Best Wild Swim Spots in Bowness

Windermere lake is a famous spot for wild swimming with events such as the Great North Swim taking place in the lake. Swimming groups and organisations such as Chill Swim and Swim The Lakes offer guided swims over the full length of the lakes; considering Windermere is the longest lake in England, that’s a pretty long swim! As well as challenging open water swimming, Windermere also offers more manageable, relaxing swims…

  • 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.

  • Esthwaite Water

A lesser-known swimming spot on lake Windermere’s western side, Esthwaite Water is a little remote lake, which can be reached by road from Near Sawrey. The water is bordered by vibrant woodland however the shoreline is only accessible from the nearby roadside. There are car parking spaces on the south side of the water.

  • Coniston Water

Watched over by the craggy tops of the Old Man of Coniston, Coniston Water is a stunning five-mile long lake with plenty of space for a scenic open water swim amongst fell-sides and forests. The lake is accessible from Windermere via a 20-minute drive. There are a number of access points and jetties along the pebbled shoreline making this an easily accessible lake for a dip. Peel Island sits on the water around 100m away and is a great destination to head for and explore. Coniston Water is a popular spot for boat trips and water sports so make sure you keep an eye out and don’t get to close to the Coniston Launch or Steam Yacht. Wearing a colourful tow float is advisable on busy lakes.

  • Moss Eccles Tarn

A short walk from Far Sawrey, Moss Eccles Tarn is a small, remote swimming spot with grassy banks and crystal clear waters. The waters banks provide perfect spots for an after-swim lounge and a picnic!

  • Three Dubs Tarn

Three Dubs Tarn is a lonely stretch of water surrounded by trees, creating the ideal arena for a private swim. The track to the tarn is grassy and overgrown however the effort to reach the water is rewarded with a secluded and quiet dip. The tarn is small and quite shallow making this an enjoyable warm swim.

  • Wise Een Tarn

Situated in the woodland of Claife Heights, Wise Een Tarn is a small body of water between Lake Windermere and Esthwaite Water. The tarn can be reached via a short walk from Esthwaite Water and offers views over to the Langdale Pikes. There are a few access points on the tarns grassy banks.