The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming.
From river swims and lake dips to a good soak under a waterfall, have plenty of spots spread right across the county that are ideal for a truly immersive Lake District experience!
With the exceptions of Ennerdale Water, Haweswater and Thirlmere, visitors are free to swim in any lake, tarn or river!
Busier spots often have mooring areas and jetties in regular use by boats and remember that weather conditions can change in an instant – so always be vigilant and plan ahead.
Of course, we do remind you to take care while enjoying a dip and recommend weaker swimmers stay safe and sound on shore.
Further information is available on the Lake District National Park website here, and be sure to make sure you come well-prepared and ‘Adventure Smart’, here.
Windermere
As England’s longest lake, Windermere is a place that without doubt must be experienced at least once by every visitor.
From Lakeside at the southern tip, to Ambleside in the north, it is an essential place to tick off on your Lake District adventure. Sure to whet the appetite for all the other lakes on offer, Windermere has been made easy to explore and enjoy thanks to countless attractions working together to provide a full day-out without the need to use the car.
With public and private boats cruising on the lake, it is vital that visitors pay extra attention to their surroundings while enjoying the cool water during any swimming activities.
A good starting point is from the shore at Fell Foot Park, at Newby Bridge – where National Trust members can park for free! Alternatively, easy lake access is also available at Brockhole, The Lake District Visitors Centre between Windermere and Ambleside.
For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555
Ullswater
At nine miles long and forged by a glacier, Ullswater is the second-longest lake here in the Lake District, Cumbria, making it another big one to add to your list of places to take a swim.
As with Windermere, extra care must be taken due to Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruises sailing along the full-length of the lake from Pooley Bridge in the north, to Glenridding in the south, via Howtown about halfway in between.
The A592 runs along its entire western side, making it easy to find and enjoy – so all you need is a map, your swimming costume and of course, water safety at the forefront of your mind.
For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555.
Bassenthwaite
At four miles long and around three quarters of a mile wide, Bassenthwaite is the most northerly lake on this list, so after swimming in the two longest lakes listed above, the most northerly is another ‘must do’, right? Another of the largest lakes here in Cumbria, Bassenthwaite bathes in the shadow of the mighty and imposing fell of Skiddaw.
Flanked by the A66 on its western shore, Bassenthwaite is easy to get to if you fancy a swim, thanks to it being accessible by road and public transport, with plenty of lay-bys to pull over and soak up the views as well as taking a dip. For a quieter moment, why not take the A591 on the lake’s eastern side and follow a public footpath to the shore for a more tranquil moment?
For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555
Coniston
To swim in the ripples of giants, a dip in Coniston Water is essential. Perhaps most famous for the adventurous exploits of Donald Campbell in his legendary Bluebird craft, Coniston water is one of the South Lakes’ most popular lakes, surrounded by famous villages including Coniston Village and stunning woodlands.
Enjoy a wild swim under the Old Man of Coniston fell, which looms above. Coniston Water is also famous for being the scene of the classic children’s tale, Swallows and Amazons. Why not bring a canoe along, as well as your swimming costume, and re-live their adventures for yourself?
The trip to get there is just as picturesque as the views upon arrival, too.
For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555
Wastwater
Another lake carved into the landscape by a glacier, Wastwater (or Wast Water, depending who you ask), holds the bragging rights for the title of ‘deepest lake in England’ – and is one of The Lake District, Cumbria’s best-known wild-swimming spots.
Owned by the National Trust, the lake also enjoys seclusion, with access being from along the A595, which hugs Cumbria’s western coast.
Wastwater’s northern tip is at Wasdale Head – the site of a remote campsite and the last pub for miles – popular with walkers taking on a climb of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
Accessible by a remote road and with a circular lake walk available, the feeling of rugged wilderness is hard to beat. Powered craft are not permitted on Wastwater, making a wild swim here essential.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Derwent Water
If you fancy combining a wild-swimming trip with a spot of camping, a break doesn’t get much more convenient than a visit to Derwentwater.
With the Keswick Campsite right on the shoreline, this lake boasts no fewer than seven lakeside marinas and several little islands to explore.
Sci-Fi buffs would especially enjoy a swim here, as the lake was a film location used during the filming of some scenes in Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens.
The B5289 runs along the lake’s eastern shore and makes a great day out when combined with a visit to the dog-friendly town of Keswick itself. Perhaps your four-legged friend would like to accompany you in the water too?
Crummock Water
Another spot very popular with wild swimmers, Crummock Water is off the beaten-track, but well worth a visit.
Accessed via the B5289, Crummock Water’s close neighbours Buttermere and Loweswater can also both be enjoyed during the same journey.
For a big adventure day, hike three lakes in a day and finish up with a re-energising wild swim in Crummock Water itself, where near-silence is guaranteed as the use of powered craft is not permitted.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Buttermere
One of the smallest lakes in Cumbria, Buttermere offers peace and tranquillity in spades due to rules which prohibit the use of any form of powered craft.
With only one road passing the shore for a short distance on its eastern tip, a drive over the Honister Pass brings you out to a perfect place to pull over and head down to the water’s edge with your snorkel and a lovely fluffy towel.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Loweswater
Loweswater holds the unenviable and unofficial title as the lake that nobody seems to remember the name of – but that is a good thing, because you might find you are the only soul taking a wild-dip.
Completing a row of three lakes – which also includes Buttermere and Crummock Water, this small, picturesque lake is a welcome addition to any western Lake District itinerary.
As powered craft are not permitted to sail on any of these three lakes, the only sound you will hear is the breeze, the birds, and the cool water lapping against your skin.
Plus, a circular walk means visitors can also enjoy views across the water or looking up at the surrounding fells from any point along its shoreline after getting towelled-down.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Grasmere
Another of the smaller lakes on the wild swimming permitted list, a visit to Grasmere – right next to its village namesake, is definitely one to add to your Lake District getaway itinerary.
Located on the Lake District’s central artery, the A591, you cannot miss it – and if you are driving, the earlier you set off, the better.
Set the alarm and be among the first people to welcome a new day almost slap-bang in the middle of the National Park, with a wild-swim to remember.
A peaceful swim is assured, as powered craft are not permitted on Grasmere. Just remember that as tempting as it may be to swim onto the lake’s small islands, they are off-limits.
For more information, contact Lowther Estates on 01931 712577.
Rydal
Rydal Water goes hand-in-hand with Grasmere, with this small lake sharing a cosy, rural location with its slightly larger cousin.
Separated by less than one mile, if you take a swim in one, you may as well experience them both.
Rydal is suitable for individual recreational swimming only, with all commercial activity to be agreed with GSC Grays at Rydal Estates.
Like Grasmere, powered craft are not permitted to sail on Rydal, so a peaceful dip is guaranteed.
For further information, contact GSC Grays land agents on 01524 880320.
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Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species..jpg)
