Top 5 Wild Swimming Spots in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and rich industrial heritage, also holds a secret for the adventurous soul – a surprising variety of hidden gems for the wild swimming enthusiast. Craving an invigorating dip amidst stunning scenery, a chance to reconnect with nature, and a dose of dopamine mixed with adrenaline? Then look no further than the rivers, lakes, and waterfalls scattered across this captivating region.
Whether you're a seasoned wild swimmer seeking a challenging trek followed by a plunge into a cascading waterfall, or a beginner looking for a gentle escape in a serene lake, West Yorkshire caters to every level.
The beauty of wild swimming lies in its simplicity – the freedom to immerse yourself in cool, natural waters, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It's a chance to escape the confines of the everyday, to reconnect with the raw beauty of nature, and to experience a sense of exhilaration that an indoor heated pool just can’t offer.
Remember, wild swimming carries inherent risks. Be honest with yourself about your abilities and choose a location that matches your experience level. Check out our Beginners Guide to Wild Swimming for our top safety top tips and a guide to what you’ll need to make your swim a comfortable experience. Here's a curated list of our top 5 picks in West Yorkshire to get you started, each offering a unique experience for the adventurous soul.
Nestled amongst the woodlands of Hardcastle Crags, Lumb Falls offers a picturesque and refreshing wild swimming experience with a series of cascading waterfalls creating a natural pool perfect for a dip.
The journey to the falls itself is an adventure. Hikers can embark on a scenic trek starting from Hebden Bridge, through the stunning Hardcastle Crags. This route offers breathtaking Pennine scenery and a chance to immerse in nature's magic.
The bigger circular route from Hebden Bridge takes roughly 4-5 hours, allowing you to explore the many highlights of Hardcastle Crags - you won’t regret making a day of it. Once you reach the falls, set up a picnic and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools where the water depth varies depending on the season. So, lace up your boots, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to discover the magic of Lumb Falls.
Location: Lumb Falls, Sunny Bank Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 8RG
Parking: The closest parking to the falls is about 100m southwest of this postcode: HX7 8RG. Your sat nav will take you to a junction between Old Road and Cross Ends Lane. To enjoy a walk before your swim, head to Garden Street car park at HX7 8AQ in Hebden Bridge as your starting point.
Great if you like:
- Waterfall views
- A moderate physical challenge
- Making a day of it
- Walking before and after your dip
Directions & Dip tips:
The walk up to the falls through the valley is well-signposted and you can follow directions from your favourite digital map provider. We love this route from All Trails. Check out reviews of the route and a taster of the views you’ll encounter along the way. When you get to the falls, the ground around the water is rocky and can be slippery so extra caution is needed. Water shoes will be your best friend here, giving you confidence underfoot when getting in and getting out of the water.
Warm up and refuel:
Hebden Bridge is a bustling town full of fantastic options for every taste. Our favourite is COIN, a gorgeous bar restaurant on Albert Street where the well-curated wine and beer selection meets a stunning selection of cheese and meat platters accompanied by freshly cooked small plates to tickle your tastebuds.
Craving a secluded dip in the River Wharfe? Look no further than the "Hidden Dip", accessible from Astley Lane in Otley. Once parked, follow Castley Lane until the "Hidden Dip" sign guides you. Here, a lay-by sits by the river. Choose one of the paths down the bank (nearer the bridge is recommended) for your Wharfe dip. Remember, the beauty of nature comes with responsibility, so tread lightly and enjoy!
Location: River Wharfe, Otley, LS21 2QA
Parking : Park in the lay-by by the bridge (postcode LS21 2QA will get you close) or use https://w3w.co/oppose.stream.sparrows
Great if you like:
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Easy water access points
- Dipping close by your car
Directions & Dip tips:
Follow Castley Lane until a helpful road sign points you towards the "Hidden Dip." Here, the River Wharfe unfolds beside the lane, inviting you for a refreshing swim. Be prepared for a short, steep scramble down the bank to reach the water. Surrounded by trees, this wide area offers a tranquil escape. The riverbed is very stony, so water shoes are highly recommended. Important Note: Stick to the designated access points. Entering the Wharfe from other parts of Astley Lane can cross onto private land.
Warm up and refuel:
The White Hart in Pool-In-Wharfedale is the closest spot to grab a hot drink (or pint) and get some grub inside you. Open every day from 11am for brunch, lunch, and dinner so no matter what time of day you dip, you can refuel somewhere warm and cosy. They have outdoor seating too if you prefer to warm up in the sun.
Usually the setting for the World Triathlon Championship Series, the lake doubles as a beautifully tranquil spot for those willing to get up early. While not strictly wild swimming, the vast expanse of the lake provides a refreshing dip amidst scenic parkland. Leeds Council advise any swimmers to go early (no later that 7:30am) to the lake to avoid peak hours for other park visitors. The reason being not to advertise the location as a general swimming spot where inexperienced swimmers including children and teenagers will congregate and encourage accidents.
Location: Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 2RU
Parking: The Lakeside Café, 9 Park Ave, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2WF (Free)
Great if you like:
- Scenic lake settings
- Amenities nearby
- A choice of access points
- Making a day of it
Directions & Dip tips: There are two entry points to the lake. The pontoon deck used by the White Rose Canoe Club offers a ‘straight in’ option where you lower yourself in from the deck. This requires a decent level of upper body strength as you have to pull yourself up again when exiting the water. For a more gentle alternative, head past the pontoon on your left and continue on the path for about a hundred yards. The Ramp is at the far end of the lake, offering a gradual entry allowing you to acclimatise to the water temperature (depending on the time of year(. Water shoes are recommended for this entry due to the rocks and stones on the lake bed. The lake is home to a fair number of swans, so remember to avoid direct eye contact and wait for them to swim away before entering.
Warm up and refuel:
The Lakeside Café opens at 10am, which isn’t ideal when you’re swimming early, but in nearby Oakwood, Tasty Kitchen & Coffee opens at 8:30am. It’s a relaxed spot and, as the name suggests, offers a delicious range of hearty breakfast options. Alternatively, a flask of hot tea and a breakfast picnic on the ramp offers a serene setting for refuelling.
- Boston Spa
Boston Spa is a picturesque village just outside Leeds, centred around a high street full of beautiful independent shops, cafes and pubs with The River Wharfe running close by. Our final dip spot in Boston Spa offers a calm and scenic stretch of water perfect for a wild yet gentle swim. There's also an easy access point on the riverside just a 5min walk from the carpark, making it a super convenient dip spot.
Location: The River Wharfe, Boston Spa. Specific entry point What 3 Words here
Parking: Parking is available at St Mary’s Church, LS23 6DR.
Great if you like:
- Gently flowing river
- Easy access
Directions & Dip tips:
Ready to take the plunge? Exit the car park and head across the field, following the path through the gap in the hedge. Turn right onto the path and descend. At the bottom, veer left towards the river and enjoy the scenic riverside walk upstream, past the weir. Our entry point features a metal railing surrounding a pipe.
Warm up and refuel:
For a top spot for great grub in Boston Spa, head back into the village centre to Tom Foolery. Indulge in everything from pancakes and breakfast sandwiches to burgers and pizzas in a chilled atmosphere.
- St Aidan's Nature Reserve, Leeds
Escape the bustle and discover a haven for wildlife at St Aidan's Nature Reserve, just a short hop from Leeds city centre. As a lesser-known spot for wild swimming at Bower’s Lake (the one closest to the car park), you’re likely to enjoy a more tranquil experience if you go early in the morning as it gets busier in the warmer months. St Aidan's has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once a disused mine, it's now a thriving haven for diverse wildlife made up of tranquil reedbeds and life-giving wetlands to vibrant meadows and pockets of woodland. Just to be aware, the “Do not enter the water” signs still exist from the 2021ban on swimming in lake that was reversed in 2022.
Location: Astley Ln, Swillington, Leeds LS26 8AL
Parking: Pay and Display parking onsite and closes at 8pm
Great if you like:
- Stunning lake side views
- Easy access
- Wildlife
- Parking close by
Directions & Dip tips:
From the car park, you’ll see the water in front of you. Head out of the car park towards the lake keeping the water in sight on your right. Follow the path down past a bench until you come to a muddy slope down to the water where a natural gap in the reeds opens up. Please do not attempt any other entry point. The wildlife will seek shelter and nest in these reeds and their natural habitat must be respected. The reserve is teeming with feathered residents, from majestic Bitterns to soaring Kestrels, so enjoy the sites and sounds, but respect their home. The exact entry point can be found using What 3 Words here. Be aware that Blue Algae can bloom here in the summer months so take care. You can read more about the blooms here.
Warm up and refuel:
After your swim, stop at the Little Owl Cafe. This charming cafe offers a selection of hot and cold food, from hearty soups and sandwiches to ice creams and cakes. Soak in the beauty of the reserve with panoramic views from the indoor seating, or enjoy the fresh air on the outdoor deck or picnic benches. The Little Owl Cafe is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
