Playtime at Twizel Bridge, River Till
If you yearn for the wilderness, then the North East can offer you every kind of wild place you could possibly imagine. Whether it’s soaring peaks and cliffs, dramatic valleys and magnificent waterfalls or tranquil rivers, lakes and beaches, it has everything covered. The beauty of this region is the astonishing variety of its landscape interwoven with a fascinating history, ranging from sacred Neolithic sites to post-industrial and wartime ruins. Moors, meadows and ancient forests are all laid out, ready for you to explore this wonderful and diverse landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer who plunges into icy waters or someone who prefers the occasional dip to cool off on a hot day, there is a myriad of beautiful places to swim in the North East, including tranquil rivers, shimmering lakes and secret moorland tarns.
TWIZEL BRIDGE, RIVER TILL
In a picturesque gorge, beneath a lovely Tudor arch bridge, this section of the Till has some deep pools for swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking. There is a midway beach by the weir with shallower water.
Located just off the A698, midway between Cornhill-on-Tweed and Norham. Find parking on L just after bridge. Follow footpath signed ‘Twizel Castle’ by parking area, then drop down to riverbank and follow path around. Deeper pool and paddleboarding launch near bridge. Continue to weir for beach and swim spot.
IRVING POOL, RIVER COQUET
Idyllic swim spot surrounded by open meadows and moorland. Plunge pool, some rapids and a small waterfall.
Follow the River Coquet from Rothbury and B6341 to Alwinton. Cross River Coquet at Linbriggs farm and continue ¾ mile to park by river.
HARBOTTLE LAKE
Secluded moorland tarn just over the brow from the mythical Drake Stone, perfect for a wild swim after a hike up the Harbottle Hills. Shallow entry at NE corner.
LAMBLEY VIADUCT, RIVER SOUTH TYNE
Follow a pretty woodland path along the South Tyne Trail to a pebble beach with swim pools beneath the imposing Lambley Viaduct, which crosses the River South Tyne here in a series of elegant stone arches. The 260m-long structure once carried trains from Alston to Haltwhistle, transporting coal and lead from the surrounding mines.
Irving Pool, River Coquet
Lambley Viaduct, River South Tyne
Whorlton, River Tees
Follow the A689 N to Lambley. After Lambley village take R turn and follow road for 1¼ miles to Lambley Viaduct South Tyne Trail car park. Follow waymarked trail, then cross viaduct, the footpath to R to footbridge to pebble beach on other side.
GAINFORD, RIVER TEES
Idyllic spot on a bend in the River Tees with a wide pebble beach in one of England’s prettiest villages. Paddling and deep pools for swimming. Afterwards, stop by the ancient churchyard of St Mary’s then head to the Cross Keys for a gourmet pizza and a game of dominoes. Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy fame, went to school here.
Head W from High Coniscliffe on the A67 for 3½ miles. At Gainford, turn L onto High Green then continue to village green for parking near St Mary’s church. Follow riverside footpath through woodland behind church for 400m to beach.
WHORLTON, RIVER TEES
Beautiful stretch of the Tees that was a public lido. Cascades tumble over stone slabs into various deeper swimming pools. There are several access points, depending on your aptitude.
Whorlton is 4 miles E of Barnard Castle. Park in Whorlton village and follow footpath in front of church over the wall and through graveyard. Follow steps on L down to river, then cross stepping stones to riverside path.
SWALLOWSHIP POOL
Deep, clear pool on the evocatively named Devil’s Water beneath the sandstone walls of a gorge that creates a beautiful reflection in its calm waters. Beach and paddling. Reached via a lovely woodland walk, this is a delightful location.
Lay-by parking by Kingswood Education and Outdoor Centre (NE46 1TP), N of Linnels Bridge on the B6306.
Take footpath into woods. Continue past Duke’s House to fork in path near ruins of Five Gates House. Turn R along path through Scots Pines. Turn R when path ends and follow path above Devil’s Water to steep, uneven path to burn and pool.
ST JOHN’S CHAPEL, RIVER WEAR
Gorgeous natural swimming pool with falls just off the Weardale Way. Grassy bank for picnics and a wide beach.
Park in St John’s Chapel (on the A689). Then walk to river and follow the Weardale Way riverside path downstream for ½ mile to pool.
MEETING OF THE WATERS, RIVER GRETA
The tumble of huge rocks where the River Greta and River Tees meet makes for a dramatic scene that inspired artist JMW Turner. It also forms deep pools, perfect for a cooling swim.
Approx 3 miles E of Barnard Castle. Take Newgate out of Barnard Castle, then turn R onto the road signposted for the A66. Follow this over Egglestone Abbey Bridge, turning L. Follow road to parking at various lay-bys at Manyfold Beck (W of Rokeby Hall). Follow Teesdale Way footpath, which skirts a field next to the river, through woods to Mortham Lane and the pools.
BRIAN’S POND
This pond and crag are found by climbing onto the moor at the end of this beautiful dead-end valley. The crag offers an assortment of climbing. The pond is a wonderfully isolated moorland tarn, which makes it feels like it’s on the top of the world.
From Swainby, off the A172, follow the high street and take a Lfork onto Scugdale Road. Follow this road to the very end, to a lay-by before a group of houses. A bridleway to the L of the houses leads up through Barker’s Crag and onto the moor. Keep to the bridleway as it runs directly to the pond.
Swallowship Pool
Brian’s Pond
Wild Guide North East England by Sarah Banks is published by Wild Things Publishing.
Outdoor Swimmer readers can receive 20% discount and free P&P with code OSMag23 at wildthingspublishing.com