Huge craggy mountains surround the water creating a dramatic atmosphere for a refreshing Lake District wild swim. 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. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. By Antonia Bentel. After leaving the lake shore, the walk begins to climb, but very gently at first. Wild Swimming. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. You cant swim in the pool, but its more than enough to simply sit and take in the idyllic scene. Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown. It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. Sitting under the shadow of Crinkle Crags, in one of the Lake Districts most spectacular valleys, youll find a secluded waterfall. Buttermere is a 30 minute drive from Keswick, 30 minutes from Cockermouth and 1 hour from Ambleside. Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. Its a beautiful place simply to sit and relax by the water. 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. It doesnt get much more remote than this. 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. The only difficult part of the track is negotiating the bog. 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. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. The best viewpoints in the Lake District - 12 easy to access locations. The water temperature can fluctuate hugely depending on the time of year and can be significantly colder that the air temperature. The water cascades into a narrow mossy chasm and the walls are so high that no light can penetrate. This stream has beautiful water to swim in wild through a breath-taking gorge. There's a National Trust car park just a short walk from the top of the falls. If you come here for a dip its worth exploring further up the valley. You can see which are effected, as well as all other details in this guide. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. By mikeedeedee. We love the small canyon falls which only has a tiny plunge pool, but is incredibly atmospheric. Reaching the bottom of the falls is easy, and the walk is mainly flat and along a good path - almost to the pool itself. All the details on the walk, as well as another waterfall nearby (not on this list) are in this guide. This is the part of the waterfall that most people visit. 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. Spend your summer spent swimming in mountain waterfalls, exploring lost ruins and caverns, and camping in ancient forests. In terms of the walk, its very easy and barely has any uphill whatsoever. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. Be assisted with confidence into lake or waterfall and learn how to relax and take it in your stride safely. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. There are some uphill sections, but also plenty of flat track. For the more experienced there are different routes you can try as well as some brilliant guided swim tours that cover the full length of this great lake. Ease yourself into it and build up your wild swim distances gradually. 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 . St Patricks boatyard rents kayaks and canoes, so you can take to the water for your own mini-adventure. Beautifully placed between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is one of the lovely wild outdoor swimming spots. The only hard decision you will have to make, is which one to visit first! Walk length: 1.7 mile (2.7km) loopDifficulty: Easy. 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. However, travel down the road to Triglav National Park 's Lake Bohinj and discover wilder scenery for free. Swimming from the boats is allowed, providing you can pull yourself back in! Were slowly making our way around all the waterfalls in the Lake District, but I dont think well find any quite as captivating as Scale Force. The Lake District is a waterfall lovers dream. The walk is almost entirely flat and the only bit you need to watch out for is the very last few metres, which are rocky and can be slippery. Be aware that boats do use the lake as well so always swim with care. In general, the pools are deep and good for swimming in the wild while you enjoy the water flowing down from above. 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. You can reach Whorneyside Force via a strenuous circuit hike taking in the fabulous Crinkle Crags, or using a direct route, which is a pretty easy walk. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. Park at Coniston Hall (LA21 8AS) and walk south, or disembark at Hoathwaite Landing and walk north (or walk from Torver, LA21 8AX). I defy anyone not to be wowed by the sight of this beautiful ribbon of water tumbling down the huge gorge walls. All around you are rocks and cliffs that form the walls of the Pot. If only to stroke our sense of adventure andindulge our sense of achievement. Best wild swimming in the Lake District near a great local pub. 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. If you dont want to walk up the steps beside the waterfall, its almost entirely flat. Buckstones Jum 3 Stunning Waterfalls To Swim In 12. Paperback . Keep climbing on the upward path (dont bear R along the wall path) and you reach the lake after 300m more. There is little more satisfying than jumping into a pool of cool water on a hot summer's day or if you're brave enough - all year round! If the conditions are good on the first leg of the circuit, then to complete it, you need to take the path on the other side of the wooden bridge and begin heading along the the narrow stony track. Stanley Gill Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. Follow the footpath up the. 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. For longer swims in summer or any swims in winter wear a wetsuit and make sure you have warm clothes to change back into when you are finished. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. Park alongside the road just before the farm at Seathwaite, then walk for 1 hour and 45 minutes uphill. Today, Lubny is a large industrial and cultural centre. The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. Waterfalls. 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. 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. This fantastic little lake is an old reservoir above Coniston and a fabulous place to escape to. Wastwater One of the most dramatic of all wild swimming spots, the impossibly photogenic Wastwater is England's deepest lake. 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. With stunning photography this book reveals the best crystal mountain lakes, secluded lake-side beaches, and turquoise pools hidden deep in waterfall- All Rights Reserved. With misty lakes, meandering rivers and hidden tarns, there are hundreds of places to wild swim in the Lake District. Its unclear whether it will reopen, but even if it doesnt, a trip to the upper falls is still very much worthwhile. Youll have to walk up a bit more slanted rock before crossing the water and walking up some boulders. 2023 Anywhere We Roam. With spectacular ribbon lakes, rugged mountains and charming villages the range of activities on offer spans everything from afternoon scones to adventurous scrambles. All the details on the walk and what its like to swim there are in this guide. After a few hundred metres, the track gets very rocky and youll basically be rock hopping for the next 250m. But, the natural and tranquil setting is full of the typically beautiful Lake District scenes. Along the same river (and walking track) youll find crystal clear swimming holes ranging from turquoise to emerald green. 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 . 6 If you are swimming on a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float. Follow 4 miles to Howtown pier (tricky parking) or approach from Sandwick Bay. Turn right off the road from Eskdale to Dalegarth, after Beckfoot station (CA19 1TF). Adults and children alike will love it. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. There is no shortage of choice when looking at swimming spots in the wild in the Lake District. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. The views are gorgeous, not just of the lake itself, but also the surrounding fells. Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District. Grasmere. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are Paul & Mark, two curious & adventurous travellers who provide practical information to help you make the most of your travels. The book takes you on magical journeys through Britain's most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with . Behind the crag are peaceful woods to enjoy and there is a small beach that runs alongside the water. 15. Google Maps link. This makes Eskdale a therapeutic isolated place for wild swimming in the Lake District. 1. Go and visit purely for a wild swim or as a lovely after hike dip. All the details are in our Stock Ghyll Force guide. As the valley is difficult to get to, few people venture to this beautiful destination. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. 1. 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. The crossing is approximately 2km, though shorter swims along the shoreline are possible. Wood behind, beach alongside; its a great spot. Kailpot Crag - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. The Lake District is one of the most. Lower down from Buckstones Jum, you will find an amazing swim location with a majestic waterfall. 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. Read Next 15 stunning Lake District walks. 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. Given this is a pool on top of a huge waterfall, you need to be very careful about when you visit, please read all the details, including the safety warning in this guide. As the biggest and most famous lake in the National Park and in England, it could not be left out. 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. 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. Its cold already. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. Close to the foot of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, a visit to Stanley Ghyll also offers a car-free method of arrival. Just 15 minutes along Langstrath Beck from the Langstrath Country Inn, the river forms a small waterfall called Galleny Force. This isnt too bad, but after you finish the rock hopping you begin the bog traverse. How Many Lake District Lakes and Mountains. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. 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. High up in the mountains, the still water perfectly reflecting the impressive Langdale Pikes is one of the best views in the Lake District. Walk length: 0.75 miles (1.2km) circuit - plus 750m each way if walking from the villageDifficulty: Easy. Tucked away in the stunning landscape, you can find some amazing natural swimming holes to explore and enjoy. However, it is fairly small and gets full quickly especially at weekends and school holidays. part of the Wild Swimming Walks series. 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. 2023 - Walk My World. Wild Swimming The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming. Jumping from the cliffs into the deep water below can give you a huge adrenalin rush. Prefer an infinity pool perched on top of a huge cliffside waterfall? If you are worried about powerboats and other larger vessels, then you can choose one of the lakes where they are not allowed. 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. With a waterfall to enjoy at one side and beautifully clear waters to indulge in taking a snorkel may also be a good idea. Read Next Where to stay in the Lake District. 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. Dont be fooled by these initial excellent trail conditions, it deteriorates quickly! Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly. Although no one waterfall is huge, each is utterly spectacular. You can find out more details in our Ritsons Force guide. Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. The Lake District is quite simply one of the most magical places in the world for wild swimming. Gadding's Dam Reservoirs often make for excellent wild swimming spots. Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 45 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. Discover a whispering waterfall, beyond an ancient stone bridge, tumbling amongst ferny rocks. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . Cornwall. Sunbathe, swim, plunge and enjoy your surroundings up at Galleny Force. Be inspired to do more and go further by equipping yourself with the best tools for the job. It must be one of the best wild swimming walks in the world. This is the place to go for the latest from Walk My World. 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. It cascades into a narrow mossy chasm and the walls are so high that no light can penetrate. The most important part is to get out there and swim with a smile. Know your own limits. Discover the best wild swim locations in the Lake District and Cumbria - river swims, lakes and waterfalls galore. Expect the water to be cold and go in bit by bit if youre not used to cold water swimming. Some car parks may charge and always check the specific lake before you swim. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. If you are planning to camp, continue on rough track for further 600m to park at Stonethwaite riverside campsite (0176 87 77234). Carry on by foot up the road, bearing left. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, its mesmerising to watch. Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8km) totalElevation gain: 150mDifficulty: Moderate. 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. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! Its so dramatic and feels like youve entered a secret world - you just cant believe that metres away lies an open landscape of lakes and fells. If peace, quiet and beauty is what you are looking for then this is the place for you. 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. There's a 7-day free trial too, so you can access all of Great Britain anytime, anywhere. 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. After 200m youll come to a fork, and the easiest route at this point is to bear right. The reward for your efforts is staring up at one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the Lake District and probably the whole of the UK! For this reason, wed recommend coming early or late. 16. If you're looking for the best paddling and wild swimming Peak District locations, then grab your swimmers and a towel, and read on. If you dont want to bring your own supplies, head to the newly opened National Trust Sticklebarn restaurant in Great Langdale Valley. 28 magical walks through some of Wales' most popular mountain, lowland and coastal areas.Classic walks that link multiple swim stops. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for serene early morning laps in calm waters. Read Next Great things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. With amazing scenery and history, Windermere is a fantastic wild open water swimming spot. 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. 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. If the weather has been wet I would recommend heading back the way you came. Hypothermia from wild swimming is known and should be protected against. After 700m you leave the lake shore behind, and up to this point the whole walk has been flat. 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. 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. All the spots on this list are wild and have no safety measures in place. 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. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. You will still have to be aware of smaller craft like canoes and sailing boats, but your overall experience may be improved. If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, Id say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). To help decide where to base yourself, read our article on the best places to stay in the Lake District. Having said that, we didnt have any boot sucking moments, it was more wet than actually muddy for the most part. 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 to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. The pretty waterfall cascades into an emerald pool and its hard to believe such a lovely spot is both free to visit, and a mere five minute easy stroll. Although the trail is still flat, its a little rocky underfoot and there are patches which are quite damp, though its still easy enough. Aira Force is probably the best known waterfall in the Lakes and it is incredibly picturesque. Coordinates: 54.4428 N, 3.2920 W 2. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. This is a lake and a wild swim that will take your breath away with the pure scale and beauty of your surroundings. An unforgettable wild swim. Rydal Water is a serene and peaceful place for open water swimming in the Lake District. 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 The Julian Alps offer top-class swimming, including the lovely (but costly) Lake Bled lido. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. Looking up at the falls and the surrounding mossy cliff walls was just mesmerising. So if you plan to take a dip in multiple lakes please rinse both yourself, your swimwearand any other equipment thoroughly between each swim. Available from local outdoors retailers, bookshops and our online OS shop. Kail and Pillar pots are beautiful pools to sit and be massaged by the relaxing flow of the water. All nestled in a steep sided valley, cleft from rugged heights. At the southern end of Ullswater, in the town of Glenridding, gently sloping beaches descend into a beautiful part of the lake. 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. Not suitable for jumping. Overlooking Lake Ullswater, Aira Force waterfall is one of the most widely known of the waterfalls in the Lake District. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. A crucial question is always, what is the water temperature? The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. 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. 8 Have fun and take a picnic. The best place for river scrambling and an aquatic mini adventure. 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. Combine the swim with one of the best walks in the Lake District and youre in for a treat. The only thing to watch out for is a little bit of boggy terrain, not to reach every pool, but to reach a couple of goodies. The fell above is a lovely little-visited peak and very easy to reach, with views down over Coniston. Its nice enough, but its not a patch on what lies beyond. Black Moss Pot, Stonethwaite. There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. It sits underneath an old stone bridge and flows into a fern covered rocky chasm. This will make you more noticeable and reduce the risk of an accident. After crossing the bridge, youll see a cleft in the hillside on the trail ahead of you. A crisp air drifts from the nearby mountains, covering us in a reluctance to dive in the water. As we venture down the rocky trail, dew clings to the long grasses either side of the path like shards of tiny crystals catching the early morning light. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. On a long sweep of the majestic River Derwent, this swim is all about Chatsworth House . You could easily spend a day here swimming at various spots and enjoying the amazing countryside. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. With rivers forming picturesque canyons,delightful babbling brooks and natural lagoon plunge pools,theres a wild swim in the Lake District for all tastes. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. Approximately 250m of scratchy bracken later youll reach a metal gate. Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. If you only want to see the lower falls (not the best view) then the walk doesnt involve any scrambling. Its a popular location with hikers heading up to the summit of Helvellyn or boat lovers cruising on the Ullswater Steamer. We have you covered. Its gorgeous at any time of year, but if youre visiting in autumn, youll be treated to some wonderful fall colours. Find nearby walking routes below. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. Pass through it and youll see some steps down to a wooden bridge just ahead of you. By Pete Kelly. Read Next Conquering ridges on Blencathra. Please Note: Wild Swimming is only available to guests who are residents of Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa. Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. Next time you're in the Lake District, why not take a vitalising dip in one of these beautiful wild swimming spots. 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. There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. In this video I find the most beautiful wild swimming spot, visit 2 waterfalls, summit 5 mountains and find the most stunning wild camp location. The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. This pool and rocky gorge with its beautiful waterfall is an excellent place for a wild swim and to enjoy the scenery. All Rights Reserved. If youre looking for the most beautiful waterfalls in England, youll find them here. There are plenty are places at the water's rocky edge for sunbathing. That way in the unlikely event that there is a problem, people will know where to find you. Sourmilk Gyll. As well as your wild swimming gear these spots are perfect places to get out your camera, phone or GoPro and capture the surroundings. # # 2 3 2 # # # # # 0909897810 . Located off Ullswater, this deep water underneath an intimidating cliff can be enjoyed by jumpers and wild swimmers alike. Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. Being smaller in size and relatively shallow, on a lovely summers day the temperature of the water will be perfect. 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. But there is usually plenty of coming and going to find a spot. You can consider this article a work in progress as we have plenty more waterfall adventures planned! What are the most spectacular lakes to wild swim in? There are no facilities at Wastwater, but the Saw Mill Caf a few kilometres south is great for coffee and lunch. 5 If you plan on swimming across deep water then do not go on your own, its safer and more fun with others. 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. The walk to get there is on a well formed track, although its cobbled in parts in typical Lake District fashion. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! The long narrow pool is just wide enough to swim up and down for about 50 meters. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District; Wild Swimming Walks Lake District - 28 lake, river and waterfall days out. This is crucial for your own safety. Unfortunately due to ongoing rockfall risk, the bottom of the falls is closed and therefore you can no longer swim here. Out of the 14 major lakes in the national park, only 3 of them do not allow swimming, but which are the best?