical Golden Circle in winter, Skelwith Force: a great rainy day activity in the Lake District, Crinkle Crags & Bowfell: Two of Wainwright's favourites in one walk, Tarn Hows and Black Fell: an easy walk in the Lake District, Loughrigg Fell: the perfect walk from Ambleside, Lake District, The easiest route up England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, Helm Crag - The perfect sunset walk in the Lake District, Warnscale Bothy: a Lake District hidden treasure, 14 incredible things to do in Coniston including secret spots, 16 amazing things to do in Grasmere including the best of its wild side, Stanley Ghyll Waterfall: one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District, The shortest route to Cathedral Cave - just a 15 minute walk, The Giggle Alley Japanese Garden: Eskdale's hidden autumn wonderland, Hodge Close Quarry: how to find the incredible hidden caverns, The quickest walk to Rydal Cave plus a hidden cave nearby, Stock Ghyll Force: Ambleside's beautiful ravine waterfall, Tongue Pot and the spectacular swimming holes beyond, The Buttermere Infinity Pool and the hidden swimming spots beyond, Ritson's Force: incredible electric blue waterholes in the Lake District, Buckstones Jump & the incredible swimming holes at Rydal Waterfalls, Scale Force: the Lake District's wild and mysterious gorge waterfall, Sour Milk Ghyll and Easedale Tarn: 2 spectacular swimming spots in Grasmere, Whorneyside Force: Langdale's secret waterfall swimming spot, Thirlmere infinity pool: how to get there and beat the crowds, The Old Man of Coniston, one of the best walks in the Lake District, Everything you need to know to hike Catbells, Lake District, Seven Easy Walks in the Lake District, England, The best Lake District walks for stunning views, Best things to do in the Lake District, England, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. Walk length: 100m each way (via the quickest route)Difficulty: Easy. Check for any regulations before hand such as specific areas or times first though. Youll have to walk up a bit more slanted rock before crossing the water and walking up some boulders. Tongue Pot is a deep pool with high walls perfect for leaping into for a more expansive swim. Scale Force: the Lake District's wild and mysterious gorge waterfall, Golitha Falls: ancient woods and hidden swimming spots, Sour Milk Ghyll and Easedale Tarn: 2 spectacular swimming spots in Grasmere, 14 Incredible Lake District Waterfalls: wild swimming and hidden gems, Skelwith Force: a great rainy day activity in the Lake District, Crinkle Crags & Bowfell: Two of Wainwright's favourites in one walk, Tarn Hows and Black Fell: an easy walk in the Lake District, Loughrigg Fell: the perfect walk from Ambleside, Lake District, The easiest route up England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, Helm Crag - The perfect sunset walk in the Lake District, Warnscale Bothy: a Lake District hidden treasure, 14 incredible things to do in Coniston including secret spots, 16 amazing things to do in Grasmere including the best of its wild side, Stanley Ghyll Waterfall: one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District, The shortest route to Cathedral Cave - just a 15 minute walk, The Giggle Alley Japanese Garden: Eskdale's hidden autumn wonderland, Hodge Close Quarry: how to find the incredible hidden caverns, The quickest walk to Rydal Cave plus a hidden cave nearby, Stock Ghyll Force: Ambleside's beautiful ravine waterfall, Tongue Pot and the spectacular swimming holes beyond, The Buttermere Infinity Pool and the hidden swimming spots beyond, Ritson's Force: incredible electric blue waterholes in the Lake District, Buckstones Jump & the incredible swimming holes at Rydal Waterfalls, Whorneyside Force: Langdale's secret waterfall swimming spot, Thirlmere infinity pool: how to get there and beat the crowds, The Old Man of Coniston, one of the best walks in the Lake District, Everything you need to know to hike Catbells, Lake District, Seven Easy Walks in the Lake District, England, The best Lake District walks for stunning views, Best things to do in the Lake District, England, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. The waterfall is easily accessible by trail and road. Its so dramatic and feels like youve entered a secret world - you just cant believe that metres away lies an open landscape of lakes and fells. Although you cant see a waterfall, this is where Scale Force is located, and the place you want to head towards. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! Great for jumps and snorkelling. Follow the track upstream for mile. Walk length: 0.7 miles (1.2km) returnDifficulty: Easy. Obviously both swimming and spending time in nature both have proven health benefits, and proponents of wild swimming say it has unique mental health benefits as well.No major research into the topic has been undertaken, but the British Medical Journal (opens in new tab) published a study in 2018 suggesting it may be effective for . Just 15 minutes along Langstrath Beck from the Langstrath Country Inn, the river forms a small waterfall called Galleny Force. Birks Bridge What to Consider When Wild Swimming Dangers of swimming in lakes and rivers A crucial question is always, what is the water temperature? Wild Swimming. The water level can be variable depending on the recent rainfall but that shouldnt detract from the sheer wonder of this fabulous place. 3-5 business days . A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. Our maps are built on 220 years of experience - we keep walkers, runners, cyclists and more safe in the great outdoors all year round. Following the Langstrath Valley in the Borrowdale area of the Lake District, Langstrath Beck curves through steep woodlands and grassy fields before forming a small dramatic gorge pool cut into a rock ledge. Accessing the lower part of the falls is easy, but if you want to experience the upper falls, you need to scramble up several rocky areas, which well go into detail on below. For longer swims in summer or any swims in winter wear a wetsuit and make sure you have warm clothes to change back into when you are finished. Walk length: 1.4 miles (2.2km) return Difficulty: Easy. Why not combine it with one of these ideas for screen free holidays? There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. After buying a one way ticket to Istanbul we spent a year making our way through Asia before arriving in Australia, where we have been living ever since. The Lake District is a waterfall lovers dream. Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Wastwater One of the most dramatic of all wild swimming spots, the impossibly photogenic Wastwater is England's deepest lake. There is no track and reaching the upper falls requires negotiating quite a lot of rocks, which can be slippery. Coordinates: 54.4428 N, 3.2920 W 2. Grasmere. After crossing the bridge, youll see a cleft in the hillside on the trail ahead of you. Following us on social media, using our resource page or buying us a coffee, helps keep Anywhere We Roam on the road. You can see which are effected, as well as all other details in this guide. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. 7 amazing public swimming lakes to wet your appetite, Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Swimming. A crisp air drifts from the nearby mountains, covering us in a reluctance to dive in the water. Waterfall Swim Adventure in the Lake District | Wild Swimming | Cold Water 5,428 views Mar 7, 2021 Taking the plunge! If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, its mesmerising to watch. The pool has a beautiful peridot colour water, which was very striking in the late afternoon sunshine. 1 March 2023. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. There are 4 larger islands on the lake making great targets to head for, as well as numerous smaller islands. This helps towards the costs of running our website. This pool and rocky gorge with its beautiful waterfall is an excellent place for a wild swim and to enjoy the scenery. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, Derwentwater is a lake you can swim in the wild any time during the day and get spectacular views while enjoying the water. For more information about swimming responsibly in the Lake District, catch up on the rules at the Outdoor Swimming Society. You can consider this article a work in progress as we have plenty more waterfall adventures planned! There may be a walk involved in getting there, but the enjoyment afterwards will more than make up for it. The Lake District is quite simply one of the most magical places in the world for wild swimming. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. If youre used to off track hiking and happy to scramble, read this guide for directions. If you come here for a dip its worth exploring further up the valley. Out of the 14 major lakes in the national park, only 3 of them do not allow swimming, but which are the best? But the shelving beach is on the far side (20 minute walk away from the car park), so it retains a slightly off-the-beaten-track feel. The pot is a 45-minute stroll up the valley from the village of Stonethwaite, which also provides one of the best views in the area without any climbing. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. Youll descend 350m of boggy grassland, albeit with wonderful views to soften the blow! For this reason, wed recommend coming early or late. Like Buttermere, it is relatively small in comparison to other lakes, but well worth a visit if you fancy taking a dip. Read Next The Gordale Scale Walk, Yorkshire Dales. However, the infinity pool is the lowest pool, if you venture a little higher up the cliff side then youll find a series of other swimming holes. Its gorgeous at any time of year, but if youre visiting in autumn, youll be treated to some wonderful fall colours. The waterfall can be accessed via an easy walking trail, or you can make a circuit, which has a small amount of climbing and some muddy patches. Always take precautions like wearing a bright swimming cap, towing a bright buoy or float behind you and by swimming as a group where possible. Wild Swimming Italy: Discover the most beautiful rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs of Italy, by Michele Tameni, is out on 12 May (Wild Things Publishing, 16.99). All the details on the walk and what its like to swim there are in this guide. Its an old reservoir on the route up Holme Fell, used for the mines below. It's also one of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and is popular because of its Wordsworth connections. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. There are no facilities at Blea Tarn, so pack your own picnic and thermos of coffee. From river swims and lake dips to a good soak under a waterfall, have plenty of spots spread right across the county that are ideal for a truly immersive Lake District experience! This Summer, we swam outdoors more than we've ever done before, and it just got better, and better! 2 hours. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. All we ask is that you swim safely. Largewatersprovide gorgeous spots foran early morning workout, while tinytarns (ponds formed by glaciers)provide refreshing afternoon dips following long hikes in the high mountains. But there is usually plenty of coming and going to find a spot. It is reputed that it was the great poets favoured spot for relaxing and taking in the scenery. On a long sweep of the majestic River Derwent, this swim is all about Chatsworth House . You can also swim in the deep pools beneath Dalegarth Bridge on the way up to the parking area some jump from the bridge, and there are rope swings too. With spectacular ribbon lakes, rugged mountains and charming villages the range of activities on offer spans everything from afternoon scones to adventurous scrambles. What are the most spectacular lakes to wild swim in? The Eskdale Valley is known for its pools and waterfalls and Tongue Pot is possibly the best of them all. The water is shallower than most of the other lakes on our list with crystal clear water. Its cold already. Keep climbing on the upward path (dont bear R along the wall path) and you reach the lake after 300m more. Aira Force is probably the best known waterfall in the Lakes and it is incredibly picturesque. The more its rained, the more impressive the waterfall will be. Its perched on top of a waterfall high on the hillside, with epic fell views, and has the perfect little swimming hole part way up. Tongue Pot 13. So if you plan to take a dip in multiple lakes please rinse both yourself, your swimwearand any other equipment thoroughly between each swim. Pass through it and youll see some steps down to a wooden bridge just ahead of you. Discover the elegant splendour of Stanley Gill Force, one of Lakelands most graceful falls, once revered by Victorian traveller but now well off the beaten track. You need to walk to the left of the lower falls and youll see a rocky slab. Some require a hike to get to; but all are rewarded for the cathartic sensation ofswimmingamongst some of the best scenery in the Lake District withalmostno one elsearound. The Lake District is a popular national park in northern England covering an area of 2,300 square kilometres. You can reach the falls via several different tracks, most of which are very quick and easy. From the car park (details below), the walk heads out onto the road and past the pub before turning right, through the gate (after 70m). It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care. Although the trail is still flat, its a little rocky underfoot and there are patches which are quite damp, though its still easy enough. After 200m youll come to a fork, and the easiest route at this point is to bear right. Read Next Conquering ridges on Blencathra. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. Located in the peaceful western side of The Lake District, Cumbria, the Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall plummets 60 feet into a secluded gorge. The best place for river scrambling and an aquatic mini adventure. Mobile eTicket. The silver lake beaches between Hoathwaite and Conistan Hall are backed by meadows and ancient parkland, make for a perfect beginners stretch and are situated between the two campsites of the same name. With grassy knolls and ancient rowan trees, perfect clear water and flat rocks for sunbathing, these are mountain waterfalls to surpass all others. Roughly 300m after leaving the wooden bridge youll come to another one (1.9 miles/3km into the walk). With amazing scenery and history, Windermere is a fantastic wild open water swimming spot. Wild swimming . Whatever your motive, the UK has some stunning spots for wild swimming, from secluded rocky pools to unspoiled hillside lakes. Discover a whispering waterfall, beyond an ancient stone bridge, tumbling amongst ferny rocks. Its significantly colder than many of the other wild swimming spots around the Lakes and the plunge pool is small, so you cant really swim to warm up. Expect the water to be cold and go in bit by bit if youre not used to cold water swimming. Sheltered on all sides by mountains and low in altitude, the water is often a little stiller and a little warmer than other swimming spots. An eerie mist lingers over the lake, revealing the mountain scene reflected on the perfectly still water in an intermittent rhythm. Park alongside the road just before the farm at Seathwaite, then walk for 1 hour and 45 minutes uphill. Open water swimming is one of our favourite things to do in the Lake District. Black Moss Pot can get a little busy in the summer holidays and on weekends. Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the park, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean. Ease yourself into it and build up your wild swim distances gradually. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for serene early morning laps in calm waters. We spent our childhood exploring the lakes, tarns, rivers and waterfalls that are sprinkled all over this corner of Northwest England. Some of the bog wasnt too bad on our visit, but some was pretty wet and you wouldnt be able to keep your boots dry unless youre very lucky. This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. The only disappointment is that unlike on our previous visit, you can no longer access the base of the falls, and therefore there is no swimming to be had! There are several small footholds, but even then, I had to take my boots off to feel comfortable going up. Walk length: Five minutes each wayDifficulty: Easy. Lake District waterfalls map Lake District waterfalls Aira Force Location: Matterdale, Penrith CA11 0JY Grid Reference: NY 401209 Starting with perhaps the most famous waterfall in all of the Lakes, since the 18 th Century Aira Force has stood tall as one of the national park's tourist hotspots. If you look ahead youll see two wooden bridges: one close to the lake and one off to the left. Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans. 1. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. 16. In our opinion, this is one of the Lake District's better waterfalls (although not as good as High Force in the Durham. Well and truly bitten by the bug. Near the foot of the valley, the Esk River has cut canyons and pools in the rock creating three great pots to wild swim. Please Note: Wild Swimming is only available to guests who are residents of Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa.