The natural Infinity Pool that sits above Thirlmere in the English Lake District has become a popular spot for those wanting a glorious swim, cold water dip together with unique and spectacular views.
In fact it has been noted in many places as one of the best wild swimming spots in the country. If you have been there you will know why and can see why it keeps getting more and more popular, thanks to social media and the images.
The small pool is created by a cascading stream that is known as Fisherplace Gill. The waterfalls drop down in steps and at this point it has created the glorious pool that as the water drops off again down another waterfall it gives the sense of an infinity pool with Thirlmere and the fells behind making a wonderfull backdrop view.
On a glorious sunny day, at a weekend, you won’t have much chance these days to find yourself alone in peace here. But if you pick the right time and season you can take yourself up to this infinity pool and take a break from all the madness in the world and take it all in in solace.
It is a short hike uphill to get to the pool. A good heart and lung burner for those that don’t normally walk a lot but short enough for most.
Let’s take a look at the location, how to get the Thirlmere Infinity Pool and the best times to go to this maginificent wild swimming spot.
Where is Thirlemere Infinity Pool
The pool is located halfway up Fisherplace Gill that cascades down the fellside from the east and down into Thirlmere.
You will find it in between Legburthwaite and Thirlspot. Above the A5911. The main road between Grasmere and Keswick. But here is how to physically get to it.
How to Get To Thirlmere Infinity Pool
The infinity pool may be popular but it not on the map or signposted directly. The walk is only 0.9 miles but there are uphills and when wet there are very steep and slippy paths especially as you get close to the destination. Please take care.
I have attached below here a GPX if you would like to use.
Walk Route Info
Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
Total Ascent: 782 ft (238 m)
Difficulty: Easy (a steep uphill)
Time: 40 mins
I find the best place to park is at Legburthwaite. It is at the junction where the A5911 heads north to Keswick and the road to St John’s in the Vale (B5322) splits off.
From the car park start walking up Stanah Lane until the lane bends to the left. Here you will see a little gate ahead of you that has a sign saying ‘Sticks Pass’. Go through the gate and follow the path.
After a short distance you will cross a little stone bridge and see a fingerpost. The infinity pool is not signposted as such but take the right turn that then has the dry stone wall to your right.
This is the level section of the walk up, through the ferns, traversing the fellside for about half a mile. Until you come to a wooden footbridge.
Cross the footbridge and then almost immediately after you turn left, and up and up. This is the steep and slippery section. Even when dry it is loose soil and stone so please take care inyour eagerness to get to the pool.
The pool then appears on your left. The wondrous sight sorrunded by the ampitheatre of rocks.
Getting Into The Infinity Pool
I find the best way to get into the water is from the opposite side to where you have come up. You are going to get your feet wet anyway so best to wade across on the area behind the pool itself. This is where you get the iconic shot with the view from too.
There is no natural walk into the pool and as it is not too deep I highly recommend not just jumping in at all.
Just before where the water rund off to the waterfall below there are some rocks where you can carefully bum shuffle or slide/step down.
Once in the water you start immediately refreshing yourself from the walk up, but also get that magnificent and unique view from in the water.
Where the pool ends at the front it does drop down into a waterfall but there is a natural lip that keeps you in as a barrier. A perfect spot to gaze out to the Lake District scenery.
It is not a big body of water. If you want a swim then you can only do a couple of strokes each way. It is more of a cold water dip than a swim.
Best Times To Go
If you go on a sunny day, during weekends, the chances of being here alone are virtually nil. The scene you see, the relative accessibility, together with social media has made it a must do, for both wild swimming location seekers and tourists alike.
If you really want to get some solace here then avoid warm days during weekends and holiday seasons. Plus get there early or late.
In fact the best time of day to go is at sunset as the infinity pool faces west. Bathe in the water, up on the fells, with the sunsetting over the peaks above Thirlmere in front of you.
Conclusion
Thirlmere Infinity Pool is known as one of the best wild swimming spots in the UK and for good reason. Crystal clear water, up on the hillside in a spectacular spot with a view.
If we have time in the area it is good to take the wander up there to refresh and unwind after a mountain climb. Or to refresh your mind away from it all in the quiet season.
Enjoy, but please be safe.
you may also like:
Wild Swimming at Wain Wath Force, Swaledale
Wild Swimming In Rydal Water, Lake District
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