ON a hot summer day, what could be more refreshing than slipping into the cool, clear waters of a secret lake? And what could be more exciting than plunging into a hidden waterfall? According to Daniel Start, author of Wild Swimming, the rivers, lakes and waterfalls, coves, caves and beaches are now cleaner, safer and more accessible than at any time in living memory. With health benefits of a wild swim or natural dip now well known, Heather Barron asks, why not take the plunge in one of nature’s natural swimming pools?!
1. Best for river tubing Appletreewick, River Wharfe, Yorkshire Dales
The River Wharfe is one of the best wild swimming rivers in the Dales, but in tiny Appletreewick you can escape the crowds. There’s an idyllic rocky pool in the river with a small island and bay, plus rapids upstream and a large shingle beach on the far bank downstream. There’s a good rope-swing on the far side, with grassy banks and a field for picnics. Children on rubber rings can often be seen riding down the rapids from Mason’s Campsite upstream. Across the road is the eccentric Craven Arms, full of antiquities, with gas lighting, log fires, stone-flagged floors and a striking heather-thatched ‘Cruck Barn’. Loup Scar, near Burnsall upstream, is another fantastic stretch of grassy riverside to explore with the limestone cliffs. There’s a terrifying jump here, into a small, very deep plunge pool!
2 miles off the B6160 between Grassington and Bolton Abbey. Opposite the New Inn (BD23 6DA, 01756 720252) find a gate and follow the farm track down the field to the river. 5 minutes.
2. Best for Jumps Loup Scar, River Wharfe, Yorkshire Dales
A fantastic stretch of grassy riverside incorporating river, meadow and beaches, with the limestone cliffs and the gorges of Loup Scar. There’s a terrifying jump here, from the path on the right of the river, into a small very deep plunge pool. In summer, there will probably be a bunch of lads attempting it. The village itself, below the bridge, is very busy, sometimes with hundreds of swimmers and families.
Follow the riverside path upstream from village bridge/Red Lion (BD23 6BU, 01756 720204), about ½ mile past the church, to Loup Scar gorge, with a very deep rectangular plunge pool beneath cliff. 15 mins.
3. Best for Skinny Dipping Ibbeth Peril & Hell’s Cauldron, Howgills
The Ibbeth Peril is a large plunge pool in the often-dry bed of the River Dee, where local witch Ibby is supposed to have drowned unlucky drunks. To the left of the waterfall, there’s a cave leading to miles of passageway and a very large cavern. Enter only in sustained dry weather: The Peril pool can rise fast and the caves can flood. ½ mile scramble downstream is Hell’s Cauldron, with a waterfall and a deep pool in a narrow slot canyon. This is a fascinating stretch of waterfalls and caves. The whole gorge can be explored, but does require scrambling.
Between Dent and Cowgill (leave Dent signed Hawes/Ingleton via Newby Head). ½ mile W of LA10 5TQ, find a small turn into a car park area on the right with path and footbridge leading off. 100m west along the road you can scramble down below the waterfall pool. 5 mins.
4. Best for Waterfalls Stainforth Force, Ribblesdale
Older children will love this spectacular series of river pools and waterfalls beneath an old packhorse bridge. A large waterfall with a deep cauldron is very popular for those who like to jump, or leap from the rope swing. Further on are several idyllic deep pools and grassy banks leading down to many shallow sections good for paddling. Take great care if you jump, and avoid the river after heavy rainfall.
Park in Stainforth (B6479) then carry on up main road 200m on foot. Turn left down Dog Hill Browto the bridge (where there’s some limited parking in the off season).
5. Best for caves Great Douk Cave, Ingleborough
This is one of the most amazing caves in the Dales, and a great introduction to caving for young and old alike – as long as you accept that you will probably get a bit wet! After tramping across the moor below the great hulk of Ingleborough, you arrive at an extraordinary tree-filled depression. Descend, and you will find a huge boulder-chocked cavern from which a waterfall emerges. Climb up to the right of the waterfall to enter the passageway. As you explore, light is often visible high above, and there are intricate cave formations. Wear a bicycle helmet and bring a torch plus waterproofs.
On the road from Ingelton to Ribblehead/Hawes, 200m east of the Old Hill Inn (LA6 3AR, see 35), is an obvious wide footpath track with some rough layby parking. Follow for ½ mile past the lime kiln and turn left at the second wall, to find the depression after 250m.
6. Take the plunge Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar
This beautiful, crystal-clear plunge pool is set in a wooded glen beneath a spectacular waterfall. It’s the perfect spot for families wanting to cool off. The cave up to the right is allegedly the home of Jennet, a fairy queen. The amazing Gordale Scar is just upstream.
From Malham village, head east towards Gordale Scar (BD23 4DL). Take the path on the right about 300m before the campsite.
For more tempting dips, the Wild Guide to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales by Daniel Start contains more than 800 wild and hidden places to explore.
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