Photos of Rydal Caves
Reviews
About
Beautiful Pool in upper Rydal Cave. Not huge but enough for a swimble. There are even a few fish in there. Maybe 4 meters at its deepest. Incredible experience. However it does dry up in the summer so may not be able to swim all year round.
Location
Getting there
The nearest car park is Pelter Bridge which is £3.50 for 2 hours. From there it’s a mile walk which is steep in parts. If you fancy a longer walk you can also walk along Rydal water and back up or across from Grasmere.
Accessibility
You can walk in across big rocks and boulders. Definitely recommend aqua shoes. Be careful because it can be slippy.
What swimmers say
Activities
Landscape
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Plan your swim
Before you go
- Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
- Lake water can be much colder below the surface (thermocline)
- Stay close to shore until you know the conditions
- Watch for boat traffic and stay visible with a tow float
- Check for blue-green algae warnings before swimming
Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lake safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for surface state and wind conditions. Review the Quality tab if this is a designated bathing water. Always read recent community reports for local advice.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. Lakes hold heat longer than rivers but can develop a thermocline. The water below the surface can be dramatically colder.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility (especially important where boats operate), warm layers for after, and consider a wetsuit in colder months. Check for designated swimming areas.