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| What an amazing place for a swim! I’ve visited many wild swimming spots in the Lake District – but none are quite like this deep natural infinity pool on a steep fell side! Read on to learn more about this epic location… |
A hidden natural infinity pool in the Lake District
What an amazing find this was when I was exploring waterfalls in the Lake District – a hidden infinity pool perched up high overlooking Thirlmire and the Lakeland fells. There are loads of wild swimming spots in the Lake District – but not many gems like this that are high up a steep mountain side in a deep, natural infinity plunge pool setting with the best Lake District views. It was a stunning find and one of those ‘wow’ moments. The photo above got a load of likes and interest on my Insta account – I guess other people got that ‘wow’ feeling too!
Initially I didn’t blog about it as I’m loathe to share too much info on secret places – this blog gets thousands of hits a week! Although I do share locations of my adventures and secret spots on my Insta & Facebook stories which is a more limited number of like-minded people, give me a follow if you want to discover new places:
Regular readers of the blog will know I’ve shared in detail the more well-known and popular wild swimming spots (like Buckstones Jump near Rydal Water) that are no secret really, well documented online and lots of people know about them. Those sort of places can get quite busy in warm months and can attract large groups of people.
I came across this hidden infinity pool quite a few years ago when exploring the area (I’d seen ‘waterfall’ mentioned on the map and knew it was a steep fellside due to the contour lines) and not much was known about this infinity pool at all online. My initial blog post shared the general area (see map below) – as I was reluctant to give away its exact spot incase it became too popular and trashed by the few idiots. However since then it has become a lot more documented on social media and more popular – which is both good (more people get to experience these stunning places) & bad (the idiots leave rubbish lying around!). So I’ve since updated this blog post to encourage greater responsibility at this special place.
Lake District’s ‘Thirlmire’ Infinity pool – map location:
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| Here’s the general map location of the infinity pool. This idyllic infinity pool is on the north-eastern side of Thirlmire in the Lake District in the highlighted circle on the map. It’s not that long a walk from where you can park the car at Swirls Car Park but the exact infinity pool spot is a little hidden from the main foot path. When I did this initial blog post – this is all I shared as I think it’s good to have an explore and sometimes things can be too accessible these days and it spoils the fun of adventure and the excitement of discovering something for yourself! However, since the location of this infinity pool is more documented online now, to help you in your search if you click the interactive map route button below you can see where I recommend starting your waterfall hunting adventure and where to park the car (Swirls Car Park). You’ll then walk north along the footpath to Fisherplace Gill where the infinity pool is located. The infinity pool is located away from the main path by about 30m – and Fisherplace Gill is steep with lots of cascading falls – so it will still take a little bit of finding! By clicking the button below – you’ll get a better idea of where it is. However to view the map in more detail – and save the route to your phone (so it still works without signal – essential in the Lakes)- you will need a paid subscription from OS maps – which I highly recommend! |
Hidden infinity Lake District infinity pool photos:
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| I love going watrefall hunting in the Lake District and just getting a map and having an explore wherever it says waterfalls! Sometimes there will be a plunge pool at the foot of the waterfalls – perfetc for a dip! On Fisherplace Gill where the infinity pool is located there are quite a few waterfalls and cascades and it is worth an explore. If you get to this waterfall pictured above you are nearly at the hidden infinity pool – but have come a little bit too far up the Gill so head a bit further down stream than this. (It is a good place to stop and admire though!) |
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| The hidden infinity pool in all its glory with stunning views over to Thirlmire. If you manage to find it you won’t be disappointed by this epic place which is deep enough for a swim. It’s a little tricky to get down into it – and beware the drop over the waters edge – a fall here is dangerous – and it has happened recently where someone ended up in a very bad way. Do take care also if you go for a swim, the fresh water here is as cold as it gets and can be a right shock to the system if you haven’t done it before – risking drowning for a social media photo and likes just isn’t worth it. Another note of caution – recent heavy rainfall increases the water flow which can make the water flow more powerful – so take care. And finally – I share places like this as I want others to enjoy outdoor experiences – but please, please, look after these natural beauty spots. Don’t trash them, take all your rubbish home with you and leave them as you found them for others to enjoy. If you do see any rubbish – do the decent thing and help tidy it up. Thanks and enjoy your visit! |
As a respectful waterfall chaser, would be quite nice for you to share where this is.
I’ve shared a map to give you a good idea – and once you arrive at the general location I’m sure you can cross reference the view form the infinity pool and figure it out 🙂
They've explained why they haven't. And I don't blame them. I'm not even a hiker yet I'm trying to find it haha
What car park do you suggest we park at to try find it? Thank you
Swirls car park
Thanks for the idea. We found the infinity pool yesterday with a little backtracking and readjusting of our route – hadn’t gone quite far enough! You’re right though – it was more satisfying not knowing exactly where it was!! Unfortunately quite a lot of other people had found it too, so we had to wait our turn for a dip, but it was worth it!
I’m glad you found it with a few clues and found it more satisfying exploring the area, and understand why the exact location hasn’t been shared on here. However I see others have now shared the exact location on youtube and other blogs, which spoils the sense of adventure for me and with the weekend being very hot & sunny in the lakes (a rarity!) I’m not surprised others where there. Still a lovely spot and as long as people respect the area and keep it clean I think it’s good that more people enjoy the outdoors.
Unfortunately this place that was once so untouched has become a hot spot for instagrammers etc as too many have shared the location. Now there are always people, the ground is bare where there was once grass , the path well trampled , new paths formed,and there’s litter every time I’ve gone up. All for one photo. Nobody seems aware a damn is released during/after rainfall which dramatically increases flow rapidly , the worst place you’d want to be when that happens is in that pool at the edge of a big drop.
Not having a pop at you by the way as you’ve given general location, which leaves people that are genuinely interested to have a good day exploring . It’s a shame this once peaceful place is suffering. It’s not somewhere to go if you want the place to yourself anymore , people are actually queuing to get a photo of themselves bobbing about for 1 minute for ‘likes’. It’s a strange world !
Hi – I think it’s a general modern day issue with lots of people seeking out the best places to visit themselves (I can’t begrudge people wanting to see and experience these stunning natural places – but those who litter at these places are just idiots). I didn’t share the exact location , knowing that respectful ‘true’ outdoorsy would be able to find it with a bit of map reading and outdoor skills – and those who haven’t got a clue might not be able to find it so easily. But it seems others are more than willing to share exact locations and youtube videos. Each to their own in that respect – but there are lots of other hidden places I also do not share as a result. Hopefully people see your comment and take a bit more care and consideration in this place.
What a beautiful area! I found something special about waterfalls, i simply love them. Great article
Thanks – yeh waterfalls are just epic aren’t they