Dive into Yorkshire Dales best swim spots!
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of wild swimming in the Yorkshire Dales—the shock of cool water on sun-warmed skin, the roar of hidden waterfalls, and that unbeatable feeling of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned dipper or a first-timer, these Yorkshire Dales swim spots offer something truly special.
And if you’re planning a proper Yorkshire adventure, you’ll want Road Trip Yorkshire Guide Book – The Ultimate Guide To The Yorkshire Dales, Moors & Coast in your glovebox. It’s packed with scenic routes, hidden gems, and all the local knowledge you need.
Safety First: Wild Swimming Smarts
Let’s be real – these stunning Yorkshire Dales swim spots demand respect. Always check water conditions (avoid after heavy rain when currents surge), enter slowly to avoid cold shock, and know your limits – The ‘Strid Test’ works everywhere: if you can’t throw a rock across the water, don’t swim across it! Pack grippy footwear for slippery rocks, swim with a buddy, and remember these aren’t lifeguarded pools but living ecosystems. Now that you’re prepped, let’s get back to the fun part…
Now, time to jump into the top 5 wild swim spots in the Yorkshire Dales, starting with one of the most famous waterfall trails…
1. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail: A Waterfall Lover’s Paradise
Why it’s special: This 4.3-mile loop is hands-down one of the best ways to experience multiple Yorkshire Dales swim spots in one go. Following the Rivers Twiss and Doe, you’ll pass Pecca Falls, Hollybush Spout, and the star of the show—Thornton Force, a 14-meter cascade with a deep, swirling plunge pool.
The swim: While swimming isn’t officially encouraged, adventurous types have been sneaking dips at Thornton Force for generations. The pool is deep and refreshing, but beware—the rocks are slippery, and currents get strong after rain.
Good to know:
✔ Dogs are welcome (on leads through farmland)
✔ Card-only payments at the trail entrance
✔ Allow 2-4 hours to complete the full circuit
Transitioning from this epic waterfall trail, let’s move to something more mystical…
2. Janet’s Foss: The Fairy Pool of Malham
Why it’s special: Hidden in a woodland glade near Malham, Janet’s Foss looks straight out of a storybook. This petite waterfall spills into a clear, emerald pool that’s perfect for cooling off. Local legend says it’s named after Janet (or Jennet), a fairy queen who lived in the cave behind the falls—and after seeing it, you’ll believe in magic too.
The swim: The pool is waist-deep with smooth limestone edges, making it ideal for beginners. It’s one of the most accessible Yorkshire Dales swim spots, though it does get busy on summer weekends.
Pro tip: Combine your visit with the Malham Cove walk for a full day of adventure. (Part of a circular trail passing this beautiful waterfall before reaching Gordale Scar’s 100m cliffs and the amazing Cove itself)
3. Aysgarth Falls: Swim Like Robin Hood
Why it’s special: Made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, these three-tiered waterfalls on the River Ure are pure Yorkshire magic. Wordsworth wrote poetry about them, Turner painted them, and you can swim in them!
The swim: After heavy rain, the falls become a thunderous spectacle. But in summer, the Middle Falls forms a calm, deep pool perfect for paddling. Just watch your step—the rocks are notoriously slippery.
Bonus:
✔ Free access (small parking fee)
✔ The Falls Café does amazing post-swim cakes
✔ Stunning bluebell woods in spring
Moving on from this cinematic spot, let’s head somewhere more secret…
4. Hardraw Force: England’s Highest Single-Drop Waterfall
Why it’s special: At 30 meters tall, Hardraw Force isn’t just impressive—it’s historic. Remember that scene in Robin Hood where Kevin Costner bathes under a waterfall? This is the actual spot! The waterfall’s spray creates permanent rainbows at midday – time your swim then for magical photos.
The swim: The plunge pool is deep and bracing, but swimming here feels like a real achievement. There’s even a behind-the-waterfall walkway for non-swimmers to enjoy the view.
Need to know:
✔ Small entry fee (cash preferred)
✔ The 13th-century Green Dragon Inn is perfect for post-swim pies
✔ Wheelchair-accessible paths available
5. Catrigg Force: The Dales’ Best-Kept Secret
Why it’s special: Tucked away near Stainforth, Catrigg Force is everything you want in a Yorkshire Dales swim spot—secluded, beautiful, and barely known to tourists. A double-drop waterfall cascades into a deep, glassy pool surrounded by ancient woodland.
The swim: The pool is deep enough for proper swimming, and the setting is wonderfully peaceful. The 1-mile walk from Stainforth is steep but rewarding, with incredible views over Ribblesdale.
Need to know:
✔ Park at Stainforth’s Main Road car park (1-mile walk each way)
✔ Steep but short hike – not pushchair friendly but worth the climb
✔ Best photo light comes mid-morning when sun hits the falls
✔ Combine with nearby Stainforth Foss for a two-swim day
Final Thoughts: Your Yorkshire Dales Swim Adventure
From the thunderous power of Hardraw Force to the hidden serenity of Catrigg Force, these Yorkshire Dales swim spots offer something magical for every wild swimmer. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls along the Ingleton Trail, stepping into folklore at Janet’s Foss, or following in Robin Hood’s footsteps at Aysgarth Falls, each dip is a chance to connect with Yorkshire’s untamed beauty.
For those hungry for more incredible Yorkshire adventures, (or secret swim spots you won’t find online), Road Trip Yorkshire Guide Book is packed with extra gems—think hidden plunge pools, coastal swim caves, and the best post-dip pubs. But honestly? Just tackling these five iconic swims will give you stories to last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your towel, test the waters, and let the Yorkshire Dales work their wild magic. You might even find yourself planning your next swim before you’ve even dried off!
Grab your copy, pack your sense of adventure, and let Yorkshire’s waters surprise you. Who knows? Maybe we’ll bump into each other at some hidden plunge pool… Happy swimming!
