Wild swimming in the Yorkshire Dales

The rise of popularity in outdoor swimming has increased over the last few years leading to keen swimmers exploring different bodies of water on their back doorsteps. The Yorkshire Dales has a number of amazing places to take a dip from wonderful waterfalls to spectacular rivers. Here are some of our favourites.

Cautley Spout, Sedbergh

One of the most dramatic places for a swim in the Yorkshire Dales has to be Cautley Spout, and handily it has some pretty nifty pools fed by mini waterfalls. It's great for cooling off on a long, hot summer's day when walking in the Howgills.

River Lune, Kirkby Lonsdale

Below Devil's Bridge is a lovely wide section of the River Lune where you can enjoy a swim. There are rocks that are great for jumping off and small stones beaches to relax on.

Janet's Foss, Malham

Janet’s Foss is a small but wonderful waterfall and pool near Gordale Scar in Malhamdale, nestled in a magical wood along the footpath from Malham village. The waterfall itself features Tufa deposits forming on the rocks behind the waterfall, Tufa is formed by calcium carbonate rich water precipitation. The pool is great for a quick plunge and it is fun to explore the turquoise water.

Always check the weather and water conditions before going wild swimming and tell someone where you are going. Remember to know your limits.

Have you been for a wild swim in the Yorkshire Dales? Let us know by tagging us in your photos on social media.