Wild Swimming in the Lake District: Our favourite spots and recommendations

Chasing Waterfalls & Crystal Pools: My Lifelong Guide to Wild Swimming in the Lake District

There is a distinct kind of magic that happens when you step away from the crowded tourist trails and follow the sound of rushing water. I have spent my entire life traveling to almost every corner, lake, and tarn in the Lake District, and if there is one thing I have fallen completely in love with, it’s the hunt for the perfect, crystal-clear natural pool.

To me, nothing beats the feeling of swimming under a roaring waterfall, or better yet, scrambling behind the curtain of water to find a hidden cave, watching the torrent pour down right in front of my eyes. In all my travels, I know of no better place in the world to find pools of such breathtaking clarity, vibrant color, and spectacular mountain views.

If you want to experience the absolute best wild swimming the Lakes have to offer, here is my personal guide to finding these hidden gems and the gear you need to make the experience unforgettable.

The Secret is in the Valleys: Where to Find the Best Pools

While the major lakes are beautiful, the real magic is hidden in the valleys of the North West Dales. My absolute favorite spots are tucked away in Ennerdale, Borrowdale, Wasdale, and Eskdale.

As a general rule of thumb, if you pick one of these valleys and start walking upstream, you are practically guaranteed to find something spectacular. Look out for the spots where two mountain streams merge—the swirling currents naturally carve out deep, pristine basins filled with water so clear you can see every pebble on the bottom.

Depending on the light and the slate beneath, you will encounter pools of every color imaginable:

Deep emerald greens in the shaded gorges.
Electric blues under the midday sun.
Shimmering turquoise that looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean rather than Cumbria.

The Ultimate Infinity Pool

If you are looking for a view that will stop you in your tracks, head to the south of Buttermere. High up the fellside, you'll find a natural infinity pool. When you float in it, the edge of the water completely disappears, leaving you with an uninterrupted, stunning view stretching right down the valley.

Gear Up: How to Stay Warm and Comfortable

Having the right gear makes all the difference between a freezing, frantic dip and a magical, relaxing experience. Over decades of swimming out here, my family and I have dialed in the perfect kit list.

1. Staying Warm (Even Out of Summer)

Unless it's the height of July or August, the mountain water can be bracing.

Wetsuits: I strongly recommend a good wetsuit for seasons outside of summer. We actually got our wetsuits from Decathlon, and it’s honestly amazing what a thick, new wetsuit will do for your experience. It keeps you so well-insulated that it takes a good while before you even feel the wetness seep through, letting you stay in the water much longer.
For the Sensitive Swimmer: If you feel the cold easily, don't skimp on a neoprene hat, gloves, and thermal wet boots. Keeping your extremities warm is a game-changer.

2. The Changing Essential: A Dry Robe

Getting out of the water into the Cumbrian wind can be brutal. We use dry robes from Regatta (they have sales quite often, so keep an eye out!). They are fantastic for drying you off quickly and keeping you warm after a chilly dip. Plus, they make it incredibly easy to get changed by yourself on a busy hillside while keeping your dignity completely intact.

3. Footwear and Vision

Standard Wet Shoes: If you don't need thick thermal boots for winter, I still strongly recommend standard wet shoes. The rocks around Lake District pools are rugged, sharp, and often incredibly slippery. Wet shoes protect your feet and give you the grip you need to scramble safely over wet boulders.
Goggles or Snorkel Gear: To truly experience the magic of these pools, you *have* to look underneath the surface. The underwater clarity in these valleys is astounding. For swimming, these anti-fog Zoggs Predator Flex Original Goggles are absolutely perfect. They don't steam up, they give you great peripheral vision, and they let you see the underwater world in high definition.

4. For the Whole Family

If you are bringing the kids along, pack plenty of warm layers for them, plus armbands or other high-visibility inflatables. Even strong little swimmers can tire quickly in colder freshwater, so having that extra buoyancy adds massive peace of mind.

Stay Safe: Rules of the Water

Wild swimming is incredibly rewarding, but nature deserves total respect. When swimming in mountain pools and waterfalls, always keep these safety tips in mind:

• Watch Out for Currents: Pools underneath waterfalls have strong down-currents and undertows. Never swim directly under a heavy waterfall if the flow is aggressively high.

• Check the Depth First: Never dive or jump into a pool without thoroughly checking the depth and looking out for submerged rocks or logs first. The clarity can be deceptive, making water look shallower or deeper than it actually is.

• Beware of Cold Water Shock: Even on a hot day, deep mountain pools remain icy. Enter the water slowly to let your body acclimatize; never jump straight into deep cold water.

• Have an Exit Route: Before you get in, always identify exactly where and how you are going to climb back out. Smooth, mossy rocks can become incredibly slick once wet.

Pack your bag, grab your goggles, and go explore. There is a whole world of crystal-clear water waiting for you up in the fells!