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Wild Swimming

Wild Swimming on Dartmoor

Dartmoor has many hidden gems, however the fact it has some of the best wild swimming spots in the UK must be one of its biggest.

With crystal clear rivers, mystical moor top lakes, gorges and waterfall pools, abandoned quarries and ancient woodlands the opportunities for wild swimming are vast!

Please remember to respect the wildlife in the water and surrounding nature, it’s a good idea to read this information first on the Outdoor Swimming Society website.

Here are some of the best wild swimming spots on Dartmoor

Popular

Sharrah Pool Amazing place on the River Dart deep in the Dart Gorge, possibly Dartmoor’s most famous wild swimming spot, Sharrah Pool is a long, deep section of the River Dart set within the magical woods of Holne. The water is clean and cool. About 45 min walk from the New Bridge car park. Drive: 35 mins /14 miles

Tavy Cleave. Another amazing spot in a stunning valley on the western side of Dartmoor. There are pools of water below cascades in the cleave (valley) that’s cut by the River Tavy. Drive: 41 mins /22.3 miles

Double Waters. On the western border of Dartmoor National Park where the River Walkham flows into the River Tavy. There’s a big bend in the Tavy just downriver of Double Waters. Drive: 48-60 mins /23.3-35.5 miles. (depending on road choice)

Foggintor Quarry, YelvertonMoorland

Foggintor Quarry. This old granite quarry near Princetown has filled with rainwater to become a stunning, eerily still pool. The towering cliffs create a dramatic backdrop, and the water is very deep, so strong swimming ability is required. Drive: 36 mins /16.2 miles

Shilley Pool. Below the bulk of Cosdon Hill in the northern section of the National Park. Part of Blackaton Brook. Drive: 41 mins /20.3 miles

Cullever Steps Pool. This is a small pool of water in popular walking country in the northern section of Dartmoor. Drive: 22 mins /10.4 miles

Crazy Well Pool. Close to Burrator Reservoir on open moorland. Drive: 41mins /20.3 miles 

Places on Dartmoor where wild swimming is FORBIDDEN – Reservoirs!

Dartmoor’s many reservoirs. For example, notices tell you not to swim at Fernworthy ReservoirBurrator Reservoir and Meldon Reservoir

A useful website reference and more information about wild swimming & it’s benefits »

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