With glorious weather forecasted for May half term this week, one way to make the most of it is heading to the Lake District and enjoying the stunning scenery it has to offer. From fell walks to mountain biking routes, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves outdoor activities.
The Lake District is also a popular spot for wild swimming, especially in the summer months. Many of its hidden pools and streams often have stunning views you can enjoy, whether you take a dip or not.
One of the most famous swimming locations is Black Moss Pot, which is around a two-mile walk up the Langstrath Valley, LancsLive reports. It’s a beautiful walk passing a waterfall along the way.
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You can walk up on either side of the river before cooling down in the water. Another plus is that the swimming place is spacious with a waterfall supplying the water.
Black Moss even has natural diving ledges built into the pools, which you can jump from into the water below. However, the water is cold and you need to be prepared for this. Don't jump off the high rocks without first taking a dip in the pool to suss out the depth.
When you’ve finished the walk you can enjoy a refreshing pint in a family-run pub. Set in the jaws of the Langstrath valley is the Langstrath Country Inn, which is tucked away from the main road in the quiet unspoilt village of Stonethwaite.
The pub’s website says: "‘The Langstrath’, a small local family run haven for walkers and lovers of the countryside, was built around 1590 as a miners cottage and has over the years been converted and extended to what it is today.
"The Langstrath Country Inn is situated centrally for the well known walks in the area and it is also an ideal base for those attempting England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. We are well known for being on the route of two famous walking routes – the Coast to Coast pathway and the Cumbrian Way."
Here is everything you need to know for this walk:
From the village, walk past the cottages and Langstrath Inn and you’ll come to a fork in the path with a gate on the left.
Pass through the gate into the field where you’ll see another gate on the opposite side. Continue through the gate and along the path.
Continue along the path for approximately two miles with the river on your left. About a mile along the path, you’ll pass Fairy Glen and Galleny Force Waterfall.
Continue walking and after the river bends, you’ll see the tops of the rocks that slope down into Black Moss Pot.
You'll then be able to follow the path back down.
Langstrath Country Inn is a mile away from the town of Rosthwaite, around a two and half hour drive from Greater Manchester. The town has several accommodation options, ranging from B&Bs and hotels. There's also a youth hostel in Barrowdale.
Wild swimming has become an increasingly popular pastime but it should only be carried out by experienced swimmers and is done at the swimmer's own risk.
Make sure you always swim with someone else if you're venturing to a wilder spot.
Always follow safety advice around any bodies of water, and never swim in reservoirs where hidden equipment and strong currents can lurk beneath the water.
One of the biggest risks is from the cold water which can cause shock. Specially-designed wetsuits can offer protection against this; those without them should be careful to enter the water slowly and give themselves time to acclimatise to the water.
More information about how to stay safe while swimming in open water can be found on the Royal Life Saving Society website.
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