Best Wild Swim Spots in Coniston

Coniston is home to a number of inviting swim spots including Coniston Water, nearby tarns and rivers. The village is nearby many lesser-known secret swimming spots making Coniston a great base for secluded, private swims! 

Whether you’re an experienced swimmer looking for a wide lake or a casual dipper seeking a quiet, relaxing spot in crystal clear waters, there’s a place for you here. 

Wild swimming can be fun and invigorating, but it is important to stay safe and research the water before you dive in. Wearing a wetsuit if you’re planning on a winter swim will help keep you warm.

  • 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. 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.

  • Esthwaite Water

A small, two-mile long lake near Hawkshead, Esthwaite Water is a quiet swimming spot surrounded by woodland. There is a footpath running from the nearby roadside to the lake, plus places to park a car on the south side of the water making this an easily accessible place despite being a lesser-known spot.

  • Beacon Tarn

A secluded swimming spot away from boats and crowds, Beacon Tarn sits high up below Beacon Fell offering a truly wild swim with a mountain backdrop in crystal clear waters.  The tarn is only accessible by foot from Water Yeat- a small hamlet at the southern tip of Coniston Water. Beacon Tarn is a small, compact tarn making it warmer than large, open water lakes.

  • River Duddon

Another quiet corner of the Lakes, the River Dudden runs through the lesser known village of Ulpha around 30 minutes away from Coniston. The river flows alongside over 300m of grassy riverside allowing access to various crystal clear pools along the river. There is a bridge over one of the deeper pools on the river; an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers who enjoy a daring dive.

  • Goats Water

A beautiful little tarn sitting below Dow Crag, Goats Water is sheltered between the cliff faces of Dow Crag and The Old Man of Coniston. The tarn has a footpath running on the east side of the water with plenty of little access points into the tarn. An idyllic place for a quiet swim amongst the mountains.

  • Holme Fell Lake

Holme Fell Lake is a little, old reservoir sitting above Coniston below Holme Fell and is a perfect spot for an escape and quiet swim away from the crowds. The water is deep enough for a little adventurous jump from the old dam wall, or the still water is equally great for a relaxing swim.  To reach the lake, start from Hodge Close quarry and follow a path leading up through woodlands to old mine ruins, continue on to the lake from here.