If you’re anything like me, there’s something about waterfalls that just pulls you in.
The sound of the water, how clear it is when you’re in, that fresh buzz after a swim. It resets everything.
The Lake District is full of them, but these are the ones I keep going back to. They’re not extreme hikes, they’re easy enough to get to, and if you time it right, you can still find a quiet spot to yourself.
Here are four waterfall swims in the Lake District I’ll be revisiting on repeat this summer.
1. Sour Milk Gill, Grasmere
Sour Milk Gill is one of those places that gives you options.
You can park in or around Grasmere village and walk up towards the falls. There’s a clear path, and you’ll spot signs as you go. You’re basically heading to Easedale tarn – which you can continue on to if you want a tarn swim.
After heading through some gates from Grasmere you’ll head across a field and already be able to see the start of the falls in front. You’ll start climbing and soon enough be able to hear the waterfalls. You can keep going all the way to the top, where you’ll see the main sign for Sour Milk Gill, but honestly, you don’t need to go that far.
On the way up, it’s a series of cascading waterfalls and little pools, so you can just stop wherever feels right. Some are perfect for a quick dip, others for just sitting and taking it all in.
As you climb higher, the views open up across Grasmere and the rest of the Lakes, but even the lower sections are beautiful and often quieter than you’d expect.
2. Whorneyside Force, Langdale Valley
This one feels a bit more like a day out, but it’s worth every step.
It’s around an hour to an hour and a half walk depending on your pace, set in the middle of the Langdale Valley, which on a clear day (or even a grey day) is just incredible.
Whorneyside Force is a big, dramatic waterfall, the kind you hear before you see. The pool at the bottom is ideal for a swim if you’re feeling brave.
We went on a blue sky day and stayed for ages, swimming, sitting on the rocks, and just taking it all in. It’s one of those spots that feels like a bit of an escape once you’re there.
We parked at The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and followed the signs from there. A great place for a drink on your way back.
3. Rydal Hall Waterfalls (on the way to Buckstones Jump)
This is one people often overlook but I think it’s beautiful and so many spots to choose from.
Most head straight up to Buckstones Jump (which is lovely, with great views over Windermere), but the waterfalls along the way are just as special and much easier to reach.
Park at Rydal Hall (best to go early), then walk through the gardens, across the little bridge and into the woodland.
From there, follow the path upwards and you’ll come across several smaller waterfall spots.
It’s much more shaded and leafy here, so perfect on a warmer day. Some pools are shallow and great for kids, others are ideal for a quick dip or paddle.
You’ve also got the Grot to stop at, which is always worth seeing, and the whole setting feels a bit tucked away and peaceful.
4. Emerald Pools (Fairy Pools), Wasdale
This one is a bit further north, but the scenery alone makes it worth the trip. Best to park at the Wasdale Head National Trust Car Park, as you can follow the signs from here.
The walk is around an hour to an hour and a half, but you don’t need to go all the way up to get to the good spots. As you climb, you start to get incredible views back over Wasdale, and before long you’ll reach the pools.
They’re made up of a series of cascades, each one flowing into a larger pool, so you can pick your own spot and settle in.
We stopped at one of the lower pools with the kids and had the place completely to ourselves. You could easily spend hours here, swimming, exploring and just enjoying the views.
A Few Tips Before You Go
If you’re planning waterfall swims in the Lake District this summer, a few things make all the difference:
- Go early or later in the day for quieter spots
- Avoid peak times in the school holidays where you can
- Take care around wet rocks and strong currents
- Bring layers as it cools down quickly after a swim
And if you do find one of these places to yourself, it’s one of those days you’ll remember.
Staying Nearby Waterfall Swims in the Lake District
If you’re planning a few days exploring waterfalls and swimming spots, having a comfortable base nearby makes it all the more enjoyable. Especially somewhere with a fire after a long day.
At The Pheasant Lodge, you’re within easy reach of many of these walks, with space to properly relax afterwards, whether that’s by the fire or out in the garden.
Get in touch to find out more.