Wasdale Emerald Pool: the swim spot that’s blue even on a grey day
The Lake District is full of great wild swimming spots, but this one really stood out. Also known as the Fairy Pool, the water had an incredible blue tone - even under grey skies. We can only imagine how magical it looks on a sunny day.
We set off early, around 6am, knowing heavy rain was on the way and the river could become too high or fast to swim safely. The bonus? We had the whole place to ourselves. It felt peaceful and tucked away, a real hidden gem.
Whether you’ve only got a couple of hours or want to make a longer adventure out of it, this swim is well worth the walk.
Walk info
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7km each way
Elevation: 150m
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: About 30-40 minutes walk each way to the pool. Want to stay out longer? You can continue the walk up to Styhead Tarn after your swim to turn it into a half-day adventure.
Look for this sign in the carpark and head up the track
The first part of the track takes you past a farm and one of the the smallest churches in the UK
The path is easy under foot and gradually inclines
Getting there
Start from the free gravel car park at Wasdale Head (postcode: CA20 1EX). It's fairly spacious, but likely to fill up on sunny days or in peak season, so aim to arrive early.
The walk starts by heading through the gate near St Olaf’s Church, one of the smallest churches in England, and past Burnthwaite Farm. From here, follow the clear path through the valley alongside Lingmell Beck. The terrain is generally easy and well-maintained, though walking boots are recommended as the track is uneven in parts and can be slippery if wet.
The first pool is shallower and more sprawling - a bit lower down than the main emerald pool
The pools
After about 30–40 minutes of walking, you’ll reach a stretch of the river with two main pools. The first one is wider and more open around the edges - perfect if you’re planning to sit for a while or have a picnic. Just a couple of minutes further upstream is the main pool, tucked slightly away from the path.
Even on a cloudy morning, the colours were amazing - the water had a blue-green glow that made it feel like something out of a fairytale. There’s a short descent down to the main pool, but nothing too challenging as long as you’ve got decent footwear.
If you're planning to swim, take care when entering as the rocks can be slippery and the water gets deep quickly in places. When we visited, it was cool and clear but not uncomfortably cold. If you're with younger kids, there are a few shallower sections nearby that are perfect for paddling or a quick splash.
Making a half day out of it
If you’ve got more time and energy after your swim, you can turn this outing into a half-day adventure by continuing on to Styhead Tarn. From the main pool, follow the path uphill alongside the stream, it's a steady climb but nothing too tough, and the views just keep getting better.
Styhead Tarn is a beautiful mountain lake nestled beneath some of the Lake District’s most dramatic peaks. It’s about another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the pool and adds around an hour to your walk, depending on pace and stops.
You can return the same way, or if you’re feeling up for a bit more of a loop, head back down via the Styhead Pass trail, which reconnects with the main path closer to the car park - we did this to create some variation. Just be sure to have a map or app with you to stay on track, it’s easy to follow, but still a good idea to plan ahead and be prepared.
This route gives you a mix of peaceful swimming, riverside rambling, and a classic Lakeland mountain view—all in one go.
Top tips
Start early to avoid crowds and get the best chance at peaceful swimming conditions
Check the weather and remember the pools might not be suitable to swim in after heavy rain, as the river can become full and fast-flowing
Wear walking boots, especially if it’s been wet—paths are uneven in places
Leave no trace and take any rubbish with you
Dogs on lead - there are a lot of sheep so best to keep your dog on a lead
Ember watching the moody clouds changing
Kisses
Final thoughts
We loved this swim, it felt like a rare moment of calm before the weather changed, and we had it all to ourselves because of the early start. Wasdale Emerald Pool is one of those special spots that feels magical, even in moody weather. If you’re up for an early start and a short walk, this is one wild swim worth planning for.
