There are so many excellent locations for wild swimming in the Lake District it’s hard to choose where to go. Our selected list includes fairy pools, remote tarns, family-friendly lakes and hidden pots.
By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
The Lake District is an excellent destination for open-water swimming.
Tiny pots and fairy pools are hidden along beautiful mountain trails. Glacial tarns high up in the valleys provide a secluded escape, while vast lakes with grand views offer space for a proper swim.
Paul and I love the Lake District. We regularly take a dip on long day hikes, so over the years, we’ve found our favourite wild swimming spots.
Some are wild and remote and require a hike to get to. Some have few facilities but spectacular views. Others are perfect for families with toilets, cafes and easy parking.
In this guide, we have provided all the details you need including a map, how to get to each location, exactly where to swim, where to park and the facilities that are available.

IN THIS GUIDE
LAKE DISTRICT WILD SWIMMING
1. BLEA TARN
Best for? – Swimming in a glacial tarn with stunning mountain views
There are few more picturesque spots for wild swimming in the Lake District than Blea Tarn. Come on a still day and the rugged Langdale Pikes reflect perfectly in its waters.
The tarn is big enough to have a proper swim, but small enough to feel intimate. Head here in the evening for a picnic and you may well have the whole area to yourself.
There’s a great walk near the tarn called, Side Pike. It only takes 30 minutes and the views are excellent. The details are in our Langdale Pikes guide.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Park at the Blea Tarn Car Park between Little and Great Langdale Valleys (postcode – LA22 9PG). The machine takes cash only but parking is free for National Trust members.
The swimming location is easily accessible via a 5-minute walk from the car park.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Blea Tarn, but the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is a classic old walkers pub, just 8 minutes’ drive from Blea Tarn.


2. RYDAL WATER
Best for? – Swimming in still waters in a peaceful spot
Rydal Water is a serene and peaceful place for swimming.
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.
We recommend coming here for an early morning swim, but the rocky beach is also great for a picnic during the day.
The walk from the car park is far enough to keep the numbers down but not so far as to make it too long.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Park at the Pelter Bridge Car Park then walk for 15 minutes along the western end of the lake. There’s a shelving beach and the nearby grassy banks are perfect for a picnic.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at the swimming spot.


3. BLACK MOSS POT
Best for? – Leaping from rocky ledges into a deep narrow pool
If we had to pick, Black Moss Pot would be our favourite spot for wild swimming in the Lake District. It’s a dramatic gorge pool cut into the rock high up in the Langstrath Valley.
The pool is a thin corridor between two high rocky walls. At one end, vertical rocks lean over a wider pool. At the other end, a rocky beach makes for an easier entrance.
It’s a great place to leap into the waters below.
Getting here is a one-hour hike, but it’s a nice walk that passes Galleny Force; a small waterfall that’s worth a stop.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Park in the village of Stonethwaite, walk past the Langstrath Country Inn and along the river for about 1 hour. See our Black Moss Pot article for all the details.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Black Moss Pot, but the Stonethwaite Campsite at the start of the walk has toilets and the Langstrath Country Inn in Stonethwaite sells a fine pint.





4. WASTWATER
Best for? – Swimming in rugged and dramatic scenery.
Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District, surrounded by huge craggy mountains in a truly dramatic setting.
It’s wild and remote, so we would only recommend swimming here on very nice days. The smallest whisper of wind can make it feel very cold.
But when the sun is out and the air is still, it’s a truly magnificent setting.
Gently sloping rocks descend to the lake making it easy to enter. Grassy banks are great for a picnic and the views are out of this world.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Wastwater is in a remote area of the Lake District and is difficult to get to via public transport.
There is 24-hour pay and display parking on the lake shore at Lakehead, Overbeck, and Nether Wasdale (location – CA20 1EX) and a few pulling-off spots alongside the road.
Several little beaches are sprinkled around the shore where you can launch for a long swim, lay in the shallows or just soak up the views from the bank.
In our opinion, the best spot to swim is just south of Countess Beck.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Wastwater, but the Saw Mill Café a few miles south is great for coffee and lunch. Alternatively, the Wasdale Head Inn is just 3 miles away.


5. POTS OF ESKDALE
Best for? – Fairy pools and tiny pots dotted along a waterfall-strewn beck
Eskdale is probably the most remote valley in the Lake District. Getting here is a challenge, but that’s part of the fun.
As the River Esk cuts its way through the rocky landscape, it drops through a series of canyons and waterfalls.
There are numerous places to take a dip, including infinity pools perched above gentle waterfalls and plunge pools set deep between rocky walls.
Kail Pot and Pillar Pot are beautiful pools where you can sit and be massaged by the flow of the water.
Tongue Pot is a deep pool with high walls perfect for leaping in from.
Head further upstream and the pools get smaller, more exciting and more precariously set.
The only people you are likely to meet are a few ghyll scramblers and hikers taking the Eskdale route to Scafell Pike.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Park at the bottom of Hardknott Pass near Brotherinkeld Farm then walk up the Eskdale Valley.
Kail Pot and Pillar Pot are 25 minutes from the car park; Tongue Pot is 20 minutes further. Keep going and as the canyon narrows and steepens you’ll find more and more pools.
FACILITIES
There is absolutely nothing here. But, the Woolpack pub at Boot is only a few minutes’ drive from Brokerinkeld farm.


6. FELL FOOT, WINDERMERE
Best for? – Family-friendly activities with the usual National Trust facilities
Windermere is the largest body of water in the Lake District.
Regular boat traffic can make swimming difficult, but Fell Foot National Trust Park and Garden – at the southern end – is a great family-friendly swimming location.
A large grassy slope gives easy access to the water and provides ample space for games and picnics. You can paddle, swim, or even kayak on the lake.
For those looking to improve, SleekerSwim offers swimming courses for both beginners and intermediates. And you can end the day with a hot shower!
WHERE TO SWIM?
Fell Foot is 8 miles from Windermere (location – LA12 8NN).
The number 6 bus from Windermere stops out front.
Parking is £6 for up to 2 hours, free for National Trust Members.
FACILITIES
Hot showers and changing rooms are available at the Active Base Fitness Centre with a £2 day pass.
The boathouse cafe serves refreshments from 10 am to 4 pm. Pay and display parking is available onsite and there are picnic tables and toilets.


7. GRASMERE
Best for? – A relaxing swim in the Lake District.
Paul and I love staying in Grasmere.
It’s a pretty village surrounded by rugged (but not too high) mountains.
At the end of a long day, we often walk to the far end of the lake to have a swim.
One of the shallower lakes in the Lake District, the temperatures are a little warmer than most and, nestled amongst the surrounding mountains, it’s a very picturesque place.
There is a gently-sloping shelving beach that provides very easy access making it perfect for families with children.
Hike Tip – Before swimming hike up to Loughrigg Fell for 360° views including Grasmere, Windermere, Elterwater and Loughrigg Tarn. All the details are in our favourite walks in the Lake District guide.
WHERE TO SWIM?
The closest parking is at either Rydal Water Car Park (location – LA22 9SE) or White Moss Car Park from where the beach is a 15-minute walk.
Alternatively, it’s around 40 minutes’ walk on the western side of the lake from the village of Grasmere.
The best swimming areas are along the south side of the lake with a large and popular shelving beach just near the River Rothay.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at the beach, however, Faeryland Grasmere on the northern tip of the lake has a cute tea garden. They also hire wooden rowing boats for a romantic paddle.



8. GLENRIDDING, ULLSWATER
Best for? – Family picnics on the edge of a pretty lake with good facilities
In the town of Glenridding, a gently sloping beach descends into a beautiful part of Ullswater.
Access is easy and safe, and with large open grassy banks, it’s just right for young kids and families.
St Patrick’s Boatyard rents kayaks and swimming from the boats is allowed, provided you can pull yourself back in!
It doesn’t exactly get away from the crowds, but on most days, you can find a decent spot to call your own and there are plenty of facilities nearby.
WHERE TO SWIM?
If you get lucky, you may get a park on the road in Glenridding, otherwise, there is a large pay and display car park (location – CA11 0PD). The gently sloping beach is just east of the pier.
FACILITIES
All the facilities of Glenridding (toilets, shops, pubs, cafes) are just a few minutes’ walk away.


9. GLENRIDDING BECK
Best for? – A rewarding plunge after a long but excellent day hike
Glenridding Beck is a small swimming spot near the village of Glenridding.
It’s a secluded pool, hidden in trees and fed by a small waterfall. The temperature is bracing, but the water is clean and clear and it’s the perfect way to cool off after a long walk.
Glenridding Beck is a 40-minute walk from Glenridding.
But it’s much better to swim here at the end of the magnificent hike up Helvellyn via Striding Edge. The pool is concealed from the path and easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled on the map in our guide.
The pool is sometimes used for groups ghyll scrambling up the river, but most other times you’ll have it all to yourself.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Glenridding Beck is around 40 minutes’ walk from the village of Glenridding.
Park at the pay and display car park in the village (location – CA11 0PD). But as mentioned above it’s best to visit on the walk back down from Helvellyn.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Glenridding Beck.


10. LOUGHRIGG TARN
Best for? – Swimming in a reed-fringed pool surrounded by rolling pastures
Loughrigg Tarn is an extremely attractive reed-fringed lake. Set amongst the lush green pastures of gently rolling farmland the landscape here is less rugged and possesses a serenity and calmness.
Although it’s in the heart of the Lake District, it’s tucked away from the major roads, so it’s rarely visited.
Yet with Ambleside on its doorstep, it’s an easy spot to pop out for a quick dip.
WHERE TO SWIM?
Park at the car park at the top of the Foulstep Road just above Skelwith Bridge, then walk for 5 minutes down to the tarn. The easiest access is on the southeast side of the water.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Loughrigg Tarn.

11. BROWN HOWE, CONISTON
Best for? – A long swim in the calmest of waters
Protected by the towering slopes of the Old Man of Coniston, Coniston Water is so calm it was used to set land speed records in the 1950s.
That makes it the best place to get perfect conditions for a long swim.
There are numerous spots on Coniston that you could start but Brown Howe has a large shingle beach for easy access and toilets.
WHERE TO SWIM?
The Brown Howe car park is on the A5084 between Torver and Greenodd, right beside the lake (location – LA12 8DW). Parking can be paid for via the machine in the parking lot or via the RinGo App.
FACILITIES
There are public toilets in the car park and a picnic area including tables and chairs. No bins are provided so you’ll need to take your rubbish with you.



12. CRUMMOCK WATER
Best for? – A dip on a day out to Buttermere, the prettiest lake in the Fells
Buttermere and Crummock Water are only a few hundred meters apart and set in the most beautiful valley in the Lake District.
Come here for the day and you are rewarded with some of the best views in the Lakes.
There are plenty of places to take a dip, but we would head to Crummock South Beach. Set under the flanks of Rannerdale Knotts, Crummock is one of the deepest lakes in the area.
The water temperature stays colder for longer, even in the summer months, so it’s a refreshing place to swim. But staring up at the rugged scenery makes it all worthwhile.
WHERE TO SWIM?
There is pull-off parking right next to the beach otherwise it is about half a mile from the large National Trust Car Park (location – CA13 9UZ) just outside Buttermere.
Crummock Water is a 30-minute drive from the town of Keswick or you can get the 77/77A bus that makes a magnificent loop from Keswick via Borrowdale and Honister to Buttermere (1 hour) and then via Whinlatter back to Keswick (45 minutes).
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at Crummock Water, but the village of Buttermere is a 15-minute walk or a short drive away.

MAP – WILD SWIMMING SPOTS
All our favourite spots for wild swimming in the Lake District are on the map below. We have included parking locations for each, along with the best spots for jumping in for a swim.
To help you decide where to base yourself, read our article on the best places to stay in the Lake District.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
HELPING PROTECT THE LAKES
Over recent years, non-native weeds have steadily spread to some of the Lake District’s most pristine lakes.
To help stop the spread, please rinse yourself, your swimwear, and any other equipment thoroughly between swimming in different lakes.
For more information about swimming responsibly in the Lake District, catch up on the rules at the Outdoor Swimming Society.

TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE
01 – When wild swimming in the Lake District, enter the water slowly. The temperature may be cold, especially in deeper areas. If it’s your first time, stay close to the shore while you get used to the conditions.
02 – Never jump in unless your heart and body have already become acclimatised, you know what’s below the surface and have a plan on how to get out again.
03 – Do not swim in rivers with strong currents, there is a risk of being swept downstream. If you feel the current is fine stay near the bank, as the water is usually slower moving. Swim upstream first because you don’t want to leave the more tiring work till the end.
04 – Be aware of the cold, hypothermia can come to you quickly. 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.
05 – If you plan on swimming across deep water then do not go on your own, it’s safer and more fun with others.
06 – If you are swimming in a river or lake with lots of boats, wear a colourful hat or take a visibility float.
07 – Avoid areas of blue-green algae, wading in muddy areas or swimming with an open cut.
08 – Have fun and take a picnic. It’s a great day out, but beware being drunk and wild swimming isn’t a good mix.

MORE LAKE DISTRICT GUIDES
- Find your perfect area with our guide to the best places to stay in the Lake District.
- Use our detailed guide to see the Lake District without a car.
- Enjoy a scenic swim in Black Moss Pot.
- Tackle one of our favourite hikes in the Lake District.
- Try one of these amazing wild swimming locations in the Lake District.
- There’s more than hiking, find more great things to do in the Lake District.
- Find one of our top photography spots in the Lake District

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- Paul & Mark.
Mark Barnes
Mark is an accomplished travel writer, specializing in crafting road trips, outdoor adventures, and global hiking itineraries.
His work has been recognized by Lonely Planet, and he has received several awards for his travel writing, including Blogger of the Year at the Travel Media Awards in London.
Iv never done wild swimming and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do I would love to go to the Lake District and give it a go but I don’t know how I go about it I’m 58 years young and I want to do it before I get any older so any information you could give me would be much appreciated or if there’s a group I could join so that I’m not on my own when I take the plunge
Hi Paul, Never too young to start! These guys offer taster sessions near Ambleside and provide all the equipment you need. After getting their advice you can head out on your own. Otherwise try joining this facebook group and join them on a group swim. Let us know how it goes. Best of luck. Mark