What a beautiful walk in the Langdale valley, whatever the weather the views are breathtaking. In a lovely wooded section of the valley, the falls curve around the large boulders lining the river, creating atmospheric spots to unwind and go for a dip. Tongue Pot is a deep pool with high walls perfect for leaping into for a more expansive swim. 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. Sheltered on all sides by mountains and low in altitude, the water is often a little stiller and a little warmer than other swimming spots. 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.. There's a 7-day free trial too, so you can access all of Great Britain anytime, anywhere. The silver lake beaches between Hoathwaite and Conistan Hall are backed by meadows and ancient parkland, make for a perfect beginners stretch and are situated between the two campsites of the same name. After a few hundred metres, the track gets very rocky and youll basically be rock hopping for the next 250m. Sign up to receive the very best of OS and its group of companies, straight to you by email. The next part of the circuit has some much boggier ground. Roughly 300m after leaving the wooden bridge youll come to another one (1.9 miles/3km into the walk). Lower down from Buckstones Jum, you will find an amazing swim location with a majestic waterfall. Next time you're in the Lake District, why not take a vitalising dip in one of these beautiful wild swimming spots. If you only want to see the lower falls (not the best view) then the walk doesnt involve any scrambling. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer. How Many Lake District Lakes and Mountains. 6 If you are swimming on a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float. Its a popular location with hikers heading up to the summit of Helvellyn or boat lovers cruising on the Ullswater Steamer. Located in the peaceful western side of The Lake District, Cumbria, the Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall plummets 60 feet into a secluded gorge. It's near Rydal Water and you'll park the car at Rydal Hall and track Rydal Beck up stream for about 45 mins. Many automotive and farm equipment factories were established during the growth of industry between 1901 and the 1930s. 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. This Summer, we swam outdoors more than we've ever done before, and it just got better, and better! 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. But if youre ready to channel your inner Wim Hof, then you probably wont find a more dramatic swimming spot. This workshop helps you to feel relaxed, safe and happy in cold and wild water . 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 . Whatever your motive, the UK has some stunning spots for wild swimming, from secluded rocky pools to unspoiled hillside lakes. This is an avid favourite among wild swimmers and you are sure to meet others here who are enjoying the water. Although lakes and rivers can look calm and beautiful on the surface there can be underlying dangers. 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. Split Rock Falls, Elizabethtown. The path continues to be flat and leisurely and 850m into the trail youll reach an old stone bridge. For this reason, wed recommend coming early or late. 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. A wide, picturesque valley wedged between the high mountains; its remoteness adds to its rugged allure. Swimming at Scale Force Waterfall If you're feeling brave you can take a dip in the icy waters beneath Scale Force. If you dont want to bring your own supplies, head to the newly opened National Trust Sticklebarn restaurant in Great Langdale Valley. 16. The water is cold and fresh and there's even places where it's deep enough to jump in, sit in a natural . Wild Swimming simply means swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Gadding's Dam Reservoirs often make for excellent wild swimming spots. One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. Read Next The Gordale Scale Walk, Yorkshire Dales. 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. Swimming from the boats is allowed, providing you can pull yourself back in! Cornwall. Just make sure if you do jump, you jump with care. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. 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. You can reach the falls via several different tracks, most of which are very quick and easy. Best wild swimming in the Lake District to soak your limbs at the end of a day. Its unclear whether it will reopen, but even if it doesnt, a trip to the upper falls is still very much worthwhile. At an altitude of 600 metres, getting to Sprinkling Tarn is a long hike across rugged mountain scenery. The currents under the surface can be significantly stronger than above and can catch you unawares. Overlooking Lake Ullswater, Aira Force waterfall is one of the most widely known of the waterfalls in the Lake District. You can find out more details on the track in Stanley Ghyll Waterfall guide. Park at the White Moss Cas Park on the A591, then walk for 20 minutes anti-clockwise around the lake. 2023 Anywhere We Roam. 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 . Wood behind, beach alongside; its a great spot. However, you dont have to be a fan of wild swimming to enjoy a visit. We've rounded up the area's most beautiful villages, towns and hamlets ahead of your next northern getaway. Make the Moat House Your Wild Swimming Base Alternatively, climb down the large rocks to the bottom of the pool for a lazy relaxing soak. 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. Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. The car park has toilets which come with a 50p fee. Save 13% from RPP Save 13%. There are shallow spots on this list suitable for anyone, but others are very deep. 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. All the details on the walk, as well as another waterfall nearby (not on this list) are in this guide. 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 will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. Black Moss Pot can get a little busy in the summer holidays and on weekends. The crossing is approximately 2km, though shorter swims along the shoreline are possible. Before 2020, Poltava Oblast was subdivided into 31 regions: 24 districts ( raions) and 6 city municipalities ( mis'krada or misto ), officially known as territories governed by city councils. Be assisted with confidence into lake or waterfall and learn how to relax and take it in your stride safely. The water here is peaty, clear, and chilly. The turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, its the stuff dreams are made of. With rivers forming picturesque canyons,delightful babbling brooks and natural lagoon plunge pools,theres a wild swim in the Lake District for all tastes. The highest and most impressive waterfall in The Lake District is Scale Force, locals have adapted their title for the waterfalls to Forces.It is sandwiched between Crummock Water and Red Pike in a very pretty tree lined gauge. Packed full of activities, destinations and free things to do outside, the new GetOutside app makes it easy to organise an outdoor activity or a day out that your family will love. Black Moss Pot 16. Although the trail is still flat, its a little rocky underfoot and there are patches which are quite damp, though its still easy enough. You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here. 1 March 2023. With amazing scenery and history, Windermere is a fantastic wild open water swimming spot. A pebble beach shelves down on one side of the pool into the crystal clear water and an oak tree overhangs. Be guided through invigorating breath work and a guided meditation that will relax you and prepare you for your cold water immersion. 2023 - Walk My World. This is another waterfall which has created a series of smaller cascades and a range of different swimming holes. Check for any regulations before hand such as specific areas or times first though. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. It sits underneath an old stone bridge and flows into a fern covered rocky chasm. There is a little dam at the outflow of Blea Water . Park in the village of Stonethwaite and walk along the river for 15 minutes past the Langstrath Country Inn. A crucial question is always, what is the water temperature? The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. Access into the water is easiest on the southeast side of the tarn. This is a super fun and magnificent stretch of water. 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. One-hour driver. 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. Located off Ullswater, this deep water underneath an intimidating cliff can be enjoyed by jumpers and wild swimmers alike. 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. There are two pools here, and the lower ones are often overlooked. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. Hi! Best wild swimming in the Lake District for putting some laps under your belt in a scenic lake. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for that remote mountain feel. From those which are easy strolls, to a few that are slightly harder to reach. 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. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Getting down was a bit trickier as you have more forwards momentum. Gill Force More Wild Places To Swim Outdoors 15. Paperback . There's a National Trust car park just a short walk from the top of the falls. Ritson's Force is one of those magical places that makes you instantly grateful to be alive! Its a beautiful place simply to sit and relax by the water. High up in the mountains, the still water perfectly reflecting the impressive Langdale Pikes is one of the best views in the Lake District. 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 large open grassy banks and all the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes walk away. Accessing the pool is easy as you can just walk straight in, but just watch for slippery stones underfoot. James St. John/Flickr. The water is clear, peaty and cold, flowing straight off the hills. Theres a car park right next to the tarn and a path that runs down to the water. This is Lake District swimming at its best, demanding swimmers put in the effort to get to the water before delivering superb views and a chance to feel the searing high of slipping into the. Take a walk, or a run then launch yourself into this large beautiful lake. The hardest hikes in the Lake District National Park - 14 challenging routes 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. Available from local outdoors retailers, bookshops and our online OS shop. Sourmilk Gyll. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. On a long sweep of the majestic River Derwent, this swim is all about Chatsworth House . For more information about visiting the area, read our guide to the Langdale Valley. St Patricks boatyard rents kayaks and canoes, so you can take to the water for your own mini-adventure. 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. The best spot to swim is just south of Countess Beck. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. The water during the summer months is usually warmer than you would expect. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. Best wild swimming in the Lake District near a great local pub. Its deep enough to dive in from the old dam wall, and small enough that it warms up nicely in the sunshine. Pinpoint. Choose from general swimming in the 33m pool, a water workout in the 20m pool, or family fun time in the 10m pool. All the details on the walk and what its like to swim there are in this guide. If you come here for a dip its worth exploring further up the valley. There are several small footholds, but even then, I had to take my boots off to feel comfortable going up. Find nearby walking routes below. Waterfalls. The trail is now climbing up alongside the stream, its rocky, but not difficult. Set among the lush green pastures of gentle rolling farmland, Loughrigg is less rugged than some of the wild swimming on our list. 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! Tongue Pot - Image: Daniel Start//WildSwimming.com, The legendary Tongue Pot forms a long emerald pool beneath a roaring waterfall in a cleft of the mountain stream, just beneath a mountain packhorse bridge. 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. The upside of living in the rainiest place in England is that there is (usually) a great selection of wonderful swimming spots to explore. Park at the Blea Tarn car park between Little and Great Langdale Valleys. What makes it unique is the little stone hut that sits in front of the falls. There is a steepish climb to get there, but it doesnt last too long and its more than worth it. Grasmere. We should know, we grew up there. Aira Force is probably the best known waterfall in the Lakes and it is incredibly picturesque. This is crucial for your own safety. There are 4 larger islands on the lake making great targets to head for, as well as numerous smaller islands. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene. 8 Have fun and take a picnic. Although reaching the top of the falls is easy and on a well maintained track, getting to the base does involve a short scramble. Largewatersprovide gorgeous spots foran early morning workout, while tinytarns (ponds formed by glaciers)provide refreshing afternoon dips following long hikes in the high mountains. The Lake District is an excellent destination for open water swimming. Keep climbing on the upward path (dont bear R along the wall path) and you reach the lake after 300m more. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldnt look out of place in Bali. A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. But, the natural and tranquil setting is full of the typically beautiful Lake District scenes. West Beach, Berneray, Isles of Harris. Two perfect rocky pools with an incredible colour, surrounded by a breathtaking canyon full of waterfalls, wildlife and flowers. However, early morning and sunset are personal favourites especially setting out from places like Ashness Jetty. There are plenty of hand and footholds to get down the steep dirt track, as well as tree roots for stability. The views are gorgeous, not just of the lake itself, but also the surrounding fells.
