Langstrath Beck - one of the Lake Districts best places for wild swimming, inc. Black Moss Pot & Angle Tarn

Black Moss Pot Wild swimming Lake District spots map route location best Langstrath Beck Black Moss pot angle tarn

Black Moss Pot has got to be the number 1 place for Wild Swimming in the Lake District, read on to learn where it is and other wild swimming spots in the same area

Langstrath valley - one of the best areas for wild swimming in the Lake District

Wild swimming Lake District spots map route location best Langstrath Beck Black Moss pot angle tarn

In this part of the Lake District you are spoilt for choice for wild swimming spots and 4 of the best places for wild swimming in the whole of the Lakes can be found on this route from Rosthwaite, following the source of Langstrath Beck all the way to Angle Tarn. The numbered locations on this map route from Rosthwaite (which is the only place to park in the area -follow the signs to the pay and display car park) are shown in more detail below. the closest spots to Rosthwaite are likely to be busy in the summer months, so for a bit of solitude I suggest you go early (pre 9am) or when the kids are not off school.

1. Galleny Force, wild swimming spot in the Lake District

1.6 mile walk from Rosthwaite

Galleny Force Wild swimming Lake District spots map route location best Langstrath Beck Black Moss pot angle tarn

This wild swimming spot is near Galleny Force and the emerald coloured clear waters are idyllic and deep enough for a swim around.

This wild swim spot at Galleny Force is very accessible being only a 1.6 mile flat walk from Rosthwaite. It's even closer if you are staying on Stonethwaite Campsite, and is likely to be busy in warm summer days. The footpath to the north of the river is the best one to take and you'll know you are at the swim spot when you pass Galleny Force waterfall and arrive at the wooden bridge

2. Black Moss Pot, wild swimming spot in the Lake District

2.8 mile walk from Rosthwaite

Black Moss Pot is one of the most well-known locations in the Lake for wild swimming as it has all the attributes you need - deep crystal clear emerald waters, a stretch of about 30m to swim in and little cliffs to jump off (pictured right of the pool) - so it's a favourite for adventure seekers. You'll even see little brown trout swimming around! If you get this place to yourself it's simply perfect. I suggest taking swim shoes with you here for climbing on the rock.

You can't miss Blackmoss Pot really when you get there, and more than likely others will be there due to its popularity. If you are continuing on the path after Blackmoss Pot then I like to cross the shallow river (barefoot! there is no bridge here) and continue south on the western path

3. Tray Dub, upper Langstrath, wild swimming spot in the Lake District

3.8 mile walk from Rosthwaite

This stretch of Langstarth is not the deepest as previously mentioned spots, but if you are after a cold water dip and a bit of solitude as there are others at the two previous locations, then this is the place to get in the water.

You'll know when you get to this wild swimming spot at Tray dub as its right near, and just below the first wooden bridge you come too.

4. Angle Tarn, near Bowfell, wild swimming spot in the Lake District

6 mile walk from Rosthwaite

Angle tarn bowfell Wild swimming Lake District spots map route location best Langstrath Beck Black Moss pot angle tarn

Angle Tarn is one of the finest tarns in Lakeland, and if you are prepared to walk, and don't mind a trek uphill - then it's a stunning reward for more extensive wild swimming! The path takes you straight to this point pictured, where where you can gently edge your way into the tarn on the fine shingle underfoot. It really is a beautiful and dramatic place to hang out and have a picnic too.

Angle Tarn is around a 6 mile walk from Rosthwaite and the path gets rather steep for the last mile or so, so be prepared for that. Also the route is not immediately clear in some parts as you approach the tarn - so I suggest you have a map and Mobile Map Ap too to show your exit location to avoid taking the wrong turn! After Angle tarn you can retrace your steps - or extend your walk up onto Allen Crags and Glaramara where you will get some of the finest views in the Lake District!

If you don't have a Phone Map App - I really recommend the one by Ordnance Survey. You can download route maps to your phone such as this one and the app will show you exactly where you are on the route even when you have no signal - so no more taking a wrong turn :-)

Happy Swimming!

Post by Stuart Hodgson
'The Hiking Photographer'

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