Wild swimming near Sheffield: Top spots ranked by our members
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Written by Ali, a co-worker at Union St.
One of the great joys of Sheffield is its easy access to the outdoors, and an evening plunge after a day at Union Street is more than a realistic prospect. So with summer looming, our co-working members recently came together to pick their favourite wild swimming spots.
Where are the best places to wild swim near Sheffield?
We’ve ordered these top picks by driving time from Union Street (though many are easily accessible on public transport, and by bike):
Rivelin Valley: A waterfall plunge pool in the city
Travel time: 16 minutes from Union Street
It’s hard to believe the Rivelin plunge pool, at the foot of a perfectly formed waterfall in ancient woodland, is less than a 20 minute walk from the western suburbs of Sheffield.
It can get popular in the warmer months, but with its overhanging jumping-off rock and an easy exit downstream it’s not hard to see why. Spots like this are exactly why Sheffield is The Outdoor City.
Redmires Reservoir: Sunbathers and swimmers
Travel time: 22 mins from Union Street
Not strictly legal but, given the hundreds who head here on a sunny summer’s day to lay out their towels and sip a cider, clearly tolerated. It’s a man-made reservoir so walk down to the water’s edge and into the water, though watch your step as it can be slippery. The water levels can get very low in a dry year.
Bonus: for a much quieter, wilder – and harder to find – open-water swimming spot, head north of the reservoir along an access track until you find ‘the spooky house’.
Padley Gorge: Sheffield-by-the-Sea
Travel time: 22 mins from Union Street
Bringing kids with you? Head to Padley Gorge, so popular with local families that it’s earned the nickname Sheffield-by-the-Sea. You’ll find beautiful ancient woodland, great views, and a shallow river perfect for paddling (with criss-crossing footbridges).
Just a 15 minute walk from the Longshaw National Trust cafe too.Union St member Bruno says: “There’s loads of parking, and even an ice cream van. It’s lovely up there”.
Hathersage Lido: An open-air, heated pool
Travel time: 27 mins from Union Street
If you prefer your swim spots more chlorinated, head to the iconic Hathersage lido. Open all year round, the heated pool offers fabulous views of the surrounding hills as you swim. It’s a short walk from Hathersage station, which itself is only a 15-20 minute train journey from the centre of Sheffield.
Barbrook: A quieter spot, with a great walk too
Travel time: 27 mins from Union Street
Get away from the crowds, even on a sunny day. Park up on the A621 and walk the flat 15-minute trail to get to this mostly secluded spot. You’ll probably have the whole of the moors to yourself. Make a point of visiting the nearby stone circle too, just a few hundred metres south-east.
Alex says: “Usually really quiet as it’s a little less accessible because there’s a short walk”.
Rother Valley Country Park: Total wipeout time
Travel time: 30 mins from Union Street
Okay, it’s more of a water sports destination than strictly swimming. But you can take to the lake in sailing boats, paddle boards, canoes, pedal boats and rowing boats. There’s even wakeboarding and you can test your total wipeout skills in the inflatable water park. What’s not to love?
Dale Dyke Reservoir: The King in the North
Travel time: 32 mins from Union Street
More reservoir swimming, but a little further out from Sheffield and therefore mostly devoid of people entirely. Tree-lined on three sides and accessible by footpath, with the perfect post-swim pint available at The Strines Inn around the corner.
Will says: “Everyone in Sheffield goes west to the Peaks, but there’s loads of stuff north of Sheffield that’s completely quiet in comparison”.
River Derwent at Chatsworth House: Regal riverside swimming
Travel time: 218 bus from Sheffield. 38 mins.
I don’t remember wild swimming featuring in any Jane Austen novel, but head to the inspiration for Pride and Prejudice these days and you’ll find families lining the banks of the Derwent. It can be busy, but combine it with a day exploring the Estate and it’s hard to beat.
The Slippery Stones: Why people move to Sheffield
Travel time: 40 mins from Union Street
On a weekend, this fairytale spot across from a cobbled bridge is a good five-mile walk in both directions. During weekdays, however, the gates are opened and you can drive to within half a mile or so. It’s best accessed by bike at any time of the week, as there’s a fantastic reservoir loop to complete. Swimming in a river in the middle of a National Park, after a day’s work, is what draws so many people to Sheffield in the first place. You can’t beat it!
At Union St, coworking isn’t only about work.
Union Street has several social groups heading out into the Peaks after work. Hiking, running and swimming. So if you fancy meeting like-minded coworkers, book a call with Matt to hear more about Union Street.
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