At the 1.3km mark, youll pass over a wooden bridge and after this point there are lots of little patches of water scattered along the track. Check for any regulations before hand such as specific areas or times first though. 8 Have fun and take a picnic. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. 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. At an altitude of 600 metres, getting to Sprinkling Tarn is a long hike across rugged mountain scenery. 2023 - Walk My World. Its not run by the National Trust, so members wont park free here. Sort by : River Esk Falls. Swimming in the Lake District : Lake District National Park When the sun is shining there is no better place on earth to be. This will help to maintain the pristine conditions of the English Lakes. Easy hikes in the Lake District - 7 of the best. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine. A waterfall swim and walk in the Lake District National. There are signposts at the beginning of the walk, but not at the crucial points further along, so we have detailed instructions below. Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) for the lower loop and walk to the top of the waterfall Difficulty: Easy. Come with cobwebs and leave with clarity. Its unclear whether it will reopen, but even if it doesnt, a trip to the upper falls is still very much worthwhile. The lake itself is approximately mile in length and mile in width, making it the perfect starting point for novices and for those literature fans among you, as you can gaze up at Wordworths Seat during your swim. 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. The turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, its the stuff dreams are made of. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! 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. Climbing higher will see you traversing rougher terrain, but you dont need to go much higher to find the other pools and cascades. If you are worried about powerboats and other larger vessels, then you can choose one of the lakes where they are not allowed. A brilliant place to explore. Theres a shelving beach for easy access plus plenty of grassy banks to while away a few idyllic hours. The walk in is fairly straight forward from Martindale Head car park at the southernmost tip of Haweswater Reservoir, it's the drive there that is the challenge! The Best Wild Swimming Spots in The Lakes ONE LAKE DISTRICT There is so much to see and experience while swimming in this wild lake. Seeing a fish or two while swimming in the wild here is not uncommon and only adds to your enjoyment. Hardknott Pass, Lake District National Park, Cumbria, UK. With all the beauty of the lakes and wild natural swimming holes, there is something special about swimming in the wild near to, or even under a waterfall. It's also one of the smallest lakes in the National Park, and is popular because of its Wordsworth connections. 28 magical walks through some of Wales' most popular mountain, lowland and coastal areas.Classic walks that link multiple swim stops. As the grot becomes more well known it will be harder to get it to yourself, so you might want to visit early or late if youre travelling in peak season or at the weekend. Wild swimming: the UK's best outdoor swim spots - The Week UK You can then rock hop or walk through the water to the base of the falls. It will help to keep your body temperature up and to help you with buoyancy. Don't forget your towel! It has a pebble shore and soon gets quite deep for a perfect wild swim. 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 plunge pools and waterfalls make it perfect for adventurers and those keen on an alternative to lengthy sessions of front. After a few minutes youll pass through a kissing gate, which is signposted for Scale Force. Best wild swimming in the Lake District for serene early morning laps in calm waters. 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. All nestled in a steep sided valley, cleft from rugged heights. Walk length: 2.6 miles (4.3km) returnDifficulty: Easy. If you come here for a dip its worth exploring further up the valley. Explore the latest books: Wild Swimming Walks Lake Disitrict or Wild Guide Lakes and Dales. Its undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember. But, its much more fun to jump off the perfectly formed ledge about 5 metres above the water. For more information about visiting the area, read our guide to the Langdale Valley. 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. Best for a chilly mountain dip. I say brave because the water is ice cold even in summer. Thank you for subscribing! [3] The wild swimming locations on our list aremore remote than many others. Paperback . Every post from us in chronological order. 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 . Its important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come. But if youre ready to channel your inner Wim Hof, then you probably wont find a more dramatic swimming spot. There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! But dont let that put you off. To complete our list is this stunning location. The Lake District is one of the most. Breathtaking Waterfalls in the Lake District - Hot Tub Hideaways Leaving Wales off our guide to wild swimming locations in the UK was never an option. Crystal clear water, cant beat a summer swim to cool off and in the h. The most important part is to get out there and swim with a smile. You can reach the falls via several different tracks, most of which are very quick and easy. 1. Top secret wild swimming holes in the Lake District 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. After making your way up to Scafell Pike via the corridor route, return via Esk Hause and make a small detour to Sprinkling Tarn. The temperature may be cold, especially so in deeper areas. With these great wild swimming spots you can enjoy the cool natural waters while taking in the spectacular scenery that is all around you. After a long hike, Loughrigg Tarn is the perfect place to relax tired limbs and unwind. Best wild swimming in the Lake District near a great local pub. 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). 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. Now you have seen 17 of the very best wild swimming spots in the Lake District we hope that you will make the time to go and enjoy them. And you can boast that you've swum in England's deepest lake! One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. The Half-Day Package can be made a completely bespoke and private experience for an additional cost. Dont swim if water has become discoloured, as this can indicate flooding and can present dangerous currents. Its a popular location with hikers heading up to the summit of Helvellyn or boat lovers cruising on the Ullswater Steamer. We spent our childhood exploring the lakes, tarns, rivers and waterfalls that are sprinkled all over this corner of Northwest England. 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. I defy anyone not to be wowed by the sight of this beautiful ribbon of water tumbling down the huge gorge walls. The woodland is also a great place to try and spot red squirrels, although we sadly didnt get lucky! Save 13% from RPP Save 13%. Although the track is generally in good condition, small parts of it can be boggy year round. You will still have to be aware of smaller craft like canoes and sailing boats, but your overall experience may be improved. Just make sure if you do jump, you jump with care. Wild Swimming - Visit Lake District See out Black Moss Pot article for more information. 17 Best Wild Swimming Spots in the Lake District - Hot Tub Hideaways Wild Swimming | Luxury Lake District Hotel & Spa - Armathwaite Hall The views are gorgeous, not just of the lake itself, but also the surrounding fells. 5 Beautiful Wild Swimming Spots to Discover in the Peak District Spend your summer spent swimming in mountain waterfalls, exploring lost ruins and caverns, and camping in ancient forests. While on a cold day the setting might look a little forbidding, find a warm sunny afternoon and you're in for a treat. Wild Swimming Walks Lake District - 28 lake, river and waterfall days All around you are rocks and cliffs that form the walls of the Pot. The UK's secret wild swimming spots you didn't know existed 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. 5 Best Walks around Coniston Water, Village and Coppermines, Breathtaking Waterfalls in the Lake District, Ultimate List of Lakes in the Lake District (+ Mountains Tarns & Fells), "Hot Tub Hideaways" is a trading name of Snaptrip Group Limited, 7 Amazing Public Swimming Lakes To Wet Your Appetite. Waterfall walks and wild swims less than an hour from Stoke-on-Trent Park by the side of the road at Wastwater. 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 . A plunge pool underneath a high fall hidden behind rocks. The Blog Walk My World Britain's 18 best waterfalls for wild swimming - The Telegraph Its only 100m between the wooden bridge and the base of the upper falls, but its definitely not for everyone. Wood behind, beach alongside; its a great spot. Walk length: 1.4 miles (2.2km) return Difficulty: Easy. 3-5 business days . Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. 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. The views however, are sublime, looking out to Crummock Water and the surrounding fells. Sour Milk Ghyllmight be small, but its perfectly formed, and the setting is simply stunning. Wild swims don't come with swankier views than this. Although reaching the top of the falls is easy and on a well maintained track, getting to the base does involve a short scramble. The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland. Loughrigg Tarn is a reed-fringed lake set among farmland in the heart of the Lake District. Walk length: 3.7 miles (6km) returnDifficulty: Moderate. Kail and Pillar pots are beautiful pools to sit and be massaged by the relaxing flow of the water. Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. There has been a boom in this activity in recent years, with many taking to the wild waters of the Lake District to relax, refresh, and challenge themselves. Best for Waterfalls: Cascata Plera, Tolmezzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia A waterfall drops into a true blue pool over the this funnel of rock. But we do it. Youll be walking on a flat gravel path, past farmland, but with wonderful views out to the fells. Although the trail is still flat, its a little rocky underfoot and there are patches which are quite damp, though its still easy enough. A stunning waterfall flows down into a long pool making it an idyllic place to spend your time. The fact there was no one else here at all during our visit in the August school holidays still has me perplexed! Wild Swimming Walks South Wales : 28 lake, river, waterfall and coastal days out in the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley. On each side sheer rock walls rise up, making the place famous for jumps. 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. If you are planning to swim in the colder months such as spring or autumn, or even in the summer months, then a wetsuit is an advisable purchase. Youll probably be glad of trousers on this section! Located in the shadows of Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Tarn is another natural swimming hole that is too good to resist. It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care. Beckenham Place Park may be London's newest wild swimming spot, but "technically, it's pretty ancient", said Alexandra Sims in Time Out . You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. The trail to the falls follows yet another bracken lined path, but this time it is really overgrown. St Patricks boatyard rents kayaks and canoes, so you can take to the water for your own mini-adventure. After 700m you leave the lake shore behind, and up to this point the whole walk has been flat. Whether you're more a Wordsworth type or a wild swimming enthusiast, there is no better place to visit than the Lake District. 12.99 . 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. Its the perfect spot for a rejuvenating wake-up swim. It must be one of the best wild swimming walks in the world. The setting is dramatic and the crystal clear swimming hole at the base is easily one of my favourite places to take a dip in the Lakes. Rydal Grot is a magical little spot and one of the easiest to get to on this list. Exposure Kamm/D-Shaped Seatpost Silicone Insert and Band for Boost R 5.00 Know your own limits. Located in the peaceful western side of The Lake District, Cumbria, the Stanley Ghyll Force waterfall plummets 60 feet into a secluded gorge. 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). After a few hundred metres, the track gets very rocky and youll basically be rock hopping for the next 250m. Daniel Start On the water May 31, 2016 10 mins. The atmosphere is other worldly. The car park has toilets which come with a 50p fee. Swimming in the wild in groups is good for safety and moral and it is very important to let someone know of your plans. This is one waterfall where ideally you dont want to visit after too much rain though, as the spectacular electric blue water becomes a lot darker. What is wild swimming? | Advnture As we venture down the rocky trail, dew clings to the long grasses either side of the path like shards of tiny crystals catching the early morning light. There are 4 larger islands on the lake making great targets to head for, as well as numerous smaller islands. Read Next Where to stay in the Lake District. 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! All we ask is that you swim safely. Our maps are built on 220 years of experience - we keep walkers, runners, cyclists and more safe in the great outdoors all year round.