If youre looking for the most beautiful waterfalls in England, youll find them here. Rydal Bower 14. Discover the best wild swim locations in the Lake District and Cumbria - river swims, lakes and waterfalls galore. 3-5 business days . Chatsworth House, Bakewell, DE45 1PP. Roughly 300m after leaving the wooden bridge youll come to another one (1.9 miles/3km into the walk). 2. To help decide where to base yourself, read our article on the best places to stay in the Lake District. For more information about swimming responsibly in the Lake District, catch up on the rules at the Outdoor Swimming Society. Open water swimming is one of our favourite things to do in the Lake District. Moderate hikes in the Lake District - 7 of the best. There are some uphill sections, but also plenty of flat track. If you are planning to camp, continue on rough track for further 600m to park at Stonethwaite riverside campsite (0176 87 77234). As well as your wild swimming gear these spots are perfect places to get out your camera, phone or GoPro and capture the surroundings. Also, be aware of other users. 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. There is a small amount of boggy ground in this direction, but its minimal and none of it flooded our boots. Great for jumps and snorkelling. Make the Moat House Your Wild Swimming Base There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. Its gorgeous at any time of year, but if youre visiting in autumn, youll be treated to some wonderful fall colours. This setting serves up some brilliant wild swimming options. The book takes you on magical journeys through Britain's most popular walking and swimming region, combining classic Lakes fell walking with . As well as the main lakes, pools, and waterfalls there are also other stunning places to swim in wild in the Lake District. It's significantly colder than many of the other wild swimming spots around the Lakes and the plunge pool is small, so you can't really swim to warm up. 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. Huge craggy mountains surround the water creating a dramatic atmosphere for a refreshing Lake District wild swim. Best wild swimming in the Lake District near a great local pub. Alternatively, climb down the large rocks to the bottom of the pool for a lazy relaxing soak. Park at Coniston Hall (LA21 8AS) and walk south, or disembark at Hoathwaite Landing and walk north (or walk from Torver, LA21 8AX). Thank you for subscribing! Dont swim if water has become discoloured, as this can indicate flooding and can present dangerous currents. Walk length: 0.7 miles (1.2km) returnDifficulty: Easy. 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 picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. The water during the summer months is usually warmer than you would expect. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. 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. 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. Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. 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 is one of our favourite little lakes, and a great escape on a sunny day. 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. Very easy walks in the Lake District - 7 of the best. Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown. BMK0DP Coniston Village and Coniston Old Man, The Lake District, Cumbria . In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. Gadding's Dam Reservoirs often make for excellent wild swimming spots. Cross Dalegarth Bridge (deep pool below) and find the car park on the left after 200m. However, the pool is small and best enjoyed with as few people as possible - which can be a challenge to achieve as its not a very long or difficult walk (although you do have a bit of a climb on a narrow track). A crucial question is always, what is the water temperature? By mikeedeedee. Be aware that boats do use the lake as well so always swim with care. 1. Obviously both swimming and spending time in nature both have proven health benefits, and proponents of wild swimming say it has unique mental health benefits as well.No major research into the topic has been undertaken, but the British Medical Journal (opens in new tab) published a study in 2018 suggesting it may be effective for . Beautifully placed between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is one of the lovely wild outdoor swimming spots. 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. Spend your summer spent swimming in mountain waterfalls, exploring lost ruins and caverns, and camping in ancient forests. 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. Wild Swimming The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming. 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. # # 2 3 2 # # # # # 0909897810 . Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. Walk length: 2 miles (3.2km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. With the largest waterfall in the Lake District, Scale Force, on one side, Rannerdale on the other and also the starting point for the River Cocker. Follow 4 miles to Howtown pier (tricky parking) or approach from Sandwick Bay. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and youre in for a treat. The Lake District is one of the most. If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, Id say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). The closest parking is all paid parking, try and snag a spot beside the church which is cheaper than at Rydal Mount (but is right beside the entry gates). If you are looking for freedom, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to explore the very best in wild swimming spots, then the only place to visit is the Lake District. Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake, London, England. 2023 Anywhere We Roam. This should take around 20 mins. The water here is peaty, clear, and chilly. Waterfalls. 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. The water temperature can fluctuate hugely depending on the time of year and can be significantly colder that the air temperature. There may be a walk involved in getting there, but the enjoyment afterwards will more than make up for it. Walk length: 2.6 miles (4.3km) returnDifficulty: Easy. Parking is close by, so its only a short walk down to the tarn making it perfect after a long day on the hiking trails. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. The closest car park to the trail head for Scale Force Waterfall is at the Buttermere Court Hotel - postcode CA13 9XA, its a pay and display car park. Crystal clear water, cant beat a summer swim to cool off and in the h. Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District; Wild Swimming Walks Lake District - 28 lake, river and waterfall days out. Grasmere. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Tongue Pot 13. 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 Buckstones Jum 3 Stunning Waterfalls To Swim In 12. 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. Ease yourself into it and build up your wild swim distances gradually. There are 4 larger islands on the lake making great targets to head for, as well as numerous smaller islands. 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. Although no one waterfall is huge, each is utterly spectacular. 3. There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. Wild swims don't come with swankier views than this. Sunbathe, swim, plunge and enjoy your surroundings up at Galleny Force. One-hour driver. Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. Thanks for your support. 7 must visit tarns in the Lake District. The Lake District is a popular national park in northern England covering an area of 2,300 square kilometres. However, you dont have to be a fan of wild swimming to enjoy a visit. Discover more great hidden places to go in the Lake District with The Wild Guide to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales by Daniel Start. If you told me I was in the Lake District, Id be gobsmacked. Its also the warmest swimming spot Ive been to in the Lakes so far! Pinpoint. Its a fabulous canyonesque waterfall that I never see anyone talk about which is pretty mind boggling. 1 Enter the water slowly. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. Ullswater at Glenridding isnt exactly the wild swimming location in the Lake District for getting away from the crowds, but on most days, you can find a decent spot to call your own. Follow the footpath up the. Its a beautiful place simply to sit and relax by the water. The waterfall is picturesque and a little down the water is Greenup Gill which is another excellent wild swimming location. We used to talk about travelling the world together, and in 2012 we finally made that happen. A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. As the lowest of three levels of the well-known McCloud River Falls, this is said to be the most popular swimming waterfall in the region and allows for 12-foot jumps into a large pool at the base. Its really picturesque, especially if you luck out with nice conditions. 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. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. Once youve soaked up the atmosphere, head back to the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite for a pint. Where can I swim for free in the lake district?Any of the main lakes, tarns etc are all free to swim in. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. Youll reach it after a couple of hundred metres. 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. Around one hours walk away from Eskdale, you will find this beauty. The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. 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. Swimming from the boats is allowed, providing you can pull yourself back in! Park at the Blea Tarn car park between Little and Great Langdale Valleys. Look at the websites for the Lake District and for Cumbria, for any information and guidelines before you set out. Well and truly bitten by the bug. Walk length: 2.1 miles (3.5km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Situated only a stones throw from the picturesque town of Keswick, biggest and most famous lake in the National Park. By Antonia Bentel. 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. The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. After crossing the bridge, youll see a cleft in the hillside on the trail ahead of you. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. A wide, picturesque valley wedged between the high mountains; its remoteness adds to its rugged allure. It makes for incredibly easy and safe access into the water, just right for young kids. 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. Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) for the lower loop and walk to the top of the waterfall Difficulty: Easy. The tarn is a 5-minute walk from the car park. 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. 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. After leaving the lake shore, the walk begins to climb, but very gently at first. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. There are several small footholds, but even then, I had to take my boots off to feel comfortable going up. Whether these are sailing boats, ferries and pleasure craft, or jet skis etc, you are small and hard for them to see. Add to Favorites. Read Next Great things to do in the Yorkshire Dales. 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? At the southern end of Ullswater, in the town of Glenridding, gently sloping beaches descend into a beautiful part of the lake. Kail pot and Pillar pot are 25 minutes from the car park; Tongue Pot is 20 minutes further. 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. As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. 'Wild Swimming' is the ancient art of swimming in natural waters such as rivers, lakes and waterfalls, as well as the sea - the sort of places our great grandparents learnt to swim in and the only places before swimming pools were invented in Victorian times. This will make you more noticeable and reduce the risk of an accident. 1 March 2023. From river swims and lake dips to a good soak under a waterfall, have plenty of spots spread right across the county that are ideal for a truly immersive Lake District experience! Choose from general swimming in the 33m pool, a water workout in the 20m pool, or family fun time in the 10m pool. From this point on the scenery gets even better. Dash Falls. With spectacular ribbon lakes, rugged mountains and charming villages the range of activities on offer spans everything from afternoon scones to adventurous scrambles. If you think you need to fly to a far off tropical destination to get your turquoise water fix, think again.