The Best Wild Swimming Spots in North Yorkshire
We’re kicking off our Dip Spot series with our homeland of North Yorkshire. Awash with unbelievable wild swimming spots, it was tough to whittle them down but here they are, and there’s something for everyone. Some come with easy access, and some require a bit of a trek before you reach your reward, but we promise they’re all worth the wait. If you’re new to wild swimming, check out our Beginner’s Guide with helpful tips and safety advice so your swim is as comfortable and fun as it should be.
Fancy a scenic escape with a refreshing dip? Look no further than Kisdon Force, a cascading waterfall tucked away in a woodland gorge along the River Swale. Unlike other more well-known falls, Kisdon is a little closer to Keld and offers an almost secret wild swim spot.
Location: River Swale, Keld, Richmond DL11 6LJ
Parking: There’s a village car park in Keld or additional parking at Park Lodge (DL11 6LJ) also known as Ruskins Campsite which is also a simple but fantastic camping spot.
Directions & Dip tips: Directly opposite the campsite car park is a wide path leading down to the river. Follow the path with the river on your left, keeping an eye out for the sign towards "Kisdon Force Upper Falls." The final stretch gets a tad steeper with a short climb down with a rope but it's manageable for most.
Dip into the pool below carved by the falls for a cool-down, or for the thrill-seekers, test your metal with a 5-meter jump. For the more adventurous, there's a 10-meter plunge - but it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Warm up and refuel: Swing by the Tan Hill Inn, the UK's highest pub perched at an impressive 1,732 feet above sea level.
Great if you like:
- Woodland dips spot
- Walk to get there with steep ascending and descending sections
- Jump-in access point options
This is one of the most popular spots on our list and for a very good reason. Local folklore tells us a fairy queen (Janet) once lived in a hidden cave behind the waterfall. Get there as early as you can as it gets popular in the spring and summer months.
Location: Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL
Parking: Park up in the Visitors' centre for free or in the village if there’s space.
Great if you like:
- Woodland dips spot
- A gentle walk to get there
- Walk-in access points
- Waterfalls
- Deep sections
- Quiet dip spots (weekdays/ early mornings)
Directions & Dip tips: Heading out of the village, take the footpath on the left of the river just down the road and it leads you to Janet’s Foss. There you’ll find a limestone amphitheatre surrounding the pool (once used for sheep dipping), and now perfect for a swim. Sea shoes or Neoprene boots would be a good shout here as the surrounding ground is quite rocky.
Warm up and refuel: Reheat with a circular walk to Gordale Scar and round to the awe-inspiring Malham Cove and refuel in the charms of The Lister Arms for a bite to eat and a pint by the log fire, or out in the garden when the sun is shining.
Another little gift from the River Swaledale is just a 25-min walk west along the riverside from Kisdon Force. No need for a hike, you can park your car on the roadside and head straight down through the gate by the road. This secluded spot is a great adventure for those seeking a taste of the wild.
Location: B6270, Richmond DL11 6DZ
Parking: There’s a village car park in Keld, or park up on the country lanes nearer this part of the river (see the map).
Great if you like:
- Quiet dip sots
- Waterfalls
- To stay close to your car
- Easy water access points
- Paddling and deep sections
Directions & Dip tips: Heading northwest out of Keld along the B6270, you’ll see a gate on the right-hand side just before a stone bridge. You’ll see the river in front of you and the falls ahead surrounded by a riverbank of rocks and pebbles. Take river shoes or similar to make entry to the water more comfortable. The water is deep in places and when rainfall is heavy the currents can become quite strong so caution is always advised, as with any wild dip spot. There are even some well-positioned rocks beneath cascading water to perch and let the water flow over you.
Warm up and refuel: Head back to Keld Lodge for a pint and a cheese board.
Flowing beside the ancient stones of Bolton Abbey, the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales presents a unique wild swimming dip spot.
Location: Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AL
Parking: Head to the paid-for Riverside Car Park or the main Bolton Abbey car park.
Great if you like:
- Popular dip spots
- Gently flowing water
- A picnic spot next to the water
- Easy water access points
- Paddling and deep sections
- Historical landmarks
Directions & Dip tips:
The stretch below the abbey is ideal for a swim on a hot summer's day or a cold dip in the cooler months. Stepping stones offer access to a small, sandy beach, perfect for entering the water and the banks on either side are great for a post-swim picnic.
While the initial plunge might take your breath away, the reward is a swim alongside a historical landmark. Venturing beyond the designated area requires caution as strong currents can build beneath the surface of the deeper parts, especially after heavy rain.
Warm up and refuel: The Devonshire Arms a short drive is an ideal base if you’re making a weekend of it, or Bolton Abbey has a couple of great café options on site.
Unlike the solitude of some of the spots on our list, this stretch of the River Wharfe offers a playful atmosphere perfect for a social dip nestled between the small picturesque market town of Grassington and the village of Linton. The water had a brown-red colour, apparently from the clay bed further upstream.
Location: Linton, BD23 6BQ (w3w: ///tools.indicates.tester)
Parking: Park up at the National Park Visitor Centre and arrive early as it gets busy with tourists
Great if you like:
- Popular dip spots, especially in Summer
- Picnic spots on the river bank
- Waterfalls and weirs
- Easy water access points
- Paddling and deep sections
Directions & Dip tips: Head down toward the river and follow the signposted public footpath to Linton Falls. The star attraction here isn't a cascading waterfall, but a smooth, natural chute carved out by the river on the far side by a ruined mill house. Linton Falls is a good one for all ages and abilities but do remember to take river shoes as there are some uncomfortably big pebbles on the river bed. The grassy and sandy banks are great for a picnic after your dip. For the more daring, there's a plunge pool below the weir. Avoid the falls after heavy rainfall as the falls and weirs nearby pick up some serious force.
Warm up and refuel: The Corner House café is a lovely little tea room, perfect whatever the weather. There’s no shortage of options in Grassington Square to take a walk around while you warm up from your wild swim!
In the sleepy village of Burnsall, Skipton lies the deep plunge pool of Loup Scar. Accessible via a breathtaking jump or from the limestone riverside. There’s calmer swimming available to get the strokes in too. This one has something for everyone.
Location: River Wharfe, Burnsall, Skipton
Parking: On the road beside St Wilfred’s Church, Burnsall
Great if you like:
- Popular dip spots, especially in summer
- Paddling and deep sections
- Gently flowing water
- Jump in access point options
- Picnic spots on the river bank
- A riverside walk to the dip spot
Directions & Dip tips: With St Wilfred’s on your right, head down Church Lane (the first right after the church) where you’ll find a long calm section of the river for a swim. Turn left and head upstream toward Loup Scar. After a couple of hundred yards, there is a beautiful grassy bank just downstream from the end of the rocky section, great for a picnic. Loup Scar is very deep and should only be attempted by confident swimmers. There is a high jump you can try out too if you feel brave enough!
Warm up and refuel: Burnsall Village is beautiful and worth a stroll about to soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The Red Lion and the Devonshire Fell Hotel are super welcoming or there’s the village shop and two cafés if you fancy exploring. There are public toilets in the village too.
7) Wild Swimming at Hardraw Force Waterfall
This is England’s highest (100ft) unbroken waterfall. It’s located on 15 acres of private land belonging to the Green Dragon Pub and is maintained by its very own heritage centre, dedicated to its history. Access via the centre comes with a small fee to help with the upkeep of the falls and the surrounding area, but it’s well worth a couple of quid and the £4 adult fee also covers your parking. Hardraw Force was one of the film locations in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves if you fancied recreating the waterfall scene.
Location: Location: Hardraw Force, The Heritage Centre, Hardraw, Hawes, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3LZ.
Parking: The Green Dragon Pub
Great if you like:
- Waterfalls
- Cold dip spots
- Paddling and deep sections
-
Privately owned dip spots
Directions & Dip tips: Walk down to the falls via the Heritage Centre. You can pick up a map on your way through that details the circular walks around the area – a great way to extend your visit – or warm up! The water stays cold as it doesn't get much direct sunlight so perfect for those of you seeking the benefits of a cold dip. The main watch out here is the potential for falling stones from the surrounding cliffs, and don’t forget your river shoes to make access more comfortable underfoot. Aim to get there in the morning as the centre closes at 3pm. Not everyone attending will be there to dip, so this is one for those who don’t mind others milling around, admiring the waterfall. Currently, the Heritage Centre is a cash-only operation so be sure to raid the piggy bank before you go!
Warm up and refuel: The Heritage Centre has a cafe with hot and cold food options, coffees, teas and soft drinks for refuelling whatever the weather. If it is a cosy pub you’re looking for, the roaring fires at the Green Dragon Inn are ready and waiting to warm your cockles with a pint of something locally brewed in hand.
Join a North Yorkshire Wild Swimming Group
When you need that extra boost to get out of bed, especially on those colder mornings, heading out to meet a group of friendly faces who share your love for the water is just the ticket. It’s also a great way to meet fellow dippers and discover new dip spots. It’s safer swimming together, especially in remote spots, and sharing the buzz (and the biscuits) adds a new level to the feel-good factor. Check out these North Yorkshire groups and get in touch to join them for a swim.
The Dales Dippers - Wild Swimming
