The Western Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming.
While there are plenty of spots spread right across the county that are ideal for a truly immersive experience, here, we’re focussing on what the Western Lake District has to offer.
With the exceptions of Ennerdale Water, visitors are free to swim in any lake or tarn, but of course, we do remind you to take care while enjoying a dip and recommend for weak swimmers to stay safe and sound on shore.
Wastwater
Carved into the landscape by a glacier, Wastwater (or Wast Water, depending who you ask), holds the bragging rights for the title of ‘deepest lake in England’ – and is one of The Lake District, Cumbria’s best-known wild-swimming spots.
Owned by the National Trust, the lake also enjoys seclusion, with access being from along the A595, which hugs Cumbria’s western coast.
Wastwater’s northern tip is at Wasdale Head – the site of a remote campsite and the last pub for miles – popular with walkers taking on a climb of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.
Accessible by a remote road and with a circular lake walk available, the feeling of rugged wilderness is hard to beat. Powered craft are not permitted on Wastwater, making a wild swim here essential.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Crummock Water
Another spot very popular with wild swimmers, Crummock Water is off the beaten-track, but well worth a visit.
Accessed via the B5289, Crummock Water’s close neighbours Buttermere and Loweswater can also both be enjoyed during the same journey.
For a big adventure day, hike three lakes in a day and finish up with a re-energising wild swim in Crummock Water itself, where near-silence is guaranteed as the use of powered craft is not permitted.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Buttermere
One of the smallest lakes in Cumbria, Buttermere offers peace and tranquillity in spades due to rules which prohibit the use of any form of powered craft.
With only one road passing the shore for a short distance on its eastern tip, a drive over the Honister Pass brings you out to a perfect place to pull over and head down to the water’s edge with your snorkel and a lovely fluffy towel.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Loweswater
Loweswater holds the unenviable and unofficial title as the lake that nobody seems to remember the name of – but that is a good thing, because you might find you are the only soul taking a wild-dip.
Completing a row of three lakes – which also includes Buttermere and Crummock Water, this small, picturesque lake is a welcome addition to any western Lake District itinerary.
As powered craft are not permitted to sail on any of these three lakes, the only sound you will hear is the breeze, the birds, and the cool water lapping against your skin.
Plus, a circular walk means visitors can also enjoy views across the water or looking up at the surrounding fells from any point along its shoreline after getting towelled-down.
For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.
Bassenthwaite
Slightly further afield but close enough to justify inclusion in this list, at four miles long and around three quarters of a mile wide, Bassenthwaite is one the largest lakes here in Cumbria, bathing in the shadow of the mighty and imposing fell of Skiddaw.
Flanked by the A66 on its western shore, Bassenthwaite is easy to get to if you fancy a swim, thanks to it being accessible by road and public transport, with plenty of lay-bys to pull over and soak up the views as well as taking a dip. For a quieter moment, why not take the A591 on the lake’s eastern side and follow a public footpath to the shore for a more tranquil moment?
For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555.
Further information about access to all the lakes listed above – and many more, right across The Lake District, is available on the Lake District National Park website here.