This pool and rocky gorge with its beautiful waterfall is an excellent place for a wild swim and to enjoy the scenery. 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. In a lovely wooded section of the valley, the falls curve around the large boulders lining the river, creating atmospheric spots to unwind and go for a dip. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. St Nectan's Kieve, Tintagel. Pass through it and youll see some steps down to a wooden bridge just ahead of you. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, its mesmerising to watch. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. From the SE corner of Hodge Close quarry (itself an amazing place), a path leads up through woods to old mine ruins 300m. Mobile eTicket. With Scafell Pike, Great Gable and more looming you should be asking yourself why you havent taken a wild swim here already? Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. Find nearby walking routes below. Walk length: Five minutes each wayDifficulty: Easy. Rydal Bower 14. Its one of our favourite pubs in the Lake District and a great way to end a day of wild swimming. Thanks for your support! Its a scenic remote spot and one of our favourite wild swimming locations in the Lake District. It's also one of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and is popular because of its Wordsworth connections. Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 45 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. There are few more picturesque spots to wild swim than Blea Tarn. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. 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. You can actually find it right here in the Lake District! West Beach, Berneray, Isles of Harris. From the bridge, you get a great view of the lower falls, but only a peek at the upper falls. The water is shallower than most of the other lakes on our list with crystal clear water. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. After 350m of boggy descent, youll reach the main path you came in on, and head right. The atmosphere is other worldly. Be inspired to do more and go further by equipping yourself with the best tools for the job. However, you dont have to be a fan of wild swimming to enjoy a visit. BMK0DP Coniston Village and Coniston Old Man, The Lake District, Cumbria . These are ideal places for enjoying a peaceful wild swim. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. Combine the swim with one of the best walks in the Lake District and youre in for a treat. 2023 - Walk My World. If you feel the current is fine stay near the bank, as the water is usually slower moving. Crystal clear water, cant beat a summer swim to cool off and in the h. You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. 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. 7 amazing public swimming lakes to wet your appetite, Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Swimming. 5 If you plan on swimming across deep water then do not go on your own, its safer and more fun with others. The path above the campsite leads through the woods mile to find first set of pools, below on L, followed by the main pool after another 200m. Know your own limits. The atmosphere is other worldly. Thanks for your support Paul & Mark. How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Buy your copy today and get over 30% off with free P&P go to Wild Things Publishing and use discount coupon 'OS' at checkout. If you appreciate our content, here are some ways you can support us. Follow the track upstream for mile. There is a very short (one minute or so) descent to the bridge, but theres a bit of loose soil and one eroded patch of track here, so just watch your step. As the valley is difficult to get to, few people venture to this beautiful destination. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. Go to Basket/Checkout | Sign In | +44 (0)1455 611185 You could easily spend a day here swimming at various spots and enjoying the amazing countryside. If you only want to see the lower falls (not the best view) then the walk doesnt involve any scrambling. Moderate hikes in the Lake District - 7 of the best. Largewatersprovide gorgeous spots foran early morning workout, while tinytarns (ponds formed by glaciers)provide refreshing afternoon dips following long hikes in the high mountains. 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. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. Yet, despite its central location, its often overlooked by the throngs who bypass it on the way from a day exploring the mountains, back to their hotel. Sunbathe, swim, plunge and enjoy your surroundings up at Galleny Force. Near the foot of the valley, the Esk River has cut canyons and pools in the rock creating three great pots to wild swim. One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. However, early morning and sunset are personal favourites especially setting out from places like Ashness Jetty. Best wild swimming in the Lake District to soak your limbs at the end of a day. From great lakes like Windermere, through to small hidden gems such as Tongue Pot, there is a swim out there to suit you all. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. Its an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way. 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. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Follow the footpath up the. 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. Dont be fooled by these initial excellent trail conditions, it deteriorates quickly! The walk to Scale Force is largely flat, but there is a climb towards the end. The city of Poltava is shown in dark blue. The Lake District is an excellent destination for open water swimming. Theres a car park right next to the tarn and a path that runs down to the water. Every post from us in chronological order. The hardest hikes in the Lake District National Park - 14 challenging routes 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. Whether these are sailing boats, ferries and pleasure craft, or jet skis etc, you are small and hard for them to see. Wild swims don't come with swankier views than this. Its truly wild. 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? The Sava Bohinjka River provides a chilly thrill for flow-swimming fans. Given that its located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is one of the better known waterfalls in the Lake District. A pebble beach shelves down on one side of the pool into the crystal clear water and an oak tree overhangs. This will make you more noticeable and reduce the risk of an accident. 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. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! They do a mean pint and have an environmentally friendly menu that explains the carbon footprint for each dish. If peace, quiet and beauty is what you are looking for then this is the place for you. This is the place to go for the latest from Walk My World. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. 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. Especially if they are owned by the National Trust. At its deepest point the lakebed is over 250 feet below the surface whilst Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, towers above Wastwater at over 3,200 feet high. All around you are rocks and cliffs that form the walls of the Pot. Cross the bridge and head through the gate, and then right. Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. We spent our childhood exploring the lakes, tarns, rivers and waterfalls that are sprinkled all over this corner of Northwest England. All rights reserved, Best spots for an invigorating wild swim in the Lake District, favourite things to do in the Lake District, Great things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. 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. Walk length: 100m each way (via the quickest route)Difficulty: Easy. Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. 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. Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 15 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. Tell them where you are going to swim and the time you are going to start. There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. Thank you for subscribing! As the rock was nice and dry, it was easy to get up this bit as I was barefoot and it was grippy, but I wouldnt have felt as confident if it was wet. This high, craggy cliff beneath Hallin Fell plummets into deep water. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . A great place for new swimmers is in Waterhead at Borrans Park. Reaching the bottom of the falls is easy, and the walk is mainly flat and along a good path - almost to the pool itself. The only hard decision you will have to make, is which one to visit first! 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. Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park. 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. If youre feeling brave you can take a dip in the icy waters beneath Scale Force. All the spots on this list are wild and have no safety measures in place. 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. Black Moss Pot, Stonethwaite. You can visit the falls via a return route, or make a partial circuit. Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District. 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. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for exploring this most beautiful and remote valley. The adventures of Titty, Roger, Susan and John have captured the imagination of children and teenagers for generations and were inspired by Coniston: Peel Island was Wildcat Island and Brown Howe was where the Amazons lived. Take the ferry to Howtown and follow the shore path a mile SW. Or take Howtown road from Pooley Bridge at N end of Ullswater; you will pass several beaches en route and Park Foot camping (CA10 2NA, 0176 84 86309) has lakeshore pitches. Dont let it put you off because its relatively short sections, but do wear shoes you dont mind getting wet. Prefer an infinity pool perched on top of a huge cliffside waterfall? The Pools Swimming and Health Centre James Street, Carlisle, CA2 5AH Not one, not two, but three swimming pools are located within The Pools Swimming and Health Centre. Walk length: 2 miles (3.2km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Huge craggy mountains surround the water creating a dramatic atmosphere for a refreshing Lake District wild swim. Wild Swims Lake District - guided swimming and walking by a qualified Open Water Swim Coach and Mountain Leader, for one-to-one and small group adventures in lakes, tarns and fells.. However, reaching the most spectacular part of the falls, the upper falls, does require a scramble - which is probably why even in the busy summer holidays we got the entire thing to ourselves. 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. Discover more great hidden places to go in the Lake District with The Wild Guide to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales by Daniel Start. At 1 mile wide and 3 miles long, you can choose how far and where to swim to. With a campsite on its shores, this small lake is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely swim in the wild, while taking in the views all around. By Pete Kelly. The famous poet's favourite Lake District viewpoint is at this very lake, aptly named 'Wordsworth's Seat'. Waterfall Swim Adventure in the Lake District | Wild Swimming | Cold Water 5,428 views Mar 7, 2021 Taking the plunge! Hardknott Pass, Lake District National Park, Cumbria, UK. Exposure Kamm/D-Shaped Seatpost Silicone Insert and Band for Boost R 5.00 The water level can be variable depending on the recent rainfall but that shouldnt detract from the sheer wonder of this fabulous place. Kailpot Crag - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. 3. High up in the mountains, the still water perfectly reflecting the impressive Langdale Pikes is one of the best views in the Lake District. Also, be aware of other users. The prices are: up to 2 hours: 3.50, up to 4 hours: 6, up to 12 hours: 8, or weekly: 28 and payable every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and bank holidays. The water temperature can fluctuate hugely depending on the time of year and can be significantly colder that the air temperature. Located in the shadows of Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Tarn is another natural swimming hole that is too good to resist. About a 30-40 minute walk from Sonethwaite, in the shadow of Scafell Pike, is one of the most amazing wild swim spots that the Lake District has to offer. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. 6 If you are swimming on a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float. As well as your wild swimming gear these spots are perfect places to get out your camera, phone or GoPro and capture the surroundings. Triangular in shape and with a rocky beach, you can wile away the day in and out of the water and enjoy the small waterfall that can be found at the end of the pool. Due to the depth of the lake it may be colder than others on our list so make sure that you wild swim in the correct gear. However, going further does require care. 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. However, the pool is small and best enjoyed with as few people as possible - which can be a challenge to achieve as its not a very long or difficult walk (although you do have a bit of a climb on a narrow track). There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Located just outside Simonsbath, the best wild swimming near me, has to be past the Bluebell Wood to the secluded pools. There's a 7-day free trial too, so you can access all of Great Britain anytime, anywhere. After a while, the bite of the initial cold dissipates and all that remains is themagic of wild swimming in the Lake District on such a beautiful morning. Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans.