Wild Swimming in the Yorkshire Dales

Parking: Good lay-by at https://maps.app.goo.gl/MpbG4VLLoHVwjRgq9

Walk-in: 7 minutes on a good path. Wheelchair accessible to the viewing point.

Approach: Some scrambly stepping up / down around the edge of the pool to the 'changing area' - care is required on slippy and uneven ground.

Found on Cotterdale beck in Cotterdale (before it reaches the River Ure), Cotter Force is an impressive waterfall with two 3-meter drops, the nearest of which fills a peaty coloured pool, which, at its deepest, is approximately 2 meters - plenty for a swim.

A rock shelf directly under the falls allows swimmers and dippers to sit under the falls for a full power shower.

I often visit the falls and like all the places I swim at, it's never the same twice. After heavy rain, it can become too dangerous to swim in given that this narrow beck and small rocky ravine carries vast amounts of water from the nearby fells of Mallerstang Common.

It must also be on a low-fly military flight path too as, I've had many a jump scare as I've enjoyed a shower under this one and an F16 has caught me by surprise on a number of occasions.

Parking: Parking details, up-to-date entrance fees and the visitor centre website can be found here.

This is a 'pay to play' waterfall.

Walk in: approx: 5 minutes on a good path. Wheelchair friendly.

At over 100ft Hardraw Force is England's highest single-drop waterfall. It is spectacular.

Many a wild swimmer has taken a dip here but real care must be taken as rock fall, around the edges can and does happen.

Dip or not, this one is definitely worth a visit to see this very impressive falls and unless you're prepared to venture to underground caves where there are far taller single-drop falls, this is the biggest you'll see in England.

Do not be tempted to sit under the falls as even in very light flow, this can be very sore given the distance the water is falling.

Featured in the 1991 feature film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, those of you who are old enough, will remember this is the falls where maid Marion spots Robin Hood, Kevin Costner, taking a shower.

Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSpJgpEK4KtW7VfPA

Approach: Find the pool here (steep-ish walk down to the river bank should be approached with care)

Locally known as The Long Eel this beautiful deep and decent-sized river pool was my local for many years, including during all pandemic lockdowns, where I pretty much had it to myself, a real privilege!

This stretch of river holds a very important place in my heart, it's stunning and despite its name, it's not called the Eel Pool because it's full of Eels, but rather because of the shape of the river here which vaguely represents the shape of an Eel.

That said, all fresh water in the UK can have Eels in, but they're in serious decline in our rivers, so if you are lucky enough to spot one, do be sure to ask for a selfie ;-)

You'll be either in or out here as the river bank is a rock shelf. No easy in here. It's about 3 meters deep so be sure to take care and go with a friend.

The river Ribble is 77 miles long and after heavy rain can rise significantly, so be sure to know your limits on what's safe for you. If in doubt, stay out.

Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XhF9NuxMkFd6jUdB7

After parking in one of the spaces around the village green in this quaint Dales Village, take the short 3-minute walk to the Eastern corner of the green, signed to the falls! Another 100 meters and you'll be stood by this impressive-looking double drop falls with a large pool.

Despite its size in width and length, it's not very deep. It's plenty deep enough for a swimble and as a 6ft guy, the only place I'm out of my depth is under the overhanging tree, otherwise, I can get my feet down in all parts of this pool.

Shallow depth, I find, can be really reassuring for newer or less confident dippers and swimmers as they don't need to worry about the deep dark depths. I would always approach this pool from the far side, as there is a great big stone to get changed around and even some concrete shallow steps into the pool making for super easy access.

I regularly take my customers behind this waterfall as it's quite the experience - however, I'd suggest not doing this if you're inexperienced, cold water on your head can be really disorienting and there are some hidden holes in the rocks under the falls that are perfect for a twisted or broken ankle.

Instead, take a walk downstream, in the beck and go under the small packhorse bridge to find a second, much deeper pool, great fun for jumps and dives, assuming the right types of safety checks have been carried out first. There are some hidden rocks in this pool so it's really important to check for obstacles thoroughly.

West Burton Falls is also known as Cauldron Falls, and it's my belief that this lower 'Cauldron shaped' pool is where it gets its second name from.

As a final word about this smashing place, there's a rope swing above the lower pool and it's my advice about this (and any) rope swing that you give them a miss, they are accidents waiting to happen and don't get checked by anyone to ensure their safety! I personally have seen two significant accidents as a result of rope swing fails both involving experienced wild dippers.

Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8mQmKvSTPDMWEpUd9

Website: https://www.lakesemerwater.co.uk/car-parking-and-camping.php

Semerwater Lake is one of the only lakes in the Dales suitable for swimming and it's in a cracking location.

Not so far from the beautiful, visitor-friendly town of Hawes, in Wensleydale (yes, you might see Wallace and Grommit and you can definitely visit the Wensleydale Creamery for cheese!) this is such a smashing location, surrounded by greenery and Dales gorgeousness.

A heads up, park your car, then walk up the lane to the next farm (only a couple of minutes) and pay for your parking and get yourself a ticket. Any problems call before you go using the contact details found on the owner's website, above. The farmer is keen to come and check tickets, so do make sure you do this as a priority.

It's very easy access to the water here although water shoes are advisable as it can be a little walk out before you get enough depth and it is rocky underfoot. You may also want to use a tow float given that other water users may also be around.

I'd always recommend calling ahead of your visit here, just to make sure that boats are not on the Lake that day, because that can occasionally happen.

This a cracking dip and swim and if the weather is right, a lovely day out where you can picnic and be in and out of the water all day.