Adults and children alike will love it. In our opinion, this is one of the Lake District's better waterfalls (although not as good as High Force in the Durham. Mountain Goat Full Day Tour: Ten Lakes Tour of the Lake District (From 51.26) Ultimate Full-Day Lake District Tour: 10 Lakes, Amazing Scenery & Lake Cruise (From 125.64) 10 Lakes Winter Scenic Tour - Expert Guide - Photo Stops - Magnificent Locations (From 109.55) 8 Lakes and Magnificent Scenery - Afternoon Half Day Tour (From 55.28) This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. We love the small canyon falls which only has a tiny plunge pool, but is incredibly atmospheric. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. Lather up with sunscreen and throw on your bathing suit, because there's a world of fun awaiting you. Save Kailpot Crag - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. 3 Do not swim in rivers with strong currents, there is a risk of being swept downstream. As well as the main lakes, pools, and waterfalls there are also other stunning places to swim in wild in the Lake District. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. Companies like Head for the Hills also do beginners and advanced courses in open water swimming. Black Moss Pot, Stonethwaite. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. 'Wild Swimming' is the ancient art of swimming in natural waters such as rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as well as the sea - the sort of places our great grandparents learnt to swim in and the only places before swimming pools were invented in Victorian times. If youre planning a trip to the Lake District, here are more of our guides to help you get the best out of this stunning part of England. Although were sharing a few of the Lakes most famous falls, this list is biased towards our passion when it comes to waterfalls, and thats those you can swim under. Walk length: 3.7 miles (6km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Cross the bridge and head through the gate, and then right. Tongue Pot 13. Although you cant see a waterfall, this is where Scale Force is located, and the place you want to head towards. Be inspired to do more and go further by equipping yourself with the best tools for the job. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Read Next Conquering ridges on Blencathra. If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, Id say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). Also, dont try and do too much too soon. Like Buttermere, it is relatively small in comparison to other lakes, but well worth a visit if you fancy taking a dip. The path around the bridge is also boggy. The book takes you on magical journeys through Britain's most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with adventurous swimming, collating the very best swims and hikes in Lakeland. If you are planning to swim in the colder months such as spring or autumn, or even in the summer months, then a wetsuit is an advisable purchase. Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park. At 1 mile wide and 3 miles long, you can choose how far and where to swim to. 2 Never jump in unless your heart and body have already become acclimatised, you know whats below the surface and have a plan on how to get out again. You can consider this article a work in progress as we have plenty more waterfall adventures planned! But, the natural and tranquil setting is full of the typically beautiful Lake District scenes. Swim upstream first because you dont want to leave the more tiring work till the end. However, it is fairly small and gets full quickly especially at weekends and school holidays. Cross Dalegarth Bridge (deep pool below) and find the car park on the left after 200m. It doesnt get much more remote than this. The atmosphere is other worldly. How Many Lake District Lakes and Mountains. After 300m youll see a gate into the woods on the left. Near the foot of the valley, the Esk River has cut canyons and pools in the rock creating three great pots to wild swim. We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for plunging into a lagoon pool from rocky ledges. You can visit the falls via a return route, or make a partial circuit. Heres everything you need to know about visiting Scale Force. If you dont want to bring your own supplies, head to the newly opened National Trust Sticklebarn restaurant in Great Langdale Valley. Youll have to walk up a bit more slanted rock before crossing the water and walking up some boulders. Seeing a fish or two while swimming in the wild here is not uncommon and only adds to your enjoyment. Its a fabulous canyonesque waterfall that I never see anyone talk about which is pretty mind boggling. This fantastic little lake is an old reservoir above Coniston and a fabulous place to escape to. 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. Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and history, the book is packed with all the practical information you need, including detailed directions, route maps and . 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. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for putting some laps under your belt in a scenic lake. If you are an experienced swimmer then sink in and enjoy the resounding vista of the lake and its surroundings. Firstly, always check the weather forecast. IN THIS GUIDE // LAKE DISTRICT WILD SWIMMING. Given that its located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is one of the better known waterfalls in the Lake District. Its relatively flat until near the end when there is a short but steep climb to the viewpoint. But we do it. There is a small amount of boggy ground in this direction, but its minimal and none of it flooded our boots. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. Next time you're in the Lake District, why not take a vitalising dip in one of these beautiful wild swimming spots. As the biggest and most famous lake in the National Park and in England, it could not be left out. Looking up at the falls and the surrounding mossy cliff walls was just mesmerising. The walk to get there is on a well formed track, although its cobbled in parts in typical Lake District fashion. 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. Walk length: 2.1 miles (3.5km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Our favourite views and photo spots in the Lake District, Explore the remote and rugged Lake District at the Langdale Pikes, Walk Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route for a top Lake District Hike, Find our favourite things to do in the Lake District, Conquer knife-edge ridges on the exhilarating walk up Blencathra, Our pick of the finest walks in the Lake District, Try these heart-pumping grade 1 Lake District scrambles, The best places to stay in the Lake District. Two perfect rocky pools with an incredible colour, surrounded by a breathtaking canyon full of waterfalls, wildlife and flowers. If you think you need to fly to a far off tropical destination to get your turquoise water fix, think again. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. Great for jumps and snorkelling. Wood behind, beach alongside; its a great spot. We opted for sunset, which was a captivating time to be up there. Sort by : River Esk Falls. Waterfall Swim Adventure in the Lake District | Wild Swimming | Cold Water 5,428 views Mar 7, 2021 Taking the plunge! The woodland is also a great place to try and spot red squirrels, although we sadly didnt get lucky! There are shallow spots on this list suitable for anyone, but others are very deep. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. It has a pebble shore and soon gets quite deep for a perfect wild swim. Swimming in a lake at sunset (Image credit: Johner Images). To be found in the fells near Rydal, this pool is great for a swim, bathe or relax, with the guaranteed beauty of the Lake District all around you. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Make sure you pack your camera when you visit this waterfall in the Rivelin Valley, as it's one of the most picturesque spots in the Peak District. The ghyll (deep ravine) upstream is dramatic and the views over the Great Moss up to the Scafell range is one of the most dramatic in the Lakes. Park by the side of the road at Wastwater. Park at the car park nearest to the cattle grid (marked CG on an OS Map), Galleny Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. You can read more about the falls, as well as several other stunning waterfalls along the same track (which we havent listed in this article) here. Information can be found on the Lake District website specifically for swimmers and users of the lakes. It is easy to access, with numerous parking spots along the side so you can step out of your car and into the lovely welcoming waters. Maybe you're a seasoned open-water swimmer, or maybe you're looking to dip your toe in this thrilling activity during the warmer months. Unbelievably, despite it being located in Wasdale Head (the start of the trail to Scafell Pike and one of the busiest places in the Lake District) it hides in plain sight and remains something of an unknown. Accessing the pool is easy as you can just walk straight in, but just watch for slippery stones underfoot. The waterfall flows into a crystal clear pool and swimming here feels very special. You can sit in the window seat, which feels like youve stepped into the pages of a childrens storybook. 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. St Patricks boatyard rents kayaks and canoes, so you can take to the water for your own mini-adventure. From the SE corner of Hodge Close quarry (itself an amazing place), a path leads up through woods to old mine ruins 300m. In the early morning, as the mist slowly drifts from the lake, Blea Tarn is lavished with a cache of serenity. This is the place to go for the latest from Walk My World. Whatever your motive, the UK has some stunning spots for wild swimming, from secluded rocky pools to unspoiled hillside lakes. 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 waterfall and wild swimming waterfall in the Lake District!! 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. 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. Loughrigg Tarn is a reed-fringed lake set among farmland in the heart of the Lake District. Several little beaches are sprinkled around the shore where you can launch for a long swim, lay in the shallows or just soak up the views from the bank. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families. 3. Tucked away in the stunning landscape, you can find some amazing natural swimming holes to explore and enjoy. Check for any regulations before hand such as specific areas or times first though. At Westwater, you can park right where you swim. Ease yourself into it and build up your wild swim distances gradually. You need to walk to the left of the lower falls and youll see a rocky slab. There is a steepish climb to get there, but it doesnt last too long and its more than worth it. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. You can find out more details on the track in Stanley Ghyll Waterfall guide. Moderate hikes in the Lake District - 7 of the best. There's a National Trust car park just a short walk from the top of the falls. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and youre in for a treat. 4 Be aware of the cold, hypothermia can come to you quickly. 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. Skelwith Force might not be the biggest waterfall in the Lake District, but its both beautiful and powerful. One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. In this explorer's compendium, you will discover the most exciting and lesser-known places to visit in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, with magical places to stay and where to find the very Discover the best wild swim locations in the Lake District and Cumbria - river swims, lakes and waterfalls galore. With these great wild swimming spots you can enjoy the cool natural waters while taking in the spectacular scenery that is all around you. After your thoroughly adventurous swim, head back down to Seathwaite Farm along Grains Ghyll completing a day out in the Lake District that you wont forget in a hurry. The closest parking is all paid parking, try and snag a spot beside the church which is cheaper than at Rydal Mount (but is right beside the entry gates). 16. This workshop helps you to feel relaxed, safe and happy in cold and wild water . Hypothermia from wild swimming is known and should be protected against. This is the hardest bit though, so once youve over that, there is nothing worse to come. Look at the websites for the Lake District and for Cumbria, for any information and guidelines before you set out. OS paper map for Tongue pot: Explorer OL 6, OS paper map for Galleny Force: Explorer OL 4, OS paper map for Kailpot Crag: Explorer OL 5, OS paper map for Coniston Water: Explorer OL 6, OS paper map for Stanley Gill Force: Explorer OL 6, OS Paper map for Holme Fell Lake: Explorer OL 7. The magical sound and sight of the water cascading down delights us all and it would be rude not to share with you some of the most stunning swims that have embraced the magnificence of a waterfall or two. After leaving the lake shore, the walk begins to climb, but very gently at first. It really is stunning and well worth doing if you have the right conditions. This is Waterfall Woods in the Brecon Beacons, a place where you'll find some of the most striking and awe-inspiring waterfall plunge pools. Walk length: 100m each way (via the quickest route)Difficulty: Easy. Youll see another wooden bridge just ahead of you, after crossing, youll take a left. In general, the pools are deep and good for swimming in the wild while you enjoy the water flowing down from above. If you're looking for the best paddling and wild swimming Peak District locations, then grab your swimmers and a towel, and read on. Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. 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. There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Once youve soaked up the atmosphere, head back to the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite for a pint. Even walking during a hot dry summer, it was boggy and it would be much worse in wetter times. River Barle, Simonsbath, Somerset, England. 1. Wild Swimming Spain: Discover the Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Spain Discover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. As the lowest of three levels of the well-known McCloud River Falls, this is said to be the most popular swimming waterfall in the region and allows for 12-foot jumps into a large pool at the base. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be reached via such an easy well maintained trail. This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. 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. The lake itself is around mile in width and 2 miles in length so you can use it to gain confidence or to let yourself go into nature. This is a super fun and magnificent stretch of water. Daniel Start On the water May 31, 2016 10 mins. After a few minutes youll pass through a kissing gate, which is signposted for Scale Force. Set among the lush green pastures of gentle rolling farmland, Loughrigg is less rugged than some of the wild swimming on our list. 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. 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. Largewatersprovide gorgeous spots foran early morning workout, while tinytarns (ponds formed by glaciers)provide refreshing afternoon dips following long hikes in the high mountains. However, travel down the road to Triglav National Park 's Lake Bohinj and discover wilder scenery for free. Now you have seen 17 of the very best wild swimming spots in the Lake District we hope that you will make the time to go and enjoy them. There are several small footholds, but even then, I had to take my boots off to feel comfortable going up. Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. The fell above is a lovely little-visited peak and very easy to reach, with views down over Coniston. Go and visit purely for a wild swim or as a lovely after hike dip. 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. 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. 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.