Best Wild Swim Spots in Cartmel

Cartmel village is within close proximity of popular wild swimming spots including coastal swims and lake dips…

  • Morecambe Bay- North Beach

Less than an hour away from Cartmel, Morecambe Beach and Bay is a popular wild swimming spot amongst open water swimmers who love a coastal dip! The Lancashire open-water swimming group M.A.L.L.O.W.S often swim in Morecambe Bay and have over 2000 members. The sandy shores are soft on your feet before entering the warmer waters of the Irish Sea. Morecambe Bay is the 2nd largest tidal bay in Britain and has its own micro-climate making it warmer than most sea swims! Make sure to research the tides and conditions before swimming here, there are often strong currents, rip tides here and there is no lifeguard patrol on the beach.

  • 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 closest to Cartmel being Lakeside around 15 minutes drive from the village. 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. The lake is also accessible from Fell Foot Park, with open water swimming group SleekerSwim operating from Fell Foot providing swimming techniques and open water courses since 2005.

  • Coniston Water

Less than an hour away from Cartmel, Coniston Water sits below the craggy tops of the Old Man of Coniston, providing an impressive swim spot with a mountain backdrop. Coniston Water is a stunning five-mile long lake with plenty of space for a scenic open water swim amongst fell-sides and forests. 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.