Whether you are looking for a deep river plunge pool or a peaceful pebble beach with panoramic views of Catbells, Maiden Moor, and High Spy, here is our local guide to five of the best wild swimming and chill spots down Borrowdale. We have included everything you need to know, complete with accurate local parking tips, public transport routes, and essential safety advice.
1. Black Moss Pot
This one’s been a personal favourite year after year. Summer nights spent wild camping up there with just a duvet is a memory that will stick with me forever. It’s definitely worth the hike. its up there for being one of the best places for wild swimming in Borrowdale.
Tucked away in the remote Langstrath Valley, Black Moss Pot is arguably the most famous river gorge swim in the Lake District. It is a dramatic, natural trench carved through the rock, filled with vibrant, clear water.
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What type of water is it? A deep, natural river plunge pool (Langstrath Beck).
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How to get there by Bus: Catch the Stagecoach 78 open-top bus from Keswick and get off at Stonethwaite Road End or Rosthwaite if you want a longer walk.
Where to park: Free parking in the nearby village of Stonethwaite is extremely limited. There’s roughly 6 spaces by the red phone box. You must arrive very early to grab these in the summer! There’s also a campsite past the Langstrath Inn where you may be able to park for a small fee, and the pub has parking for its guests. Alternatively, use the roadside parking as you enter the village or the National Trust Car Park in Rosthwaite and walk in. If parking on the roadside, please park considerately and never block farm gates.
- The Walk in: From Stonethwaite, it is a relatively flat but rocky 2-mile walk (roughly 45–60 minutes) following the Langstrath Beck up the valley. Keep to the right as you head up the valley.
The Swim: It is a sensational spot for a proper cold-water plunge. The main channel is very deep, with different ledges and heights to jump from, making it incredibly popular for diving. The shallower pebble beach at the top is great for a gentle paddle.
Safety Notes: The rocks get incredibly slippery when wet. Always physically check the water depth for submerged rocks or debris before jumping, as river conditions change drastically after heavy rain. Please take genuine care; I’ve seen many serious accidents over the years up here, and not all of them in the water.
2. Chinese Bridge
This is another absolute favourite place for wild swimming in Borrowdale. The reason it remains a top spot is its versatility—it’s perfect for jumping off the bridge or the surrounding rocks, or just chilling out on the flat, grassy banks on either side of the river.
Located where the River Derwent gently flows into the southern end of Derwent Water, the Chinese Bridge is a picturesque footbridge surrounded by tranquil wetlands, offering views straight into the “Jaws of Borrowdale.”
- What type of water is it? Calm river mouth with a mix of shallow and deep sections.
- How to get there by Bus: Take the Stagecoach 78 bus and hop off at the Borrowdale Hotel or Lodore Hotel stops.
Where to park: For day visitors, the Kettlewell National Trust Car Park is your best and most reliable option (Pay & Display / free for NT members). There’s a farm between the hotels where you can sometimes park, although it fills quickly in the summer months. Please note that parking at the Lodore Falls Hotel or The Borrowdale Hotel is strictly for guests and patrons.
The Walk in: From Kettlewell Car Park, it is a beautiful, flat 10-minute walk south along the road past the Lodore Hotel over a slight hill; there’s a gate on the right with a track through a field; by this point you’ll already see the bridge. If you take the bus to Lodore, it is a simple 5-minute stroll up and over the hill. If you’re getting the launch, follow the above directions.
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The Swim: This area is incredibly peaceful. The slow-moving water here is a mix of shallow and deep pockets, and because it is relatively still, it warms up slightly faster than the mountain plunge pools. It is the perfect place to sit on the banks, dip your feet, jump off the bridge, and completely relax.
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Safety Notes: The riverbed can be quite soft and silty as you get closer to the reeds. Stick to the clearer pebble sections for a firmer footing. The wooden bridge timbers get very slippery when wet, so watch your step. If you are heading out with the family, this spot is perfect for paddling and relaxing by the riverside. Just bear in mind that its accessible beauty makes it very popular; it can get quite busy, especially in the school holidays.
3. Grange Bridge
Situated right in the picturesque village of Grange-in-Borrowdale, this iconic double-arched stone bridge crosses a wide, gently flowing section of the River Derwent. It is also a brilliant launching point if you want to kayak or dinghy downstream into the lake.
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What type of water is it? Clear, freshwater river.
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How to get there by Bus: This is the easiest public transport spot on the list. The Stagecoach 78 bus stops exactly at the Grange Bridge stop, dropping you right next to the water.
- Where to park: There is virtually no visitor parking in Grange village itself (just a couple of highly contested roadside spaces). Your best bet is the Bowder Stone National Trust Car Park.
The Walk-in: From the Bowder Stone car park, it is a highly scenic 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) down the road into Grange village.
- The Swim: On either side of the bridge, you will find delightful, shallow pebble beaches. The water here is incredibly clear, making it a brilliant, safe spot for families to paddle or for a refreshing dip after exploring the fells of the valley.
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Nearby Attractions: The Bowder Stone, Grange Crags, and the excellent local village cafés for a post-swim brew.
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Safety Notes: While usually calm, the River Derwent can flow fast and become surprisingly deep immediately following heavy rainfall in the fells. Always assess the current before getting in.
4. Ashness Jetty (Ashness Pier)
Easily one of the most photographed locations in the Lake District, Ashness Jetty is a classic wooden pier stretching out into Derwent Water, offering sweeping panoramic views across the water to Catbells, High Spy, and Maiden Moor and the fells beyond. Because the sun hits this eastern side of the lake much later in the day, it guarantees some spectacular golden sunsets. The perfect place for wild swimming in Borrowdale.
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What type of water is it? Open lake swimming.
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How to get there by Bus or Boat: Take the Stagecoach 78 bus; ask for the Ashness Gate stop. Alternatively, take the Keswick Launch (wooden ferry) directly from the Keswick boat landings, which drops you right on the jetty at the Ashness Pier!
Where to park: There is a very small, free layby directly opposite the jetty just off the B5289 heading up the hill; just past the cattle grid there’s a car park.
If that is full, you can park in the Ashness Bridge National Trust Car Park located up the steep, narrow hill. Slightly further north along the B5289 is the large Great Wood Car Park.
The Walk in: The bus and ferry drop you right at the water’s edge. From Great Wood Car Park, it is a pleasant 15-minute stroll south along the lakeshore path.
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The Swim: The shoreline here shelves gently over the pebbles, making for an easy, confident entry into the water. You can also jump straight off the end of the jetty. It’s a fantastic spot for a longer open-water swim or a quiet sunset dip.
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Safety Notes: This is a highly popular spot for paddleboarders and landscape photographers. Keep an eye out for the Keswick Launch ferry passing by, as its waves will send small, unexpected waves rolling toward the shore.
5. Kettlewell Car Park
If you want maximum convenience without sacrificing any of the spectacular views, Kettlewell is totally unbeatable. This location offers literal car-to-water access right on the eastern shores of Derwentwater.
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What type of water is it? Open lake swimming.
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How to get there by Bus: The Stagecoach 78 passes right by. Get off at the Lodore Hotel stop, then follow the walk-in below.
Where to park: Kettlewell National Trust Car Park. It’s a Pay & Display, but free if you scan your National Trust membership card.
The Walk in: From the Lodore Hotel bus stop, walk back up the road (heading north towards Keswick). As you walk up the road, stick to your right-hand side for a few minutes. As you approach the Mary Mount Hotel, there will be an entrance to the footpath leading to the car park. It’s a bit longer than the road, but safer; it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are driving, you can step straight from your car, over a small grassy bank, and directly onto the pebble shore of Derwent Water.
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The Swim: The sheltered bays here offer calm waters, making it an ideal, accessible location for beginners wanting to try open-water cold dipping without a hike. I highly recommend this place as a launch point for paddleboarding.
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Nearby Attractions: Lodore Falls, Lodore Jetty, and the Chinese Bridge are all just a short walk south.
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Safety Notes: The lakebed shelves and gets deep quite quickly as you head further out. Because it is an open lake, the surface can get choppy very quickly if the wind funnels down the Borrowdale valley.
Ready for some wild swimming in Borrowdale?
Whether you are seeking the adrenaline rush of a deep gorge jump at Black Moss Pot, a family-friendly paddle beneath Grange Bridge, or a peaceful sunset float off Ashness Jetty, the Borrowdale Valley truly has something for everyone. The water in the fells might be notoriously brisk, but the feeling of washing off a long day of hiking in these crystal-clear local spots is completely unmatched.
A Quick Reminder on Respecting the Lakes: As these beautiful locations become more popular, it is more important than ever to look after them. Please remember to:
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Leave No Trace: Take absolutely all of your litter home with you. If you brought it into the valley, it leaves with you.
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Park Considerately: The roads down Borrowdale are narrow and vital for local farmers and emergency vehicles. Never block gates, passing places, or driveways.
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Respect the Water: Mountain rivers and lakes are unpredictable. Always acclimatise slowly to the cold, check depths before jumping, and never swim alone.
Take your time exploring, stay safe, and enjoy everything this incredible valley has to offer.
Find Accommodation
Looking for the perfect base for your next Lake District adventure? From traditional coaching inns and cosy village B&Bs to lakeside hotels with dramatic fell views, find the best places to stay in Keswick and the surrounding valleys. Search real-time availability, compare top-rated stays, and book your getaway.
Recommended Place to Stay: Langstrath Inn
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