Photos of Woodhead Pass waterfall, Glossop
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About
A lovely little plunge pool in the River Etherow, a little way upstream of Woodhead Reservoir. There is a roughly 10m long pool deep enough to swim in, a beautiful place for a picnic and a dip
Location
Getting there
Park in the little car park just off the A628, and take the Longdendale trail round to the left. It's about a 3 minute walk from the car to the water, including a stile. Mind the monster potholes when driving down the lane to the car park!
Accessibility
There's a stile to climb over on the path to the river, and then a few rocks to negotiate getting down the bank to the water, but pretty easy
What swimmers say
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Plan your swim
Before you go
- Check recent rainfall. Rivers rise fast after heavy rain.
- Never swim in fast-flowing or flooded water
- Test entry/exit before you commit. River banks can be undercut.
- Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing.
- Watch for submerged obstacles like branches, weirs, and rocks
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 river safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for current flow rate and recent rainfall. Rivers can become dangerous after heavy rain. Review community reports for hazards like weirs, strong currents, or access issues.
How cold is the water?
Check the Temperature tab for the current estimate and 7-day trend. River temperatures respond quickly to weather changes. In the UK, expect 5-10°C in winter and 15-20°C in summer at most locations.
What should I bring?
A tow float, shoes with grip for slippery banks, and warm layers for after. Water shoes protect against rocks and debris on the riverbed.