Last year I *finally* found the location of some incredible fairy pools in the Lake District and I’m not going to gate-keep it. Located near Scafell Pike (the highest mountain in England), the Wasdale Fairy Pools (or Emerald Pools) offer the most beautiful turquoise blue water for swimming.
Why is it Hard to Find Wild Swimming Spots in the Lake District?
When I was searching for the infamous Wasdale Emerald Pool last year, I was struggling to find the exact location online. Travel bloggers were asking me to sign up with my email address in order to reveal the GPS coordinates.
In a sense, I do kinda understand. Beautiful nature spots are being ruined by over-tourism all over the world and unfortunately, when places get too popular they get ruined.
So I will provide the GPS coordinates of the fairy pools in this blog post, but with a plea. Please please please respect the emerald pool and surrounding area.
When we visited the pools, there was a group of people who were having a disposable BBQ and they just left all their rubbish behind. Please take your rubbish back to your car with you when you leave this beautiful area.
Location of the Wasdale Fairy Pools in the Lake District
So here are the coordinates of the Wasdale Emerald Pools in the Lake District:
54°28’18.6”N 3°13’04.0”W
All you need to do is copy and paste these coordinates into Google Maps and the location will come up.
How to Get to the Wasdale Fairy Pools
Some Lake District wild swimming spots are really hard to find, but the great thing about the Wasdale Fairy Pools is that they’re found on a walking track not far from the nearest hamlet.
To get to the Wasdale Emerald Pool, you need to head to the hamlet of Wasdale Head. There is a free car park here (a field) and a pub too.
All you need to do is input the coordinates on Google Maps and click on ‘Directions’. Select the walking option to view the walking route to the Fairy Pools from Wasdale Head.
The walk will take you about 50 minutes. First on a farm track, then through a field until you see the stream join the path.
On Google Maps, the walking track is the green dotted line that runs alongside the stream up to the fairy pools.
You’ll know you’re on the right track because you’ll start to see some smaller fairy pools. You can take a dip in these for sure, but they’re not as deep as the Wasdale Emerald Pool.
What is the Wasdale Fairy Pool?
The Wasdale Fairy Pool is a natural pool which is fed by one of the many streams running down from the Fells above.
It has a little waterfall running down the rocks, which is so relaxing to listen to whilst you’re having a swim.
The Wasdale Emerald Pool is quite deep, which gives it that beautiful turquoise colour. I’m 5’8″ and I couldn’t touch the bottom when swimming, so bear that in mind!
Scafell Pike and Wasdale Fairy Pools Itinerary
When I visited the fairy pools I had the BEST day, so I’m going to share it with you.
Get up early and head to the Lake Head Car Park in Wasdale ready for your hike up the highest mountain in England.
Allow around 4 hours for the stunning out and back hike up Scafell Pike. You can find the hiking route here on All Trails.
*Note this a hard hike with loose rocks and steep sections.
After all that exercise, it’s time for lunch! Take the short 5 minute drive to the Wasdale Head Inn for some lunch or refreshments.
After you’ve refuelled, it’s time for a swim! Head to the fairy pools using the instructions in this blog post and don’t forget your towel!
Places to Eat Near Wasdale Fairy Pools and Scafell Pike
The Hamlet of Wasdale Head is tiny but there is a charming pub called the Wasdale Head Inn not far from the fairy pools.
We ate in Ritson’s Bar (part of the pub) after tackling Scafell Pike. They offer traditional pub food and sandwiches/ toasties etc. Don’t expect anything gourmet but the atmosphere is cute and the food definitely fills a whole after a big day of Lake District activities.
Where to Stay Near Wasdale Fairy Pools and Scafell Pike
The best thing about visiting the Lake District? All of the amazing places to stay!
When we visited the Wasdale Fairy Pools we stayed at this beautiful farmhouse in the quaint village of Boot, about a 30 minute drive from Wasdale Head (the base for the fairy pools and Scafell Pike).
With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, a living room with a roaring fire and a gorgeous country kitchen, it’s the perfect cottage for a family trip or a weekend away with friends.
The village of Boot has 360 degree views of the fells surrounding Scafell Pike and it also has a lovely pub called the Boot Inn.
You can book this farmhouse holiday rental near Wasdale Fairy Pools via Plum Guide.
Risks of Wild Swimming in the Lake District
Like all wild swimming spots in the UK, please be careful.
The fairy pools are in a remote location with no lifeguards. Swim here at your own risk and only if you are a strong swimmer.
Whilst there are no currents, the water is cold even in summer and the rocks around the pools can be slippy and steep.
Best Water Activities in the Lake District
With ample lakes, rivers and waterfalls set against the backdrop of luscious mountains, there’s no better place to do watersports than the Lake District.
My favourite Lake District watersport is without a doubt White Water Rafting! We booked this activity last year and it really exceeded expectations. Our raft guide took us down 8 rapids (including some scary ones!) and we also got the opportunity to cliff jump and see huge waterfalls. It was so fun and one of the best things I’ve ever done in the Lake District.
Another cool Lake District water activity is Ghyll Scrambling, which involves climbing, sliding down, and hopping from pool to pool in the Lake District’s ghylls, or mountain streams.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting the Wasdale Fairy Pools in the Lake District… follow me on Instagram for more travel tips!