Best Wild Swim Spots in Langdale

Langdale is home to a number of inviting tarns, lakes and rivers to enjoy a swim, both in winter and summer! 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.

Here are some of the best spots in and around Langdale to go for a dip… 

  • Blea Tarn 

One of the most popular wild swimming spots in the area, Blea Tarn is a picture perfect tarn reflecting views of Harrison Stickle and Pike of Stickle. It is easily accessible situated at the top of the pass going over to Great Langdale. If you fancy a walk and swim, you can reach the tarn via a walk across the top of Lingmoor Fell. 

  • 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. 

  • Tongue Pot 

For a truly wild swim in the remote River Esk, Tongue Pot is the perfect spot for adventurous swimmers who like exploring rock pools and diving from high places. From Langdale, head back out of the valley and over Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass (also a wild drive!) to Eskdale and park at the bottom of Hardknott. A path then leads through Brotherilkeld Farm alongside the River Esk for around two miles. The large lagoon is hard to miss; it is overlooked by a tree and boasts a little waterfall with crystal clear waters. 

  • 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. 

  • Holme Fell Lake 

An old reservoir on the route up to Holme Fell, this little lake is an ideal escape for a wild swim. 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Stickle Tarn

A small tarn sitting below Pavey Ark, Stickle Tarn is ideal for a rugged wild swim, high up amongst the mountains.  The tarn can be accessed via a steep path from the Sticklebarn pub following Stickle Ghyll all the way up the valley.