If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping to a magical land where waterfalls cascade into crystal-clear waters, small creatures frolic and fairies cavort among the trees, you’re in luck. Well, OK, perhaps you might not spot the fairies, but other than that, the Fairy Glen in the Lake District is pretty much what dreams are made of!
Galleny Force Waterfall is in the most idyllic setting and resembles a scene from a fairy tale. Not only will kids of all ages love it here, but the Fairy Glen is also guaranteed to excite the adults. It’s certainly a great place for spending time outdoors with the family.
Although this place is beautiful all year round, it’s best to visit in the summer when you can swim in one of the fairy pools. A little further down the valley there’s a perfect spot for standing beneath the waterfalls. If you love to seek out hidden gems and secret places of the Lake District, then this definitely needs to be on your list. This is also one of the best spots for wild swimming in the Lake District. Make sure you pack a picnic though as you could easily spend the day here.
How to get to the Fairy Glen
Depending on whether you prefer a shorter or longer walk, there are a couple of ways you can get to the Fairy Glen. If you’re over excited and can’t wait to start splashing around, you can park in the hamlet of Stonethwaite and stroll along the beck. It’s only about a mile from here and the route is fairly straightforward. For most of the way, you’ll follow a flat path along the beck but there are a couple of places that get a bit hilly and uneven.
The Fairy Glen Walk from Stonethwaite
Parking for Fairy Glen: Stonethwaite CA12 5XG.
- As you reach the hamlet of Stonethwaite, you’ll see an old red phone box on your left. There is free parking here but as the spaces are very limited, you might be better parking on the lane that leads up to Stonethwaite and walking the rest of the way. Please don’t block roads or entrances to farms and houses.
2. From Stonethwaite Village, walk straight on past the houses and the Langstrath Country Inn.
3. Keeping to the left, you’ll continue on a track that takes you through the fields of Stonethwaite Farm and Campsite. This is an easy Lake District walk that would suit beginners.
4. It’s a beautiful walk through the farm and you’ll see resident Herdwicks and Belted Galloways grazing in the fields or by the beck. Continue through the campsite with Stonethwaite Beck on your left. Please be respectful as this is also a working farm as well as accommodating visitors who want to enjoy a peaceful and litter free stay among nature.
5. As you head out of the campsite, pass through a gate and carry along the track.
6. Walk along a wooded track until you get to a slight fork in the path. Veer right, slightly uphill and through the gate. On the other side of the gate, there’s a bit of a steep walk down – make sure you watch your footing over the rocks and tree roots. This path isn’t suitable for puschairs or wheelchairs.
7. From here, Eagle Crag comes into view. Cross over the little stream and continue along the path until you come to another gate. This is the start of the waterfalls.
8. Make your way down to the waterfalls and either brave a natural cold shower under the falls, enjoy a picnic or head up to the main pool.
9. Return to the original path and walk further up stream until you reach a large tree with huge roots and Eagle Crag in the background.
10. Here you need to walk to your left, down towards the beck, crossing some large rocks, to reach the main swimming spot at Fairy Glen. It feels as though you’ve stepped into the most beautiful place on earth!
11. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies and waterfalls to explore a little further up but if you don’t want to waste any time and prefer to get straight in, there’s an entrance point just down to your left.
12. Once you’ve adjusted to the cold water (don’t be tempted to jump straght in as you could experience cold water shock), swim round to the right and stand beneath the waterfall. It’s an invigorating and wonderful feeling bathing in Mother Nature’s ultimate shower while the dramatic peaks loom above you.
13. You can either return the way you came or continue further on to the epic Black Moss Pot, another fabulous wild swimming spot.
Rosthwaite to Galleny Force
If you’d rather enjoy a longer Borrowdale walk, you can take the four mile route from Rosthwaite. There’s a National Trust car park here as well as public toilets and a tea room. (Postcode – CA12 5XB) This is still a relatively easy walk and is suitable for children. Simply follow the Cumbria Way signposted to Stonethwaite. When you reach the crossroads at the end of the bridge, turn right onto the path.
Continue straight on and through the gate until you come to another signpost. Follow the sign for Grasmere and go through the gate. Eventually, you’ll see Eagle Crag in the distance. Keep following the path and go through the gates. Once you cross the bridge, the pools that make up Fairy Glen will come into sight.
If you would like to help me to continue discovering incredible places that I can share with you through my photography, videos and travel blogs, you can buy me a coffee by clicking on the blue button below. Any donation amount is hugely appreciated and I thank you in advance.
AD
