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. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. Walk length: 0.75 miles (1.2km) circuit - plus 750m each way if walking from the villageDifficulty: Easy. We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. Given that its located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is one of the better known waterfalls in the Lake District. 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.. The walk itself is pretty straightforward, but accessing the pool requires a scramble. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly. You can find out more details on the track in Stanley Ghyll Waterfall guide. There are several small footholds, but even then, I had to take my boots off to feel comfortable going up. Well and truly bitten by the bug. This high, craggy cliff beneath Hallin Fell plummets into deep water. All the spots on this list are wild and have no safety measures in place. Its unclear whether it will reopen, but even if it doesnt, a trip to the upper falls is still very much worthwhile. Go to Basket/Checkout | Sign In | +44 (0)1455 611185 Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. 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. The plunge pools and waterfalls make it perfect for adventurers and those keen on an alternative to lengthy sessions of front. Although lakes and rivers can look calm and beautiful on the surface there can be underlying dangers. 15. Carry on by foot up the road, bearing left. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. With the sun reflecting off the mountains, the water shimmers in the reflection of tall mountains, there are few places better for a thoroughly enjoyable outdoor activity in the UK. It may be small, but Rydal Water is still an amazing place to venture for a wild swim. Just 15 minutes along Langstrath Beck from the Langstrath Country Inn, the river forms a small waterfall called Galleny Force. We spent our childhood exploring the lakes, tarns, rivers and waterfalls that are sprinkled all over this corner of Northwest England. 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. At the southern end of Ullswater, in the town of Glenridding, gently sloping beaches descend into a beautiful part of the lake. This is the hardest bit though, so once youve over that, there is nothing worse to come. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for putting some laps under your belt in a scenic lake. 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 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. 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. Being smaller in size and relatively shallow, on a lovely summers day the temperature of the water will be perfect. The best viewpoints in the Lake District - 12 easy to access locations. 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. See out Black Moss Pot article for more information. Read Next The Gordale Scale Walk, Yorkshire Dales. Walk length: 1.7 mile (2.7km) loopDifficulty: Easy. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. There are two separate pools, one higher than the other. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. 2. Its a scenic remote spot and one of our favourite wild swimming locations in the Lake District. The trail to the falls follows yet another bracken lined path, but this time it is really overgrown. Its gorgeous at any time of year, but if youre visiting in autumn, youll be treated to some wonderful fall colours. After making your way up to Scafell Pike via the corridor route, return via Esk Hause and make a small detour to Sprinkling Tarn. But, its much more fun to jump off the perfectly formed ledge about 5 metres above the water. As well, Lubny is a major producer of meat and milk products, furniture and bread.Over 40 types of ice cream are made in the milk factor, and the Lubny bread is known across Ukraine. There is a little dam at the outflow of Blea Water . Many automotive and farm equipment factories were established during the growth of industry between 1901 and the 1930s. Black Moss Pot 16. Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. Nestled under some of the largest mountains in the area, Sprinkling Tarn offers an adventurous wild swim in the Lake District. 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! All Rights Reserved. In our opinion, this is one of the Lake District's better waterfalls (although not as good as High Force in the Durham. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Kail and Pillar pots are beautiful pools to sit and be massaged by the relaxing flow of the water. But if youre ready to channel your inner Wim Hof, then you probably wont find a more dramatic swimming spot. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It makes for incredibly easy and safe access into the water, just right for young kids. Follow the track upstream for mile. All the details on the walk and what its like to swim there are in this guide. Cross Dalegarth Bridge (deep pool below) and find the car park on the left after 200m. Wild Things - Wild Swimming Walks - Lake DistrictThe best-selling Wild Swimming Walks series visits the delights of The Lake District with 28 lake, river and waterfall days out.Combining stunning photography, engaging stories and natural history, with all Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. Although you cant see a waterfall, this is where Scale Force is located, and the place you want to head towards. Some car parks may charge and always check the specific lake before you swim. Be assisted with confidence into lake or waterfall and learn how to relax and take it in your stride safely. This is not as well known as some of our other pools and waterfalls which makes it such a special and tranquil place to be, deep in the middle of the forest. 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. You can find out more details in our Ritsons Force guide. Its a beautiful place simply to sit and relax by the water. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. 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. Tucked away in the stunning landscape, you can find some amazing natural swimming holes to explore and enjoy. Swimmers transferring invasive, non-native weeds to some of the Lake Districts most pristine lakes is becoming a problem. Pinpoint. 1 March 2023. Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park. 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. Lower down from Buckstones Jum, you will find an amazing swim location with a majestic waterfall. 1. If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, Id say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). 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. At a massive length of over 10 miles and 1 mile in width it can seem scary to the newer wild swimmers out there, but please do not be disheartened. The Lake District is an excellent destination for open water swimming. If you are less confident or experienced, practice in some of the other lakes or pools on our list. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. Today, Lubny is a large industrial and cultural centre. The water level can be variable depending on the recent rainfall but that shouldnt detract from the sheer wonder of this fabulous place. From this point on the scenery gets even better. All the details are in our Stock Ghyll Force guide. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families. Come with cobwebs and leave with clarity. Follow 4 miles to Howtown pier (tricky parking) or approach from Sandwick Bay. Daniel Start On the water May 31, 2016 10 mins. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. These are the 14 best waterfalls in the Lake District: 1: Scale Force2: Whorneyside Force3: Rydal Grot4: Sour Milk Ghyll5: Stock Ghyll Force6: Chockstone Falls7: Fisher Gill Falls8: Aira Force9: Ritsons Force10: Stanley Ghyll Waterfall11: Coniston Secret Waterfall12: Skelwith Force13: Eskdale Waterfalls14: Warnscale Beck Falls, Walk length: 4.2 miles (6.8km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Located off Ullswater, this deep water underneath an intimidating cliff can be enjoyed by jumpers and wild swimmers alike. The Sava Bohinjka River provides a chilly thrill for flow-swimming fans. Youll probably be glad of trousers on this section! Looking up at the falls and the surrounding mossy cliff walls was just mesmerising. 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. Swim upstream first because you dont want to leave the more tiring work till the end. If you are planning to camp, continue on rough track for further 600m to park at Stonethwaite riverside campsite (0176 87 77234). The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. Youll see another wooden bridge just ahead of you, after crossing, youll take a left. 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 Once youve soaked up the atmosphere, head back to the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite for a pint. Entry is easy, via gently shelving ledges. 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. With grassy knolls and ancient rowan trees, perfect clear water and flat rocks for sunbathing, these are mountain waterfalls to surpass all others. 2 hours. Unfortunately due to ongoing rockfall risk, the bottom of the falls is closed and therefore you can no longer swim here. If you're looking for the best paddling and wild swimming Peak District locations, then grab your swimmers and a towel, and read on. Even walking during a hot dry summer, it was boggy and it would be much worse in wetter times. Cross the bridge and head through the gate, and then right. At 1 mile wide and 3 miles long, you can choose how far and where to swim to. The crossing is approximately 2km, though shorter swims along the shoreline are possible. From the bridge, you get a great view of the lower falls, but only a peek at the upper falls. High up in the Lake District, Burnmoor Tarn will leave you speechless. Behind the crag are peaceful woods to enjoy and there is a small beach that runs alongside the water. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. 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. Follow the footpath up the. Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, London, England. There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. Park alongside the road just before the farm at Seathwaite, then walk for 1 hour and 45 minutes uphill. 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. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! 7 amazing public swimming lakes to wet your appetite, Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Swimming. This is an avid favourite among wild swimmers and you are sure to meet others here who are enjoying the water. With a shimmering chute falling 20m into a deep plunge pool, its hidden in a mossy and verdant tropical-looking ravine reached by crossing several wooden bridges and some final scrambling along a slightly tricky path. 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. Combine the swim with one of the best walks in the Lake District and youre in for a treat. Park at the Blea Tarn car park between Little and Great Langdale Valleys. After 700m you leave the lake shore behind, and up to this point the whole walk has been flat. 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. A brilliant place to explore. The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. Alternatively, climb down the large rocks to the bottom of the pool for a lazy relaxing soak. If youre feeling brave you can take a dip in the icy waters beneath Scale Force. The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. It must be one of the best wild swimming walks in the world. The upper pool is more for the daredevils among you. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! Packed full of activities, destinations and free things to do outside, the new GetOutside app makes it easy to organise an outdoor activity or a day out that your family will love. Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. The car park has toilets which come with a 50p fee. What a beautiful walk in the Langdale valley, whatever the weather the views are breathtaking. The water here is peaty, clear, and chilly. Its impressive heights reach 170 feet, with two separate falls at 20 feet and the water force puts on an amazing show after heavy rainfall, which is a regular . So if you plan to take a dip in multiple lakes please rinse both yourself, your swimwearand any other equipment thoroughly between each swim. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. A pebble beach shelves down on one side of the pool into the crystal clear water and an oak tree overhangs. Grasmere. It's near Rydal Water and you'll park the car at Rydal Hall and track Rydal Beck up stream for about 45 mins. Exposure Kamm/D-Shaped Seatpost Silicone Insert and Band for Boost R 5.00 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. Located just outside Simonsbath, the best wild swimming near me, has to be past the Bluebell Wood to the secluded pools. There are few more picturesque spots to wild swim than Blea Tarn. In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. An eerie mist lingers over the lake, revealing the mountain scene reflected on the perfectly still water in an intermittent rhythm. Add to Wishlist. Now thats not a bad feeling to have. A packed lunch can be purchased from the hotel for 14.95 and will be ready for you if it is ordered at least 24 hours before your activity. Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District. All Rights Reserved. Park at one of the many Glenridding car parks or beside the road. FYI, the name of this waterfall is not Chockstone Falls, but we werent able to find out the real name, so christened it after the chockstone that it flows under! 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. With the largest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force, on one side, Rannerdale on the other and also the starting point for the River Cocker. Not suitable for jumping. Loughrigg Tarn is a reed-fringed lake set among farmland in the heart of the Lake District. Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8km) totalElevation gain: 150mDifficulty: Moderate. The next part of the circuit has some much boggier ground. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. 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. As previously mentioned, wetsuits, bright swimming caps and tow floats can be very important. To help you find these 6 hidden gems, simply click the links below for each one, and use OS Maps to find a direct route to the spot. From those which are easy strolls, to a few that are slightly harder to reach. Whether these are sailing boats, ferries and pleasure craft, or jet skis etc, you are small and hard for them to see. If youre used to off track hiking and happy to scramble, read this guide for directions. Rydal Water is a serene and peaceful place for open water swimming in the Lake District. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. The Lake District is quite simply one of the most magical places in the world for wild swimming. Our favourite spot was the cave falls, but to be honest every cascade was breathtaking. The book takes you on magical journeys through Britain's most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with . 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 . You can visit the falls via a return route, or make a partial circuit. Follow the nature trail through the park and woodland where you'll find dams, reservoirs, brooks and a series of very pretty waterfalls. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. Coordinates: 54.4428 N, 3.2920 W 2. 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. Its cold already. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. Park at the car park nearest to the cattle grid (marked CG on an OS Map), Galleny Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. As the valley is difficult to get to, few people venture to this beautiful destination. You can see which are effected, as well as all other details in this guide. Almost all the rocks are wet up in the gorge so you need to tread carefully. Normally we would pick out just one waterfall from the track, but honestly thats a very tough job when you see the sensational spots on offer here. 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. It has a pebble shore and soon gets quite deep for a perfect wild swim. 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. We have you covered. Stanley Gill Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. Black Moss Pot, Stonethwaite. Whether you're more a Wordsworth type or a wild swimming enthusiast, there is no better place to visit than the Lake District. Alternatively, the Wasdale Head pub is just 5 kilometres away. Walk length: 2.6 miles (4.3km) returnDifficulty: Easy. However, it is fairly small and gets full quickly especially at weekends and school holidays. The upside of living in the rainiest place in England is that there is (usually) a great selection of wonderful swimming spots to explore. Swimming there: At the head of a wild glen a tall, slender waterfall falls into a high basin, flows through a circular hole and drops into a plunge pool . Here we reveal some of our favourites. Walk length: Up to 4.3 miles (6.9km) return, but can be shorter if you visit less fallsDifficulty: Easy. 0 reviews . 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. 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? 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. Just dont attempt it if theres been a lot of rain and the flow is really strong as it could be dangerous. Its deep enough to dive in from the old dam wall, and small enough that it warms up nicely in the sunshine. 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. Youll reach it after a couple of hundred metres. Up in this beautiful place you may feel like you are the only person in the entire National Park. 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. Next time you're in the Lake District, why not take a vitalising dip in one of these beautiful wild swimming spots. The best place for river scrambling and an aquatic mini adventure. 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. Best for a chilly mountain dip. With stunning photography this book reveals the best crystal mountain lakes, secluded lake-side beaches, and turquoise pools hidden deep in waterfall- In the sunshine, it would rival the prettiest turquoise water weve seen anywhere in the world. A wide, picturesque valley wedged between the high mountains; its remoteness adds to its rugged allure. There are always rocks to use as stepping stones and on our visit all but one was tiny and not really worth mentioning - however I know we were walking during an unusually dry spell. Getting down was a bit trickier as you have more forwards momentum. Pass through it and youll see some steps down to a wooden bridge just ahead of you. 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. Easy hikes in the Lake District - 7 of the best. I defy anyone not to be wowed by the sight of this beautiful ribbon of water tumbling down the huge gorge walls. 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. The turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, its the stuff dreams are made of. 15 mins. Rydal Bower 14. There are shallow spots on this list suitable for anyone, but others are very deep. 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. [3] Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. 4 Be aware of the cold, hypothermia can come to you quickly. Youll have to walk up a bit more slanted rock before crossing the water and walking up some boulders. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, biggest and most famous lake in the National Park. Thanks for your support. 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. In terms of the walk, its very easy and barely has any uphill whatsoever. Turn right off the road from Eskdale to Dalegarth, after Beckfoot station (CA19 1TF). The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. 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) The famous poet's favourite Lake District viewpoint is at this very lake, aptly named 'Wordsworth's Seat'. The atmosphere is other worldly. The Eskdale Valley is known for its pools and waterfalls and Tongue Pot is possibly the best of them all. Just make sure if you do jump, you jump with care. Its only 100m between the wooden bridge and the base of the upper falls, but its definitely not for everyone. It sits underneath an old stone bridge and flows into a fern covered rocky chasm. 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. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. 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. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. Dont be fooled by these initial excellent trail conditions, it deteriorates quickly! Thank you for subscribing! 5 If you plan on swimming across deep water then do not go on your own, its safer and more fun with others. Should I swim with someone?Ideally yes where possible. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. With Scafell Pike, Great Gable and more looming you should be asking yourself why you havent taken a wild swim here already? 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. Waterfall Swim Adventure in the Lake District | Wild Swimming | Cold Water 5,428 views Mar 7, 2021 Taking the plunge! 2023 - Walk My World. But there is usually plenty of coming and going to find a spot. Read Next The absolute best way up Scafell Pike. 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. This is crucial for your own safety. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. The fact there was no one else here at all during our visit in the August school holidays still has me perplexed! But we do it. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District (Wild Things Publishing, 14.99) is available from Swim the Lakes in Ambleside and online at swimthelakes.co.uk, as well from other local stockists including . If you feel the current is fine stay near the bank, as the water is usually slower moving. Our maps are built on 220 years of experience - we keep walkers, runners, cyclists and more safe in the great outdoors all year round. 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. Set among the lush green pastures of gentle rolling farmland, Loughrigg is less rugged than some of the wild swimming on our list.