4 days of wild swimming in the Lake District
With its beautiful lakes, winding rivers, and hidden waterfall pools, the Lake District is one of the most magical places in the UK for wild swimming. Over four days, we explored some of the most scenic spots on the western side of the Lakes - from secluded mountain reservoirs to emerald plunge pools. Whether you're after a quick, refreshing dip or a longer adventure with a hike and picnic, each of these swims is easy to tailor to your time and energy.
Day 1 (AM): Wasdale Emerald Pool – A swim that shines even on grey days
Good for:
Quick dip
Early morning solitude
Waterfalls
Short walk
Details:
Start point: Wasdale Head (postcode CA20 1EX)
Parking: Free gravel car park near St Olaf’s Church / Lingmill House
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) each way
Elevation gain: 150 m
Summary:
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Wasdale, this hidden gem is known for its crystal-clear, blue-green water that still shines even on a grey day. The short, easy walk (1.7 miles each way) leads you to two beautiful pools, the second being the bigger ‘emerald pool’ set just off the main path. We started early to beat the rain and the people and had the place entirely to ourselves. There are also gentler river sections nearby, perfect for kids to paddle their feet in.
Wasdale Emerald Pool
Double waterfall and mountain backdrops
Tucked away just off the main path
Things to note: Start early to avoid the crowds during peak season or good weather days! Be careful after heavy rain as the water can become fast flowing and not suitable to swim in.
Day 1 (PM): Wast Water – deep, dramatic and perfect in any weather
Good for:
Quick dips straight from the car
Paddle boarding / Kayaking
Open water swimming
Details:
Start point: Wast Water shoreline
Parking: Free laybys on either side of Countess Beck and more along the shoreline
Summary:
Wast Water is England’s deepest lake and one of the easiest to swim in. You can park up right next to the water, making it ideal for quick dips, open water swims, or paddleboarding. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes it feel wild, but its easy access means you can swim even in rougher weather and just hop back into the car or van to change afterwards. It’s usually quieter than more central lakes too but due to it’s accessibility you will be sure to see others enjoying it too
There’s also an enjoyable walk to waterfall pools via Nether Beck nearby worth a look after dry weather, though sadly too wild to swim when we visited!
Wast Water in the pouring rain
Views from parking layby
Gravel entry points
Day 2: Tongue Pot + the River Esk | Eskdale
Good for:
Exploring several dip spots along the river
Easy hike
Details:
Postcode/Start: CA19 1TH (Brotherikeld Farm)
Parking: Free roadside parking near farm (can get busy)
Distance: 3.6 miles return (can extend)
The River Esk in the western Lakes is a wild swimmer’s dream, with a series of plunge pools and waterfalls. We went to check out Tongue Pot, the most well known spot - a dramatic, deep green pool framed by rocks and fed by a waterfall - but after days of rain, it was flowing too fast for a safe swim during our visit.
Instead, we wandered back downstream and found a quieter, safer spot where the river widened and slowed. With clear, cold water and nobody else in sight, it turned out to be a perfect spontaneous dip. We will be back to swim in tongue pot next time!
Checking out Tongue Pot
Dip spot downstream from Tongue Pot
A shallower spot for a cold plunge
Day 3 (AM): Holme Fell Reservoir – Wild swim with a mountain backdrop
Good for:
Peaceful swim
Easy hike
Lake + summit combo
Details:
Start point: Hodge Close Quarry lay by (postcode LA21 8DJ)
Parking: Street layby, free
Distance: ~2.5 miles (4 km) loop including summit
Elevation gain: <150 m
If you’re after easy access, a very short walk and a spot that feels secluded, head to Holme Fell Reservoir. The larger of the two reservoirs here is ideal for swimming, surrounded by heather, pine trees, and fell views. Entry points vary, with rocky but manageable footing, and plenty of space to spread out and relax. We turned the swim into a circular walk by summiting Holme Fell for panoramic views over Coniston and beyond - ideal for a half-day adventure that’s not too challenging.
Holme Fell Reservoir
A truly wild swim
Holme Fell Reservoir
Things to note: Watch kids very closely in the car park as there’s a big drop into the quarry which is fenced with a wire but not foolproof.
Day 3 (PM): Sour Milk Gill + Easedale Tarn - a two part adventure | Grasmere
Good for:
Scenic hike
Waterfall + tarn combo
Scenic views
Details:
Start point: Grasmere village centre (postcode LA22 9SY)
Parking: Public car parks in Grasmere or roadside near St Oswald’s Church
Distance: ~5.4 miles (8.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: ~230 m
This classic Grasmere walk combines beautiful waterfalls with a peaceful mountain tarn. Starting in Grasmere, you follow Sour Milk Gill, passing several small pools and after about a mile, a side trail leads to a good size plunge pool beneath the gill - an ideal spot for a quick dip although you’ll likely have spectators as it’s a popular route!
The trail continues to Easedale Tarn, where you can go for a more secluded swim and sit by the waters edge with a picnic. At about 5.4 miles (8.6 km) round trip with roughly 230 m elevation gain, the route is classed as easy to moderate and typically takes around three hours.
You can return the same way or create a loop by descending via the quieter valley path on the opposite side of Sour Milk Gill which is also very pretty.
Sour Milk Gill
Easdale Tarn
Easdale Tarn
Day 4: Buckstones Jump waterfall circuit | Rydal Valley
Good for:
Waterfall walks
Multiple dip spots
Family-friendly with short swims
Details:
Start point: Rydal Hall or roadside near Rydal Cottages (postcode LA22 9LX)
Parking: Rydal Hall car park (paid) or roadside parking
Distance: ~2.6 miles (4.2 km) round trip
Elevation gain: ~250-300 m
This spot isn’t just about one plunge pool - it’s a walk along Rydal Beck that takes in multiple waterfall-fed pools before you reach the main Buckstones Jump pool itself (or after, depending on which way round you do the walk). The trail starts near Saint Mary’s Church (postcode LA22 9LR) in the village of Rydal and follows the river through woodland. There is very limited parking so you may need to park elsewhere if you plan to go during peak season or on a Sunday. You’ll pass several beautiful waterfalls and small swimming holes along the way - great for paddling or quick dips adding length to your adventure.
The walk to Buckstones Jump is around 1.2-1.3 miles each way, with roughly 240-300 m of elevation gain with easy to moderate terrain. It took us just under an hour to hike in. There’s a pebble beach and grassy ledges nearby - ideal for a picnic or lounging post-swim.
Path leading to Buckstone Jump
Refreshing dip!
Can cross over to make a loop walk
