High Falls at Rydal (Including Parking & GPX File)

Please remember that all the natural swim spots in the Lake District are dangerous, wild places. Visit them at your own risk. Please also remember to respect these places and others using them, and take any rubbish away with you and leave no trace.

A gorgeous ‘secret’ waterfall hidden deep in the heart of ancient woodland. This one isn’t particularly secret - it’s on a popular path through Rydal woods, but for some unknown reason, it is usually pretty quiet - possibly because the water is unreasonably cold.

The waterfall isn’t too far away from the Grot at Rydal, but unlike the grot - at the time of writing at least - swimming is permitted.

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Where to park for High Falls Waterfall, Rydal?

Rydal Hall itself does have a carpark but this has been closed to the public every time I’ve visited. I would recommend parking at Pelter Bridge Carpark, run by the LDNPA.

How to find High Falls Waterfall, Rydal?

Finding the waterfall is super simple! From Rydal Hall, head into the woods and follow the path that runs parallel to the main river. You’ll cross a bridge, very similar to the one above the infinity pool - seeing the view below as you cross.

From here, continue upstream for a couple of hundred meters and you’ll find the infinity pool on your left.

Hop in for a dip here if you like or continue along the path upstream for another couple of hundred meters and you’ll come to High Falls.

A little note for potential swimmers.. the river that forms this pool flows through a deep gorge to get here and as a result tends to be quite a bit colder than other swim spots in the area, even in summer!

Laurie Crayston