The lake itself is approximately mile in length and mile in width, making it the perfect starting point for novices and for those literature fans among you, as you can gaze up at Wordworths Seat during your swim. A brilliant place to explore. There is a little dam at the outflow of Blea Water . Waterfall walks and wild swims less than an hour from Stoke-on-Trent Hypothermia from wild swimming is known and should be protected against. After crossing the bridge the track continues along a bracken lined path and youll arrive at a gate 150m later. This is Lake District swimming at its best, demanding swimmers put in the effort to get to the water before delivering superb views and a chance to feel the searing high of slipping into the. Weve been providing free travel content since 2017, helping our readers explore new and familiar destinations. 17 Best Wild Swimming Spots in the Lake District - Hot Tub Hideaways The trail to the falls follows yet another bracken lined path, but this time it is really overgrown. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. You can sit in the window seat, which feels like youve stepped into the pages of a childrens storybook. 48 Best Wild Swimming Near Me + Map - Sophie's Suitcase Park alongside the road just before the farm at Seathwaite, then walk for 1 hour and 45 minutes uphill. Swimming Pools in The Lake District | TheLakeDistrict.org Sourmilk Gyll. The setting is dramatic and the crystal clear swimming hole at the base is easily one of my favourite places to take a dip in the Lakes. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. If peace, quiet and beauty is what you are looking for then this is the place for you. Wild Swimming Spain: Discover the Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Spain Discover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. This workshop helps you to feel relaxed, safe and happy in cold and wild water . Make the Moat House Your Wild Swimming Base Top 10 wild swimming locations in Italy - the Guardian It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care. Cornwall. 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. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be reached via such an easy well maintained trail. Here you can enjoy wilder and shallower waters. In terms of the walk, its very easy and barely has any uphill whatsoever. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. 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. 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. 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. Its an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way. These are ideal places for enjoying a peaceful wild swim. As the biggest and most famous lake in the National Park and in England, it could not be left out. What are the most spectacular lakes to wild swim in? Wild Swimming Spain on the App Store - apps.apple.com Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. 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! Parking is close by, so its only a short walk down to the tarn making it perfect after a long day on the hiking trails. Warning: There is a swimming section of this body of water known as the "nudists pool," as it is traditional to swim naked in the clear water that is naturally dammed above the falls. This delightful village lies in the heart of Exmoor's moorland and provides a wonderful place to swim. Nestled under some of the largest mountains in the area, Sprinkling Tarn offers an adventurous wild swim in the Lake District. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . 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. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families. Buttermere is a 30 minute drive from Keswick, 30 minutes from Cockermouth and 1 hour from Ambleside. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. This stream has beautiful water to swim in wild through a breath-taking gorge. Here are our top 10 swimming spots for both family activities and secluded bliss. But, its much more fun to jump off the perfectly formed ledge about 5 metres above the water. Sour Milk Ghyllmight be small, but its perfectly formed, and the setting is simply stunning. 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. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. From rivers to lakes, quarries to natural dubs and pots - you'll never be far away from a sumptuous, soul-reviving freshwater wonderland in which to wallow. If you are an experienced swimmer then sink in and enjoy the resounding vista of the lake and its surroundings. If you dont want to walk up the steps beside the waterfall, its almost entirely flat. Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and history, the book is packed with all the practical information you need, including detailed directions, route maps and . St Patricks boatyard rents kayaks and canoes, so you can take to the water for your own mini-adventure. Up in this beautiful place you may feel like you are the only person in the entire National Park. Given that its located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is one of the better known waterfalls in the Lake District. The Best Places To Stay In The Lake District in 2023 It wasnt horrendous on our visit, but it was more extensive than the first part of the circuit and had the potential to be pretty nasty in wetter times. Rydal Grot is a magical little spot and one of the easiest to get to on this list. It makes for incredibly easy and safe access into the water, just right for young kids. In general, the pools are deep and good for swimming in the wild while you enjoy the water flowing down from above. There are no facilities at Wastwater, but the Saw Mill Caf a few kilometres south is great for coffee and lunch. We couldnt believe it either, and yet even when we visited and the waterfall was in shadow, the water was still undeniably turquoise and absolutely exquisite. Youll be walking on a flat gravel path, past farmland, but with wonderful views out to the fells. By Pete Kelly. Go and visit purely for a wild swim or as a lovely after hike dip. James St. John/Flickr. Yup. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. Set up camp here for an afternoon and spend your time cooling off in the falls, jumping in from their swing rope or taking a walk along the valley. We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Follow 4 miles to Howtown pier (tricky parking) or approach from Sandwick Bay. From waterfall splash pads to stunning blue holes, these swimming spots will make your summer memorable. Each of the parking locations mentioned in this article have been marked on the map, along with the best spots to jump in for a swim. Expect the water to be cold and go in bit by bit if youre not used to cold water swimming. High up in the Lake District, Burnmoor Tarn will leave you speechless. Theres a car park right next to the tarn and a path that runs down to the water. Lather up with sunscreen and throw on your bathing suit, because there's a world of fun awaiting you. Just dont attempt it if theres been a lot of rain and the flow is really strong as it could be dangerous. Read Next Conquering ridges on Blencathra. This is one waterfall where ideally you dont want to visit after too much rain though, as the spectacular electric blue water becomes a lot darker. Heres everything you need to know about visiting Scale Force. IN THIS GUIDE // LAKE DISTRICT WILD SWIMMING. Please Note: Wild Swimming is only available to guests who are residents of Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa. What is wild swimming? | Advnture Find nearby walking routes below. 9 wild swimming spots in the Lake District | Sally's Cottages Tongue Pot is a deep pool with high walls perfect for leaping into for a more expansive swim. Wild Swimming - Visit Lake District The best waterfall and wild swimming waterfall in the Lake District!! Also, dont try and do too much too soon. The path around the bridge is also boggy. 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. If only to stroke our sense of adventure andindulge our sense of achievement. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Save 13% from RPP Save 13%. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly. 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. If you appreciate our content, here are some ways you can support us. Its a scenic remote spot and one of our favourite wild swimming locations in the Lake District. Park at Coniston Hall (LA21 8AS) and walk south, or disembark at Hoathwaite Landing and walk north (or walk from Torver, LA21 8AX). As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. How Many Lake District Lakes and Mountains. Although you cant see a waterfall, this is where Scale Force is located, and the place you want to head towards. Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. And you can boast that you've swum in England's deepest lake! You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. Park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass near Brotherinkeld Farm then walk up the Eskdale Valley. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. Britain's 18 best waterfalls for wild swimming - The Telegraph Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans. There are few more picturesque spots to wild swim than Blea Tarn. 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 My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. Its truly wild. Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. With misty lakes, meandering rivers and hidden tarns, there are hundreds of places to wild swim in the Lake District. It's an activity that has gained popularity over the last few years and the Lake District is top on the list of places to go for many wild swimmers. However, going further does require care. Leaving Wales off our guide to wild swimming locations in the UK was never an option. However, it is fairly small and gets full quickly especially at weekends and school holidays. Loughrigg Tarn is a reed-fringed lake set among farmland in the heart of the Lake District. Waterfall or Gorge | Wild Swimming The Best Wild Swimming Waterfall in The Lake District- Revealed 3 Do not swim in rivers with strong currents, there is a risk of being swept downstream. Park at the car park nearest to the cattle grid (marked CG on an OS Map), Galleny Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. 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. The walk itself is pretty straightforward, but accessing the pool requires a scramble. Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) for the lower loop and walk to the top of the waterfall Difficulty: Easy. The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. Its the perfect spot for a rejuvenating wake-up swim. A beginner's guide to wild swimming - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine Eskdale is one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District. The southern end of the lake is the best place to swim and is only around a mile from the nearest car park. 12.99 . It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 22 Swim-Friendly Waterfalls Across America and Around the World The atmosphere is other worldly. Wild swimming Lake District: The 8 best spots - Red Bull Its relatively flat until near the end when there is a short but steep climb to the viewpoint. 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. Overlooking Lake Ullswater, Aira Force waterfall is one of the most widely known of the waterfalls in the Lake District. 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.