Best Wild Swim Spots in Ambleside

 Ambleside is close by to some of the best wild swim spots in Lakeland including open water lake swims, waterfall rock pools and enclosed tarns… 

  • Windermere Lake 

The longest natural lake in England, Windermere has plenty of space to enjoy a large, open water swim. The lake has many access points and jetties along it’s shores with the most popular place to enter the water being at Waterhead due to the nearby car park close to the water edge.  The ribbon lake has 19 islands you can take a swim too, although Belle Island is private. It is advisable to stick to the west bank of the lake when swimming to avoid the boats, which are usually busy on the east side. Swimming with a colourful tow float is advisable in Windermere due to the amount of boat activity on the lake. 

  • Grasmere Lake 

Grasmere and its neighbour Rydal Water are two of the smallest and shallowest lakes in the Lake District, meaning the water tends to be warmer compared to the larger lakes. The water is fed by the River Rothay and Wray Gill and is calm and clear making it a favourite amongst wild swimmers. Grasmere is nestled amongst fells providing the perfect mountain backdrop for a picturesque swim. For open water swimmers, the lake is around 1500 metres in length providing a fair amount of area to cover. There is an island to swim to as a marker however it is privately owned and cannot be landed. Although Grasmere isn’t a particular busy lake, people often rent kayaks and rowing boats so keep an eye out for them. 

  • Rydal Water

A popular spot to meet other wild swimmers, Rydal Water is a peaceful place for an open water swim. Sheltered by surrounding fells, the water is often still, calm and a little warmer than other spots. Rydal Water is not as remote as other wild swimming spots and can be accessed via a short walk from White Moss Car Park. The lake is surrounded by trees to change and dry off behind and there are a few rope swings dotted about for a fun jump! Rydal Water is home to a small otter population; you may spot some if you’re lucky! Post swim, take a trip over to the nearby Badger Bar for a warm up and tasty bite to eat or drink.  

  • Loughrigg Tarn 

Overlooked by a stunning skyline of the Langdale Pikes, Loughrigg Tarn is a perfect swimming spot popular with beginner wild swimmers.  The tarn has no major rivers flowing into it making it a warmer swim option. It is easily reached via a walk or bike ride from The Three Shires Inn pub to Loughrigg fell, or a footpath runs directly below the mountain for direct access to the tarn. 

  • Elterwater and Langdale Beck 

Combining a river and tarn swim, Elterwater via Langdale Beck is ideal for wild swimmers who like a bit of variety. The path running alongside Langdale Beck can be reached via a short walk from the disused quarry at Skelwith Bridge. The slow moving river flowing out of Elterwater provides a great little river swim. Once at Elterwater, a tranquil swim in crystal clear waters can be enjoyed in the tarn.