Wild swimming in Youlgreave

Youlgreave, River Bradford with waterfall

Overview

The river Bradford at Youlgreave is one of only a handful of wild swimming spots in the Peak District. Popular during the summer with both adults and children alike, this pool area in the river offers the chance for a quick, refreshing dip in the picturesque village of Youlgreave in the Derbyshire Dales.

This is a calm, shallow area which is perfect for paddling and splashing around on a summer’s day – or even taking the plunge when it’s a little cooler outside. It’s free to swim in this natural swimming pool and it is much less crowded than other parts of the Peak District.

Where is there to swim in Youlgreave?

In Youlgreave, you can swim in a certain section of the river Bradford. To find the swim spot, walk down the hill from Main Street and onto Brookleton. At the end of Brookleton, go through the gate and follow the path to the river. The riverside footpath along Bradford Dale makes the pool easy to access.

The river Bradford was once essential for farming, powering mills, and supplying water to the village. The pool area in this part of the river was initially created by farmers to dip their sheep into before shearing them.

However, it is no longer used for this, so the water is now relatively clean. Check local water conditions before swimming to be sure.

The surroundings here are beautiful, with footpaths leading into the valley and a nature reserve located further along the river.

Is wild swimming in Youlgreave safe?

Yes, wild swimming in the river Bradford at Youlgreave is relatively safe. The water here is calm and shallow. Be sure to take all the usual precautions as you would when swimming anywhere.

Take local advice on the weather and water conditions. Always swim with a buddy and bring a flotation device with you. Don’t jump in here, as the water is shallow, and be aware of slippery stones and uneven riverbeds underfoot.

Is wild swimming in Youlgreave suitable for children?

Yes, Youlgreave is a great place to swim with children. The water is under 3.3 feet (1 metre) deep, and is perfect for paddling, splashing about, or swimming. On a sunny day, you can relax on the bank and watch the kids enjoying themselves in the water.

Is the water of the river Bradford cold?

In a word – yes! The water here is very cold, although it warms up slightly during summer. Bring additional layers to put on after your swim and a hot drink in a flask to help warm you up.

Be sure to enter the water slowly to get yourself used to the chilly temperatures.

Can I get something to eat in Youlgreave?

If you decided not to bring a picnic with you, you can get something to eat in the village of Youlgreave. There are several cosy pubs where you can warm up and enjoy a pint and some pub grub. These include:

George Hotel
Bulls Head Hotel
Farmyard Inn

There’s a fantastic on-site artisan bakery and café at YHA Youlgreave in the heart of the village called Fountain View Bakery. You can get breakfast and lunch to eat in or take away. Bread, cakes, and pastries are freshly baked on site each day, and speciality coffee is available to wash it down.

Other cafes in Youlgreave include:

Peak Feast
The Ginger Nut Shop and Tea Room
Youlgreave Village Shop

Wild swimming walks in the Peak District

If you’d like to combine your swim with a Peak District walk, you can. There’s a circular route around Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale that starts at YHA Youlgreave in the village. The walk is about 7.4 miles (11.9 kilometres) and should take between 3.5 and 5.5 hours to complete, depending on fitness level and pace.

You can head to the river for a dip to cool off following your walk, or start with a refreshing swim to wake you up before you head out.

The river is surrounded by lush, grassy banks, and there are benches to sit on. Why not make use of the well-equipped self-catering kitchen at YHA Hartington Hall and make up a picnic to eat following your swim? You’ll have built up an appetite after all!

If you don’t fancy a swim, this is a great place to sit and chill for a while, especially if you’re travelling alone and want a few moments of peace. Bring a book to read, sketch, or simply soak in your surroundings.

How to get to Youlgreave from YHA Hartington Hall

Youlgreave is around 7.7 miles (12.4 kilometres) from YHA Hartington Hall. The best way to get there is by car, as this route isn’t served by public transport. Driving should take around 16 minutes, while cycling takes about 49 minutes.

The main village car park is on the west side of Youlgreave. Here, you will find public toilets if you need them. There is also on-street parking throughout the village, just be considerate of residents when you park and ensure you aren’t blocking any access points.