Hugged on every side by rugged fells, Black Moss Pot in the Langstrath Valley is one of the most incredible wild swimming spots in the Lake District. This idyllic dub has been known to attract many a brave skinny dipper!
The dark turquoise water glistens below steep, craggy rocks that plunge into its depths making it a popular place for those who love the thrill of jumping off the 6 metre-high rocks.
Black Moss Pot Walk and Directions
Co-ordinates: OSGB NY267113
Starting point: Stonethwaite
Distance: 4.3 miles (return walk)
Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Terrain: Undulating and rocky in parts
You can park for free at the red telephone box in Stonethwaite. Spaces are very limited here but you can also park on the side of the road leading into the village.
1. From the village, walk past the cottages and Langstrath Inn and you’ll come to a fork in the path with a gate on the left.
2. Pass through the gate into the field where you’ll see another gate on the opposite side. Continue through the gate and along the path.
3. Continue along the path for approximately two miles with the river on your left. About a mile along the path, you’ll pass Fairy Glen and Galleny Force Waterfall. This is a great place to rest, especially if you’re walking with young children in the heat.
4. As you continue up the valley, the scenery becomes more dramatic as you’re surrounded by rugged peaks on every side. After the river bends, you’ll see the tops of the rocks that slope down into Black Moss Pot.
Black Moss Pot Swimming
Because of its secluded location, Black Moss Pot is very popular for wild swimming so it’s best to avoid school holidays or weekends. In places the water is several metres deep, so it’s advised that only strong, confident swimmers take the plunge here.
At one end of the dub is a gushing waterfall that you can swim up to. At the other end the water is much shallower where you can easily enter and exit the water. If you’re a thrill seeker, you can jump off the rocks and into the central part of the pool.
The water is very cold and does take some getting used to but you’ll you soon warm up once you’re in. I’d advise that you do let your body adjust to the cold temperature before you attempt jumping straight in. If you’d like more safety information, find out more in my wild swimming blog.
Black Moss Pot Camping
If you fancy spending a couple of days in the area, Stonethwaite Farm campsite is in the perfect spot just next to the village. Although the only facilities here are cold water and a WC block, it’s a stunning location ideal for spending some time off grid and camping. With Stonethwaite campsite being just seven miles from the market town of Keswick, you also have the option of getting out and about for a day.
