Wild Swimming in our corner of the Northern Lakes

There’s a particular kind of British optimism required to look at a river the colour of strong tea, in a country where “summer” is more of a suggestion than a season, and think: yes, I shall get in that. And yet here we all are, togs in the boot, towel on the back seat, utterly converted.

The good news is you don’t need to drive to the other end of the Lake District for a decent dip. Between our halls in the Eden Valley and Hause Hall on the shores of Ullswater, our closest and, we’d argue, most beautiful of the Northern Lakes, you’re never far from somewhere worth getting wet in.

From Blencowe Hall, Melmerby Hall and Todd Hills: the River Eden

Guests staying with us around Blencowe, Melmerby and Todd Hills Hall Farm are only minutes from some of the River Eden’s best-kept stretches.

Lacy Caves, near Little Salkeld – carved into red sandstone above the river, with a shingle bank below perfect for wading in gently, or, if you’re feeling bold, launching yourself off one of the rocky outcrops. Bring the dog. Leave the dignity.

Lazonby to Kirkoswald – a proper local classic. The old sandstone bridge between the two villages has a small car park nearby, and gives easy access to a wide, slow-moving stretch of the Eden. Look out for the Eden Benchmark sculpture, “Cypher Piece”, while you’re drying off.

Langwathby to Armathwaite – a longer, quieter stretch for those who prefer their swimming without an audience. Gentle currents, overhanging trees, and the sort of silence that makes you forget you have emails.

From Hause Hall: Ullswater and the River Eamont

Hause Hall sits close enough to Ullswater that a swim before breakfast is entirely reasonable behaviour.

Kailpot Crag – widely considered the best swim spot on the whole lake. Follow the path from Sandwick towards Howtown through pine woods and past quiet bays, then jump straight off the rock into deep, clear water. There’s a small “cliff” if you’re after a bit more drama.

Howtown – for a gentler outing, the long pebble beach here is easy to reach, easy on the feet, and a fine spot for a picnic once you’re out.

Sandwick to Howtown shore path – the walk itself takes in woodland, cliffs and rocky coves, with a marked beach about half a mile along where most people call it a day.

Aira Force – better known for the waterfall and the crowds admiring it from a safe, dry distance, but head upstream to High Force and you’ll find a genuinely lovely wild swim, minus most of the crowds.

River Eamont at Pooley Bridge – for confident swimmers only. Rope swings, small weirs and a proper sense of adventure, best entered from the shallows under the bridge.

A few sensible words

We’re a family business, not a lifeguard service, so a bit of common sense goes a long way:

The Eden and the Eamont both have currents that are stronger than they look, especially after rain, so check conditions before you go in. Ullswater carries boat traffic, including the steamers, so a bright tow float is a very good idea. Cold water is cold water, even in August, so ease in rather than leap in unless you really know the spot. And always swim with someone else nearby.

None of this is meant to put you off. It’s meant to get you in the water, safely, and back to the hall for tea and cake afterwards, which, let’s be honest, is the whole point.

Ready to make a proper weekend of it? Browse our dog-friendly cottages and large properties across the Eden Valley and Ullswater.