Wild Swimming in the Settle Area

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Settle offers an enchanting array of wild swimming spots, where limestone waters carve pools of pure refreshment beneath falls and ancient bridges. Wild swimming allows you to see The Dales from a completely different angle, and experience the wildlife at close quarters.

Stainforth Force, just north of Settle, is a cascade of the River Ribble tumbling over a historic packhorse bridge into a deep plunge pool. It’s a favourite for swimmers and picnickers alike, especially during salmon season in autumn when Atlantic salmon leap upstream. The banks and rock ledges make perfect launching pads,though caution is essential when the river is high.

A quieter alternative lies upstream: Catrigg Force. Tucked away in a secluded woodland copse, the waterfall drops into a magical pool, framed by mossy rock walls and shaded greenery. It’s less crowded, making it perfect for peaceful dips, and is accessible via a charming woodland walk.

Janet’s Foss, near Malham, is perhaps the most fairytale-like of them all. Water cascades over tufa-topped limestone into a crystalline plunge pool set amidst ancient woodland. Local legend swirls around Jennet, a fairy queen said to inhabit a cave behind the falls. Traditionally used as a natural sheep dip, the pool now welcomes adventurous swimmers seeking something magical.

Together, these waters Stainforth Force’s dynamic plunge, Catrigg Force’s quiet beauty, and Janet’s Foss’s mystical charm form a trio of nature’s finest bathing spots around Settle. Ideal for thrill-seekers, serenity hunters, and lovers of folklore, they offer a wild swim experience that’s as varied as it is unforgettable. Refreshing & uplifting, wild swimming will release your inner child. Just remember: always respect conditions, swim safely, and leave only ripples behind.