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. BMK0DP Coniston Village and Coniston Old Man, The Lake District, Cumbria . 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 best waterfall and wild swimming waterfall 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 A great place for new swimmers is in Waterhead at Borrans Park. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, biggest and most famous lake in the National Park. We should know, we grew up there. In the sunshine, it would rival the prettiest turquoise water weve seen anywhere in the world. If you are worried about powerboats and other larger vessels, then you can choose one of the lakes where they are not allowed. 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. 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. However, going further does require care. 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. Black Moss Pot can get a little busy in the summer holidays and on weekends. We love the small canyon falls which only has a tiny plunge pool, but is incredibly atmospheric. Available from local outdoors retailers, bookshops and our online OS shop. Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. 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. 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. The fell above is a lovely little-visited peak and very easy to reach, with views down over Coniston. Park by the side of the road at Wastwater. Follow the footpath up the. Walk length: 0.75 miles (1.2km) circuit - plus 750m each way if walking from the villageDifficulty: Easy. When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. 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. West Beach, Berneray, Isles of Harris. Cross Dalegarth Bridge (deep pool below) and find the car park on the left after 200m. 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. 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. If the weather has been wet I would recommend heading back the way you came. 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. Sitting under the shadow of Crinkle Crags, in one of the Lake Districts most spectacular valleys, youll find a secluded waterfall. 2023 - Walk My World. Accessing the lower part of the falls is easy, but if you want to experience the upper falls, you need to scramble up several rocky areas, which well go into detail on below. 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. Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. Should I swim with someone?Ideally yes where possible. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. 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. Its truly wild. 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. Great for jumps and snorkelling. Prefer an infinity pool perched on top of a huge cliffside waterfall? Alternatively, climb down the large rocks to the bottom of the pool for a lazy relaxing soak. There are plenty of hand and footholds to get down the steep dirt track, as well as tree roots for stability. Although lakes and rivers can look calm and beautiful on the surface there can be underlying dangers. 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. 14 Incredible Lake District Waterfalls: wild swimming and hidden gems, Catarata Del Toro: difficulty, trail conditions and how to beat the crowds, Tips for experiencing the magical Golden Circle in winter, 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, Scale Force: the Lake District's wild and mysterious gorge waterfall, Sour Milk Ghyll and Easedale Tarn: 2 spectacular swimming spots in Grasmere, 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. After 350m of boggy descent, youll reach the main path you came in on, and head right. So if you plan to take a dip in multiple lakes please rinse both yourself, your swimwearand any other equipment thoroughly between each swim. Holme Fell lake - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Thank you for subscribing! Close to the foot of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, a visit to Stanley Ghyll also offers a car-free method of arrival. 1 March 2023. From this point on the scenery gets even better. There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. This is crucial for your own safety. There is a steepish climb to get there, but it doesnt last too long and its more than worth it. Although the trail is still flat, its a little rocky underfoot and there are patches which are quite damp, though its still easy enough. In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. 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? However, early morning and sunset are personal favourites especially setting out from places like Ashness Jetty. As well as your wild swimming gear these spots are perfect places to get out your camera, phone or GoPro and capture the surroundings. After a long hike, Loughrigg Tarn is the perfect place to relax tired limbs and unwind. You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. 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. There are large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! Its the perfect spot for a rejuvenating wake-up swim. Walk length: 2.1 miles (3.5km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. Be inspired to do more and go further by equipping yourself with the best tools for the job. Next time you're in the Lake District, why not take a vitalising dip in one of these beautiful wild swimming spots. If you dont want to bring your own supplies, head to the newly opened National Trust Sticklebarn restaurant in Great Langdale Valley. Its deep enough to dive in from the old dam wall, and small enough that it warms up nicely in the sunshine. Beautifully placed between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is one of the lovely wild outdoor swimming spots. 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. But we do it. The Lake District is a popular national park in northern England covering an area of 2,300 square kilometres. Wild swimming at Wastwater means going off the beaten track and immersing yourself in only the sights and sounds of nature. The wild swimming locations on our list aremore remote than many others. You need to walk to the left of the lower falls and youll see a rocky slab. Walk My World provides highly detailed guides for those who love to explore independently and seek out hidden gems. Thanks for your support Paul & Mark. The next part of the circuit has some much boggier ground. Follow the track upstream for mile. Ease yourself into it and build up your wild swim distances gradually. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. Find nearby walking routes below. The more its rained, the more impressive the waterfall will be. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. All the details on the walk and what its like to swim there are in this guide. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. 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. Make the Moat House Your Wild Swimming Base Add to Favorites. Its more like an ice bucket challenge! Its relatively flat until near the end when there is a short but steep climb to the viewpoint. Nestled under some of the largest mountains in the area, Sprinkling Tarn offers an adventurous wild swim in the Lake District. Swimming from the boats is allowed, providing you can pull yourself back in! Don't forget your towel! This is one of those rare waterfalls where it actually benefits to visit when there are lower water levels. Swimming is a fantastic exercise and when you can do it out in the open with such stunning scenery, it enhances the experience immensely. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. 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. Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. 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. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. Located just outside Simonsbath, the best wild swimming near me, has to be past the Bluebell Wood to the secluded pools. A pebble beach shelves down on one side of the pool into the crystal clear water and an oak tree overhangs. 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. 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. This is one of our favourite little lakes, and a great escape on a sunny day. There are shallow spots on this list suitable for anyone, but others are very deep. Take a walk, or a run then launch yourself into this large beautiful lake. Kailpot Crag 17. Youll see another wooden bridge just ahead of you, after crossing, youll take a left. With these great wild swimming spots you can enjoy the cool natural waters while taking in the spectacular scenery that is all around you. The stone steps are uneven, but they only last for 250m. With swims and areas to suit the newest wild swimmer in open water, through to the hardened veteran, we have looked at the 17 best swimming spots in the Lake District to visit to save you the hard work. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Best for a chilly mountain dip. The only difficult part of the track is negotiating the bog. The upper pool is more for the daredevils among you. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. This is the hardest bit though, so once youve over that, there is nothing worse to come. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly. Read Next 15 stunning Lake District walks. Best wild swimming in the Lake District to soak your limbs at the end of a day. If youre used to off track hiking and happy to scramble, read this guide for directions. There is limited free parking around the village of Buttermere, but it fills up very quickly on weekends and school holidays. The most important part is to get out there and swim with a smile. Its nice enough, but its not a patch on what lies beyond. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells. But, with craggy mountains rising all around and icy water framed by wild grasses, its an experience that will literally leave you breathless. Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 45 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. 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. Gill Force More Wild Places To Swim Outdoors 15. 3. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. You can then rock hop or walk through the water to the base of the falls. Being smaller in size and relatively shallow, on a lovely summers day the temperature of the water will be perfect. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District: 28 Lake, River & Waterfall Days Out 216. by Pete Kelly . If its your first time, stay close to the shore while you get used to the conditions. Daniel Start On the water May 31, 2016 10 mins. The Julian Alps offer top-class swimming, including the lovely (but costly) Lake Bled lido. To help decide where to base yourself, read our article on the best places to stay in the Lake District. However, you dont have to be a fan of wild swimming to enjoy a visit. After Rosthwaite, turn L at crossroads with post box in wall signed Langstrath Country Inn (carry on along lane beyond CA12 5XG) and follow lane to Stonethwaite. See out Black Moss Pot article for more information. In the early morning, as the mist slowly drifts from the lake, Blea Tarn is lavished with a cache of serenity. Kail and Pillar pots are beautiful pools to sit and be massaged by the relaxing flow of the water. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. 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. This 4 metre deep pool lies under a narrow gorge which the water cascades down from. 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. There are plenty are places at the water's rocky edge for sunbathing. Pass through it and youll see some steps down to a wooden bridge just ahead of you. Come with cobwebs and leave with clarity. Near the foot of the valley, the Esk River has cut canyons and pools in the rock creating three great pots to wild swim.