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. Wild Swimming Spain: Discover the Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of Spain Discover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, its mesmerising to watch. River Barle, Simonsbath, Somerset, England. Swimming at Scale Force Waterfall If you're feeling brave you can take a dip in the icy waters beneath Scale Force. Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. Although the track is generally in good condition, small parts of it can be boggy year round. If youre looking for the most beautiful waterfalls in England, youll find them here. 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. 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. There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Huge craggy mountains surround the water creating a dramatic atmosphere for a refreshing Lake District wild swim. There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. 2023 - Walk My World. The water level can be variable depending on the recent rainfall but that shouldnt detract from the sheer wonder of this fabulous place. Crystal clear water, cant beat a summer swim to cool off and in the h. From this point on the scenery gets even better. ( in my opinion). Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans. Tell them where you are going to swim and the time you are going to start. 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! Cold Water Swimming Challenge - thereluctantexplorers.com The best places to go wild swimming near waterfalls in the UK, from rivers in Cornwall to pools in National Parks in Yorkshire, the Lake District and Scotland From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. If only to stroke our sense of adventure andindulge our sense of achievement. The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. A beginner's guide to wild swimming - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine The more its rained, the more impressive the waterfall will be. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. If peace, quiet and beauty is what you are looking for then this is the place for you. This is another waterfall which has created a series of smaller cascades and a range of different swimming holes. Choose from general swimming in the 33m pool, a water workout in the 20m pool, or family fun time in the 10m pool. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . Dash Falls. Wastwater One of the most dramatic of all wild swimming spots, the impossibly photogenic Wastwater is England's deepest lake. 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. Accessing the pool is easy as you can just walk straight in, but just watch for slippery stones underfoot. 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. 1. A wide, picturesque valley wedged between the high mountains; its remoteness adds to its rugged allure. Lower down from Buckstones Jum, you will find an amazing swim location with a majestic waterfall. The only downside to this spectacular spot is that its not the easiest to reach. If the weather has been wet I would recommend heading back the way you came. The waterfall flows into a crystal clear pool and swimming here feels very special. Just make sure if you do jump, you jump with care. Daniel Start On the water May 31, 2016 10 mins. Along the same river (and walking track) youll find crystal clear swimming holes ranging from turquoise to emerald green. 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. Wild Swimming Italy: Discover the most beautiful rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs of Italy, by Michele Tameni, is out on 12 May (Wild Things Publishing, 16.99). Wild swimming at Wastwater means going off the beaten track and immersing yourself in only the sights and sounds of nature. 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 near a great local pub. Wild swimming at Galleny Force (Fairy Glen) & Black Moss Pot Fairy Glen This is the place to go for the latest from Walk My World. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. From the bridge, you get a great view of the lower falls, but only a peek at the upper falls. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District - 28 lake, river and waterfall days 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. 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. Swimming Pools in The Lake District | TheLakeDistrict.org 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? Black Moss Pot, Stonethwaite. With perfectly clear water and sheer edges rising above you in places, you will fall in love with it as soon as you dip your little toe into the water. 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. Youll be walking on a flat gravel path, past farmland, but with wonderful views out to the fells. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Buckstones Jump is an idyllic spot for wild swimming in the Lake District and is a very well-known local spot. 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. Go and visit purely for a wild swim or as a lovely after hike dip. 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. 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. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. Head for the left one, the trail is indistinct, but you can see what youre heading for. This is a super fun and magnificent stretch of water. Save 13% from RPP Save 13%. Gill Force More Wild Places To Swim Outdoors 15. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. From the car park (details below), the walk heads out onto the road and past the pub before turning right, through the gate (after 70m). Waterfall or Gorge | Wild Swimming This Summer, we swam outdoors more than we've ever done before, and it just got better, and better! 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. The long narrow pool is just wide enough to swim up and down for about 50 meters. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! As well as your wild swimming gear these spots are perfect places to get out your camera, phone or GoPro and capture the surroundings. Dont let it put you off because its relatively short sections, but do wear shoes you dont mind getting wet. 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. They do a mean pint and have an environmentally friendly menu that explains the carbon footprint for each dish. Swimming is a fantastic exercise and when you can do it out in the open with such stunning scenery, it enhances the experience immensely. However, early morning and sunset are personal favourites especially setting out from places like Ashness Jetty. The UK's secret wild swimming spots you didn't know existed From here you retrace your steps for 1.4 miles (2.2km) along the flat path to the car park. Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. 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. 3. Swimming in Lake District resources: These are what we used in deciding where and how to swim: Lake district national park swimming page: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo/water/swimming Explains what waters/lake you can and cannot swim in and additionally, which one have less boat traffic etc. The wild swimming locations on our list aremore remote than many others. 3-5 business days . Many automotive and farm equipment factories were established during the growth of industry between 1901 and the 1930s. The pool has a beautiful peridot colour water, which was very striking in the late afternoon sunshine. The city of Poltava is shown in dark blue. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. The brave can descend down to the pool for a dip in the cool waters. This is an avid favourite among wild swimmers and you are sure to meet others here who are enjoying the water. Home > Places > Wild Swim > Waterfall or Gorge. With these great wild swimming spots you can enjoy the cool natural waters while taking in the spectacular scenery that is all around you. 28 magical walks through some of Wales' most popular mountain, lowland and coastal areas.Classic walks that link multiple swim stops. There are no facilities at Blea Tarn, so pack your own picnic and thermos of coffee. If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, Id say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). Best wild swimming in the Lake District for young kids and families. Around one hours walk away from Eskdale, you will find this beauty. High up in the Lake District, Burnmoor Tarn will leave you speechless. Wild Swimming simply means swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. A crisp air drifts from the nearby mountains, covering us in a reluctance to dive in the water. You can read more in our Whorneyside Force guide. The lovely thing about this part of the walk is you are now following the shore of Crummock Water. Best wild swimming in the Lake District to soak your limbs at the end of a day. Read Next 15 stunning Lake District walks. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. 16. All Rights Reserved. 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) You can consider this article a work in progress as we have plenty more waterfall adventures planned! Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Rydal Bower 14. Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 45 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. Where can I swim for free in the lake district?Any of the main lakes, tarns etc are all free to swim in. 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. With amazing scenery and history, Windermere is a fantastic wild open water swimming spot. You cant swim in the pool, but its more than enough to simply sit and take in the idyllic scene. All the details are in our Stock Ghyll Force guide. Whatever your motive, the UK has some stunning spots for wild swimming, from secluded rocky pools to unspoiled hillside lakes. Walk length: Up to 4.3 miles (6.9km) return, but can be shorter if you visit less fallsDifficulty: Easy. 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. If you are an experienced swimmer then sink in and enjoy the resounding vista of the lake and its surroundings. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly . THE 10 BEST Lake District Waterfalls (with Photos) - Tripadvisor At 1 mile wide and 3 miles long, you can choose how far and where to swim to. OS paper map for Tongue pot: Explorer OL 6, OS paper map for Galleny Force: Explorer OL 4, OS paper map for Kailpot Crag: Explorer OL 5, OS paper map for Coniston Water: Explorer OL 6, OS paper map for Stanley Gill Force: Explorer OL 6, OS Paper map for Holme Fell Lake: Explorer OL 7. But there is usually plenty of coming and going to find a spot. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, biggest and most famous lake in the National Park. However, it is fairly small and gets full quickly especially at weekends and school holidays. 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. 1. After a few minutes youll pass through a kissing gate, which is signposted for Scale Force. You can actually find it right here in the Lake District! Please Note: Wild Swimming is only available to guests who are residents of Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa. You can sit in the window seat, which feels like youve stepped into the pages of a childrens storybook. 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 walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. 10 Amazing Amazing Wild Swim Spots in The Lake District Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Rydal Water is a serene and peaceful place for open water swimming in the Lake District. For this reason, wed recommend coming early or late. Park at Coniston Hall (LA21 8AS) and walk south, or disembark at Hoathwaite Landing and walk north (or walk from Torver, LA21 8AX). Walk length: Five minutes each wayDifficulty: Easy. Read Next Where to stay in the Lake District. Tongue Pot 13. I defy anyone not to be wowed by the sight of this beautiful ribbon of water tumbling down the huge gorge walls. 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. A pebble beach shelves down on one side of the pool into the crystal clear water and an oak tree overhangs. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, Derwentwater is a lake you can swim in the wild any time during the day and get spectacular views while enjoying the water. We should know, we grew up there. 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. Turn right off the road from Eskdale to Dalegarth, after Beckfoot station (CA19 1TF). Be aware that boats do use the lake as well so always swim with care. You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. After 200m youll come to a fork, and the easiest route at this point is to bear right. 2. Sitting under the shadow of Crinkle Crags, in one of the Lake Districts most spectacular valleys, youll find a secluded waterfall. Tarn Swimming in the Lake District - Swim the Lakes Kail pot and Pillar pot are 25 minutes from the car park; Tongue Pot is 20 minutes further. Waterfall walks and wild swims less than an hour from Stoke-on-Trent 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. Paperback . The water temperature can fluctuate hugely depending on the time of year and can be significantly colder that the air temperature. All around you are rocks and cliffs that form the walls of the Pot. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Wild swimming: the UK's best outdoor swim spots - The Week UK Top Spots for Wild Swimming - Coppermines Whether you're more a Wordsworth type or a wild swimming enthusiast, there is no better place to visit than the Lake District. 4 Be aware of the cold, hypothermia can come to you quickly. There's a 7-day free trial too, so you can access all of Great Britain anytime, anywhere. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out Swimming in the Lake District : Lake District National Park It must be one of the best wild swimming walks in the world. Located in the peaceful western side of The Lake District, Cumbria, the Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall plummets 60 feet into a secluded gorge. Expect the water to be cold and go in bit by bit if youre not used to cold water swimming. Sunbathe, swim, plunge and enjoy your surroundings up at Galleny Force. Youll see another wooden bridge just ahead of you, after crossing, youll take a left. Hi! Rydal Grot is a magical little spot and one of the easiest to get to on this list. 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. Youll probably be glad of trousers on this section! Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. Reaching the bottom of the falls is easy, and the walk is mainly flat and along a good path - almost to the pool itself. Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) for the lower loop and walk to the top of the waterfall Difficulty: Easy. Dont be fooled by these initial excellent trail conditions, it deteriorates quickly! It's also one of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and is popular because of its Wordsworth connections. Take the ferry to Howtown and follow the shore path a mile SW. Or take Howtown road from Pooley Bridge at N end of Ullswater; you will pass several beaches en route and Park Foot camping (CA10 2NA, 0176 84 86309) has lakeshore pitches. Wild Swimming in the Lake District | Park Cliffe Grasmere. The upper pool is more for the daredevils among you. As previously mentioned, wetsuits, bright swimming caps and tow floats can be very important.