Wainwrights and Waterfalls: A Match Made in Heaven

Guest blog by Catherine @a.girl.who.hikes

Where is Greenup Gill, and how to get there?

Greenup Gill sits in Borrowdale, marked on OS maps at grid reference NY 28017 12169, so it is fairly easy to locate.

Parking is in Stonethwaite, either along the road, respectfully and sensibly, of course, or at the National Trust car park in the village.

From there, follow the Coast to Coast path towards Grasmere. The path splits after Galleny Force, which is another great dipping spot. Take the left path for Greenup Gill. If you fancy extending your day, the right path leads towards Blackmoss Pot, another excellent swim location. There is plenty to explore in this area.

Once the path splits, the waterfall is about 1km uphill. It is not too steep and is well marked, and you will spot it from the path. There is a short grassy detour to reach it, and a flat patch nearby which is ideal for getting your Changing Tube out and getting ready.

Wild swimming at Greenup Gill: What to expect

The water is deeper on the left-hand side, so if you enter here, you will be straight into that crisp, cold water. If you prefer a gentler entry, the right hand side has more rocks to help ease you in.

The waterfalls are stunning. They can be powerful after heavy rainfall, but we visited after a relatively dry spell, and conditions felt safe. The water is dark, clear, and incredibly refreshing.

It is a good option for beginners thanks to the different entry points, but it is very much a dip spot rather than a long swim. Waterfall pools and moving water tend to be colder, so if you are new, know your limits and tolerances.

I stayed in for a few minutes, long enough to get that cold water buzz and feel refreshed after the hike.

Keep your eyes peeled on the way down as well. There are likely multiple dipping spots along the gill, and the view down the valley from above is stunning.

As with any wild swim, I would recommend not going alone. You never know how your body might react, even as an experienced swimmer, and this is not a location where help is close by. We only saw two people pass while I was in the water.

What to know before you dip at Greenup Gill

Heavy rain will make this a less safe place to swim due to the force of the waterfalls, so always factor that in and stay within your abilities.

The rocks underfoot are slippery, so grippy water shoes and gloves are a really good idea. I had mine on and was very glad of them.

This is a true wild swim spot, so changing at the gill is your only option. A Changing Tube makes all the difference here.

There is a pub in Stonethwaite which opens from April, and toilets at the National Trust car park.

As always, leave no trace.

My first swim at Greenup Gill

April was my first swim here.

I was on a Wainwright bagging hike with my partner, and I have a bit of a rule. If I am tagging along, I get to swim somewhere beautiful before we finish.

We had spotted the waterfall on the OS Maps app beforehand, so this was the day to find it and test it out. The sun was shining, and I knew a cold dip would be needed before we headed back.

We hiked up Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag first, then walked back down the gill towards the waterfall. When we saw it, I was pleasantly surprised to find two falls rather than one. My smile said it all.

We did a quick recce of the pool, as it was a new spot for us. A hiking pole works well to test the depth. Once we were happy, I could not get my hiking gear off quickly enough. It had been warm on the climb and I was ready for that reset.

Cold water dipping has been a big part of my mental and physical health for about five years now. I chase that cold water buzz, the lobster tan, and the high afterwards. It feels like a reset every time.

This was a solo dip, my partner is not quite as keen on the cold. The pool is not large, but you could comfortably fit two or three dippers at once.

Warming up after a cold water dip

I always pack extra layers for after a wild swim, something sweet to eat, and a hot coffee to warm up.

You could also stop at the pub on your way back into Stonethwaite.

Take your time on the walk down. The views are incredible, and there are plenty of other potential dipping spots to note for next time. I already plan to go back and try Galleny Force and a gorge-like spot we passed on the way down.

Why Wainwrights and waterfalls work so well 

For me, Wainwrights and waterfalls are the perfect combination for a perfect day.

You get the physical challenge of the hike, the mental reset of the cold water, and that feeling that you have truly earned the swim.

Greenup Gill feels wild. Slightly hidden. A little bit feral, which I can relate to.

In a valley full of popular swim spots, this one still feels like a bit of a secret.