Wild swimming has numerous charms: from the chance to be at one with nature, to having fewer fellow swimmers to share the water with.
So it's no real surprise that this long-standing pastime is having a resurgence in popularity right now.
Thanks to the decent weather, we’ve also been handed a rare chance to cool off outdoors — so time to make the most of it.
Keep reading to find some of our top picks for taking a wild dip in West Yorkshire.
Lumb Falls, Hardcastle Craggs, Hebden Bridge
These magical waterfalls in the Yorkshire hills offer the adventurous both beautiful pools to swim in and tumbling showers to cool off under. A favourite amongst Hebden Bridge locals, this secluded spot is hidden from prying eyes by woodland. The water is brown, stained by peat and minerals, but wholesome nonetheless.
River Wharfe, Ilkley
Thanks to campaigning by residents, a popular bathing stretch of the Ilkley river Wharfe has now been designated the first official bathing water site in the UK. Previously there had been issues with the water company dumping waste here, but that's not the case anymore - so you can take your little ones down safe in the knowledge there's nothing funny in the water.
Gaddings Dam, Todmorden
This 'secret beach' in Todmorden is the bane of many locals' existence, given that it always pulls in large crowds of city explorers during the summertime. Strictly a reservoir, over the years the erosion of the materials used to build it has left a 'sandy' shore line that has left it earning the impressive-sounding title of 'Britain's highest beach'.
Ingleton Waterfall, Ingleton
This stretch of the River Twiss on the Lancashire border is right in the middle of a popular walking route, so you'll definitely want to bring a bathing suit. It's a bit of a trek but worth it, for the vast number of spectacular pools on offer here.
Caroline's aka Bowers Pond / Lake, Leeds
Situated north of Methley, close to St Aidan's nature park, Caroline's is a large expanse of water offering peaceful, relaxing swims for groups.
Jerusalem Farm, Halifax
This secluded riverside spot at Jerusalem farm is a bit of a Halifax hidden gem. With a small carpark nearby, all it takes is a short walk down a track before you're at your destination. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
Spring Lodge Lake, Leeds
About 15 minutes south of Leeds of the A1 motorway, this open water swimming spot offers a bit more structure for those who feel uncomfortable swimming wild unsupervised. Open Wednesday 6-8pm, Saturday 8-10am and Sunday 8-10am during the summer, there are experts on hand to support you. Sessions are priced from £4.25.
How to stay safe
Whilst wild swimming can be an incredible experience, there are also some dangers that swimmers need to be aware of.
Identify your emergency exits before getting in and look around for any downstream hazards.
Look out for non-swimmers and children.
Even shallow water can suddenly deepen. Maintain constant supervision and if anyone in your group cannot swim make sure to mark out boundaries.
When water is fast flowing, it can knock you off your feet easily even in shallow streams.
Don't dive head first into rocky pools of water.
Watch out for blue-green algae, which often multiplies in warm, wet weather. It creates a powdery, green surface scum and can cause rashes, eye and skin irritation. It can also make you sick if swallowed.
This list should only be used as a guide, caution and your own judgement should be used when swimming, at your own risk.
Feature Image - Wikipedia
News
Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
New study crowns Leeds as one of the friendliest cities in the UK
Clementine Hall
New research has revealed a global ranking of cities with the best customer service, with Leeds taking one of the top spots.
If you've been wondering which cities across the world are the friendliest of them all, then look no further because MoneySuperMarket have done the work for us in a new study.
In a world where social media culture plays a huge part in people's lives, online customer reviews are pretty important to local businesses.
To uncover the global locations that are home to the best customer service, the businesses insurance experts analysed over 100,000 reviews of leisure and hospitality businesses in 107 cities worldwide.
They looked at the language in the reviews to see how often friendly workers and staff were mentioned, building a global ranking of the cities where customer service truly stands out.
Out of a whopping 107, Leeds came in at a very respectable number 12. Now we think that's pretty good going.
Outside of the UK, Hanoi, Paris, Montreal and Abu Dhabi were highlighted for their friendly customer service whilst Edinburgh tops the global ranking, with Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol also making the world’s top 10.
The top 10 cities in the UK with the best customer service are as follows:
Edinburgh
Liverpool
Birmingham
Bristol
Belfast
Leeds
Glasgow
Cardiff
Manchester
London
Alicia Hempsted spoke on the study: “As businesses grow and engage with more customers, it’s important to make sure they’re protected. Public liability insurance is an important safeguard for those working with the public, helping to cover costs if something goes wrong, while also showing customers that their experience is taken seriously - from the moment they walk through the door to long after they’ve left.”
Georgina Pellant -
1st June 2021 
