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Gaddings Dam

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Moorland, Lakeside

Walking, Swimming, Photography

Summer

Alex Liivet from Chester, United Kingdom / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Gaddings Dam is an old mill reservoir high on the moors above Todmorden in West Yorkshire, more than a thousand feet up on open, windswept ground. Along one side is a small sandy beach, often claimed as the highest in Britain, which draws wild swimmers up the steep walk to the water. It was saved fr...

3

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 day, 2 overnight

The Moorcock Inn – Millgate, Kibble Bakery Coffee House​, Rim Nam Thai Restaurant​

Hebden Bridge Cabin, IOU Hebden Bridge Hostel, Heptonstall Cottage

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Gaddings Dam?
West Yorkshire's high moorlands conceal this body of water on a ridge above the valley towns. Walkers face a steep, rugged trek up from the nearest road to see the sandy bank.

What type of place is Gaddings Dam?
Gaddings Dam is a high-altitude reservoir and wild swimming spot near Todmorden in West Yorkshire.

When is the best time to visit Gaddings Dam?
Summer mornings provide the warmest weather for jumping into the water before major crowds reach the shoreline. Sunny days during the warmer months make the sandy bank feel much more like an actual seaside coast.

What can you do at Gaddings Dam?
Swimmers regularly plunge straight into the deep water from the stone wall structure. Anyone can also relax on the unusual high-altitude sand or walk across the surrounding heather fields.

How long should I spend at Gaddings Dam?
Allocating a full afternoon allows plenty of time to complete the steep half-hour trek and enjoy a proper swim. A shorter visit only really suits those who want to snap a quick photo on their way across the moors.

Where do I park at Gaddings Dam?
Vehicles can utilise three available spaces nearby, providing one day and two overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Gaddings Dam?
The Moorcock Inn – Millgate, Kibble Bakery Coffee House, and Rim Nam Thai Restaurant offer three spots to grab food nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Gaddings Dam?
Hebden Bridge Cabin, IOU Hebden Bridge Hostel, and Heptonstall Cottage represent three places where people can book an overnight stay in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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