Its an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way. There are no facilities at Wastwater, but the Saw Mill Caf a few kilometres south is great for coffee and lunch. After making your way up to Scafell Pike via the corridor route, return via Esk Hause and make a small detour to Sprinkling Tarn. Where can I swim for free in the lake district?Any of the main lakes, tarns etc are all free to swim in. Its cold already. Don't forget your towel! By Pete Kelly. In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. Jumping from the cliffs into the deep water below can give you a huge adrenalin rush. Read Next 15 stunning Lake District walks. For finding the best locations to explore, a guide such as Suzanna Swims in the north-west Lakes or Colin Hill at Ullswater can offer invaluable advice and brilliant guidance. Look at the websites for the Lake District and for Cumbria, for any information and guidelines before you set out. Its a great day out, but beware being drunk and wild swimming isnt a good mix. 3 Do not swim in rivers with strong currents, there is a risk of being swept downstream. Its nice enough, but its not a patch on what lies beyond. James St. John/Flickr. You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. These are ideal places for enjoying a peaceful wild swim. It gets its name from a stone pack horse bridge that traverses the stream which you can swim underneath. Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. The walk to Scale Force is largely flat, but there is a climb towards the end. The trail to the falls follows yet another bracken lined path, but this time it is really overgrown. We love the small canyon falls which only has a tiny plunge pool, but is incredibly atmospheric. There is information on currents, tides and excess water due to heavy rainfall and these are always things to check before you start to swim in the wild. If you come here for a dip its worth exploring further up the valley. Rydal Bower 14. 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 important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. This lake is better suited to more experienced or confident wild swimmers due to the steep drop offs near the edge of the lake but that shouldnt stop it being a lake to aim for. Wild swims don't come with swankier views than this. To complete our list is this stunning location. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. Find nearby walking routes below. If you appreciate our content, here are some ways you can support us. This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. The stone steps are uneven, but they only last for 250m. Youll reach it after a couple of hundred metres. Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. With stunning photography this book reveals the best crystal mountain lakes, secluded lake-side beaches, and turquoise pools hidden deep in waterfall- The water temperature can fluctuate hugely depending on the time of year and can be significantly colder that the air temperature. The water is clear, peaty and cold, flowing straight off the hills. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. This stream has beautiful water to swim in wild through a breath-taking gorge. This is a super fun and magnificent stretch of water. 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. 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. It may be small, but Rydal Water is still an amazing place to venture for a wild swim. Whether these are sailing boats, ferries and pleasure craft, or jet skis etc, you are small and hard for them to see. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. 5 Best Walks around Coniston Water, Village and Coppermines, Breathtaking Waterfalls in the Lake District, Ultimate List of Lakes in the Lake District (+ Mountains Tarns & Fells), "Hot Tub Hideaways" is a trading name of Snaptrip Group Limited, 7 Amazing Public Swimming Lakes To Wet Your Appetite. Especially if they are owned by the National Trust. Yup. Tongue Pot - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com, The legendary Tongue Pot forms a long emerald pool beneath a roaring waterfall in a cleft of the mountain stream, just beneath a mountain packhorse bridge. Huge craggy mountains surround the water creating a dramatic atmosphere for a refreshing Lake District wild swim. All we ask is that you swim safely. Theres a car park right next to the tarn and a path that runs down to the water. After 350m of boggy descent, youll reach the main path you came in on, and head right. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. Read Next Where to stay in the Lake District. Enjoy the wilds with friends, in an organised swimming group, or with family. A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. This setting serves up some brilliant wild swimming options. Swimming from the boats is allowed, providing you can pull yourself back in! 2023 - Walk My World. It's near Rydal Water and you'll park the car at Rydal Hall and track Rydal Beck up stream for about 45 mins. Wild Swimming Spain: Discover the Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Spain Discover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. Wild Swimming The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming. With a shimmering chute falling 20m into a deep plunge pool, it's hidden in a mossy and verdant tropical-looking ravine reached by crossing several wooden bridges and some final scrambling along a slightly tricky path. Youll have to walk up a bit more slanted rock before crossing the water and walking up some boulders. You wouldnt want to do this after heavy rainfall (or during rain). There are 4 larger islands on the lake making great targets to head for, as well as numerous smaller islands. The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. 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. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly . Here we reveal some of our favourites. 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. The walk to get there is on a well formed track, although its cobbled in parts in typical Lake District fashion. There are plenty of hand and footholds to get down the steep dirt track, as well as tree roots for stability. Carry on by foot up the road, bearing left. Save That makes it an ideal spot to head to if youre in the Lakes on a wet day, but still want to get outside. The turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, its the stuff dreams are made of. 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. They do a mean pint and have an environmentally friendly menu that explains the carbon footprint for each dish. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. All the details are in our Stock Ghyll Force guide. 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. part of the Wild Swimming Walks series. 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. All nestled in a steep sided valley, cleft from rugged heights. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. Accessing the pool is easy as you can just walk straight in, but just watch for slippery stones underfoot. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. 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. 6 If you are swimming on a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float. The only downside to this spectacular spot is that its not the easiest to reach. Aira Force is probably the best known waterfall in the Lakes and it is incredibly picturesque. See out Black Moss Pot article for more information. Overlooking Lake Ullswater, Aira Force waterfall is one of the most widely known of the waterfalls in the Lake District. Dash Falls. Holme Fell lake - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. 1 Enter the water slowly. The famous poet's favourite Lake District viewpoint is at this very lake, aptly named 'Wordsworth's Seat'. There is a little dam at the outflow of Blea Water . Crystal clear water, cant beat a summer swim to cool off and in the h. As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. Beautifully placed between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is one of the lovely wild outdoor swimming spots. Youll probably be glad of trousers on this section! Today, Lubny is a large industrial and cultural centre. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells. Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, London, England. This high, craggy cliff beneath Hallin Fell plummets into deep water. A wide, picturesque valley wedged between the high mountains; its remoteness adds to its rugged allure. Park at the Blea Tarn car park between Little and Great Langdale Valleys. 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. 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 . 1 March 2023. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, its mesmerising to watch. 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. The lovely thing about this part of the walk is you are now following the shore of Crummock Water. Nestled under some of the largest mountains in the area, Sprinkling Tarn offers an adventurous wild swim in the Lake District. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. Take a walk, or a run then launch yourself into this large beautiful lake. Follow the track upstream for mile. 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. 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. Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans. 15. If peace, quiet and beauty is what you are looking for then this is the place for you. Pinpoint. Theres nothing like staring up at a waterfall from inside the crystal clear water, and if thats your thing too, then youll find the best swimming spots in England in this post. If you are less confident or experienced, practice in some of the other lakes or pools on our list. After crossing the bridge, youll see a cleft in the hillside on the trail ahead of you. If you feel the current is fine stay near the bank, as the water is usually slower moving. Although the track is generally in good condition, small parts of it can be boggy year round. 0 reviews . Know your own limits. The lower portion is perfect for swimming and relaxing for all the family, either in the water or around the shoreline. Black Moss Pot 16. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. Near the foot of the valley, the Esk River has cut canyons and pools in the rock creating three great pots to wild swim. Not suitable for jumping. We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. 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. High up in the mountains, the still water perfectly reflecting the impressive Langdale Pikes is one of the best views in the Lake District. 3. 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. Available from local outdoors retailers, bookshops and our online OS shop. The waterfall is easily accessible by trail and road. Waterfalls. The fact there was no one else here at all during our visit in the August school holidays still has me perplexed! Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families.