Best In North Yorks
Falling Floss (York Moors)
(THREE TRUNK location)
Location
Its about 1km south of Littlebeck and I believe you can drive to it from the B1416. More pleasant is to walk in from the A169 (the main road across the moors to Whitby). Take road (possibly called Mill Road) off B659 in centre of village of same name. At end of the road you are at the mill and there is even soom adjacent parking.
Grid ref
NZ 888/036
Features
The waterfall is really pretty and even has an adjacent tea room at Midge Hall (with one of these midge zapper machines too). The swim is a bit small in area but the main problem is………………
Hazards
Getting to the bottom of the waterfall! I would strongly recommend walking along the path from the tea room for 1km before going downslope to the stream and then walking upsteam to the waterfall. The more direct route is steep, slippery, soft and pretty dangerous so don’t even try it.
Date of swim
18th August 2012
River Seven (York Moors)
(TWO TRUNK location)
Location
You can access this spot by following the footpaths from the pub with the micro-brewery in Cropton (just NW of Pickering). There are several spots where swims are possible. The one shown here is by the footbridge over the river but there is another possibility by a weir 100m away (presence of geese prevented this being attempted). Yes this is another River Severn!
Grid ref
NZ 747/880
Features
The swim is on the north side of the foot bridge but is quite shallow and restricted in area. However, entry is very easy and it is named the River Seven!!
Hazards
Geese nearer farm and plenty of walkers to ask the traditional questions.
Date of swim
19th August 2012
River Wharfe (Nr Ilkley)
Location
Approx 4km north-east of Ilkley, close to Beamsely. Theres a reasonably nice river walk from Bolton Abbey down to Ilkley (except for the bit along the road of course).
Grid Ref
TBC
Features
Easy access from a stoney “beach”. Lots of deep water for quite along way. Nice wide river. What more do you want.
Hazards
None really although the dog we “borrowed” tried to escape in a field full of sheep. Incidentally, the said dog didn’t seem to want to join me in the water: wimp.
Date of Last Swim
Mid April 2003
Best In West Yorkshire
Short Grain (nr Marsden)
(A FOUR TRUNK location for a cold plunge, however a lot less for swimming)
Location
Approx. 1km west of Wessenden Reservoir in a stream known as Short Grain.
Grid Ref
SE051/084
Features
Decent depth of water, good views and handy for the Pennine Way are the main attractions of this pool.
Hazards
Stony base causes instability on entry, restrictive swimming area, in the shade alot and if this was the quantity of water in May its not going to be a good fall in the summer.
Date of Last Swim
Early May 2002
Stonepit Lee Clough (nr Marsden)
(This FIVE TRUNK location was kindly provided by our “friends” at Yorkshire Water)
Location
Adjacent to the Stonepit Lee Clough by Hey Green (1.5km W of Marsden)
Grid Ref
SE027/122
Features
An excellent “cold plunge” provided by Yorkshire Water (I assume it was to make up for all their silly signs telling you “No Swimming”).
Hazards
Well I think it was Yorkshire Water and not the Electricity Board.
Date of Last Swim
Summer 2001
nr Holmfirth
(Only really a TWO TRUNK location- more of a dip than a swim)
!!! PHOTO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST !!!
Location
Approx 2.5km west of Digley Reservoir in a stream known as Dean Clough.
Grid Ref
SE082/067
Features
Easy access (once your’ve climbed down the vertical sides of the valley) and nice flat stones to stand on while changing.
Hazards
No real hazards although the lack of water will be a problem in the summer.
Date of Last Swim
Early May 2002