Should I swim with someone?Ideally yes where possible. 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. Enjoy the wilds with friends, in an organised swimming group, or with family. The trail to the falls follows yet another bracken lined path, but this time it is really overgrown. 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 Eskdale Valley is known for its pools and waterfalls and Tongue Pot is possibly the best of them all. 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 . Having said that, we didnt have any boot sucking moments, it was more wet than actually muddy for the most part. 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. 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. It doesnt get much more remote than this. It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care. The views are gorgeous, not just of the lake itself, but also the surrounding fells. 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. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. Wild swimming at Wastwater means going off the beaten track and immersing yourself in only the sights and sounds of nature. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. Sunbathe, swim, plunge and enjoy your surroundings up at Galleny Force. 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 turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, its the stuff dreams are made of. Stanley Gill Force - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. If the weather has been wet I would recommend heading back the way you came. 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. Thank you for subscribing! 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. Getting down was a bit trickier as you have more forwards momentum. The stone steps are uneven, but they only last for 250m. There is no shortage of choice when looking at swimming spots in the wild in the Lake District. As the biggest and most famous lake in the National Park and in England, it could not be left out. However, going further does require care. It really is stunning and well worth doing if you have the right conditions. Although you cant see a waterfall, this is where Scale Force is located, and the place you want to head towards. That way in the unlikely event that there is a problem, people will know where to find you. While wild swimming is hugely enjoyable for both exercise and the natural beauty that you experience, there are certain things that you need to ensure so that your safety and that of others are looked after when taking advantage of the Lake Districts wild open water swimming spots. Its an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way. The perfect place for a plunge in natures Jacuzzi. If you are swimming alone ensure that someone knows of your plans before setting out. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. It may be small, but Rydal Water is still an amazing place to venture for a wild swim. This will make you more noticeable and reduce the risk of an accident. Walk length: 2.6 miles (4.3km) returnDifficulty: Easy. You cant swim in the pool, but its more than enough to simply sit and take in the idyllic scene. 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. Dash Falls. The wild swimming locations on our list aremore remote than many others. The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. Walk length: Five minutes each wayDifficulty: Easy. Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. 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. 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. 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. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. 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. Don't forget to check out Swim England's advice for open-water swimming before you go. 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. Gill Force More Wild Places To Swim Outdoors 15. As the valley is difficult to get to, few people venture to this beautiful destination. Alternatively, the Wasdale Head pub is just 5 kilometres away. 2023 Anywhere We Roam. Pinpoint. There are no facilities at Wastwater, but the Saw Mill Caf a few kilometres south is great for coffee and lunch. Choose from general swimming in the 33m pool, a water workout in the 20m pool, or family fun time in the 10m pool. If you feel the current is fine stay near the bank, as the water is usually slower moving. This workshop helps you to feel relaxed, safe and happy in cold and wild water . Take a walk, or a run then launch yourself into this large beautiful lake. The water level can be variable depending on the recent rainfall but that shouldnt detract from the sheer wonder of this fabulous place. 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) With amazing scenery and history, Windermere is a fantastic wild open water swimming spot. However, travel down the road to Triglav National Park 's Lake Bohinj and discover wilder scenery for free. If you appreciate our content, here are some ways you can support us. The famous poet's favourite Lake District viewpoint is at this very lake, aptly named 'Wordsworth's Seat'. Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) for the lower loop and walk to the top of the waterfall Difficulty: Easy. It makes for incredibly easy and safe access into the water, just right for young kids. Whatever your motive, the UK has some stunning spots for wild swimming, from secluded rocky pools to unspoiled hillside lakes. 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. Know your own limits. But its worth the trip and one of our favourite things to do in the Lake District. There's a 7-day free trial too, so you can access all of Great Britain anytime, anywhere. Yup. With rivers forming picturesque canyons,delightful babbling brooks and natural lagoon plunge pools,theres a wild swim in the Lake District for all tastes. But there is usually plenty of coming and going to find a spot. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. Wastwater One of the most dramatic of all wild swimming spots, the impossibly photogenic Wastwater is England's deepest lake. 6 If you are swimming on a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float. Beautifully placed between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is one of the lovely wild outdoor swimming spots. For more information about swimming responsibly in the Lake District, catch up on the rules at the Outdoor Swimming Society. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly . The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. By mikeedeedee. But, the natural and tranquil setting is full of the typically beautiful Lake District scenes. Don't forget your towel! 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. This is a super fun and magnificent stretch of water. Entry is easy, via gently shelving ledges. 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. Swim upstream first because you dont want to leave the more tiring work till the end. In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. Discover the elegant splendour of Stanley Gill Force, one of Lakelands most graceful falls, once revered by Victorian traveller but now well off the beaten track. The Lake District is a waterfall lovers dream. Weve been providing free travel content since 2017, helping our readers explore new and familiar destinations. The southern end of the lake is the best place to swim and is only around a mile from the nearest car park. All we ask is that you swim safely. If you are worried about powerboats and other larger vessels, then you can choose one of the lakes where they are not allowed. There are no facilities at Blea Tarn, so pack your own picnic and thermos of coffee. 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. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. One-hour driver. 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 Jumping from the cliffs into the deep water below can give you a huge adrenalin rush. 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. If its your first time, stay close to the shore while you get used to the conditions. Leaving Wales off our guide to wild swimming locations in the UK was never an option. 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. This is one of our favourite little lakes, and a great escape on a sunny day. Holme Fell lake - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. Its more like an ice bucket challenge! The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. Theres a little rock wedged between the cliffs at the top of the falls, which gives it a dramatic and wild feel. Our maps are built on 220 years of experience - we keep walkers, runners, cyclists and more safe in the great outdoors all year round. Adults and children alike will love it. Its really picturesque, especially if you luck out with nice conditions. 2 hours. With spectacular ribbon lakes, rugged mountains and charming villages the range of activities on offer spans everything from afternoon scones to adventurous scrambles. Walk length: 0.7 miles (1.2km) returnDifficulty: Easy. Waterfall Swim Adventure in the Lake District | Wild Swimming | Cold Water 5,428 views Mar 7, 2021 Taking the plunge! Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . At an altitude of 600 metres, getting to Sprinkling Tarn is a long hike across rugged mountain scenery. There may be a walk involved in getting there, but the enjoyment afterwards will more than make up for it. The walk to get there is on a well formed track, although its cobbled in parts in typical Lake District fashion. Youll descend 350m of boggy grassland, albeit with wonderful views to soften the blow! Climbing higher will see you traversing rougher terrain, but you dont need to go much higher to find the other pools and cascades. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. Gadding's Dam Reservoirs often make for excellent wild swimming spots. Along the same river (and walking track) youll find crystal clear swimming holes ranging from turquoise to emerald green. 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. All the details on the walk, as well as another waterfall nearby (not on this list) are in this guide. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. 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. The best place for river scrambling and an aquatic mini adventure. There is a small amount of boggy ground in this direction, but its minimal and none of it flooded our boots. Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8km) totalElevation gain: 150mDifficulty: Moderate.