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River Wharfe

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Riverside, Valley, Moorland

Swimming

Year round

Photo: Stephen Craven via Geograph.org.uk

This stretch of the River Wharfe runs through the Yorkshire Dales below the village of Appletreewick, on the reach toward Barden Bridge, a well-liked family swimming and paddling spot. Here the river spreads over a rocky pool with a small island, a shingle beach and gentle rapids upstream, with gras...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

4 day, 6 overnight

The Craven Arms, Appletreewick​, The Clarendon Hotel, Hebden​, The Fountaine Inn, Linton​

Craven Shepherd Huts

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is River Wharfe?
North Yorkshire holds this beautiful aquatic spot near the village of Appletreewick. Swimmers head straight into the hills to discover the cold limestone pools.

What type of place is River Wharfe?
River Wharfe is a wild swimming spot in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in England.

When is the best time to visit River Wharfe?
Summer brings the warmest weather for a proper dip, though the spot remains open throughout the year. Clear autumn mornings also create a fantastic atmosphere when the early mist rises off the water.

What can you do at River Wharfe?
Plunging into the deep central channel provides an incredible sensory rush. People also enjoy walking along the rocky riverbanks and spotting native brown trout beneath the oak trees.

How long should I spend at River Wharfe?
Spending a couple of hours allows you to enjoy a refreshing swim and a peaceful picnic. A full afternoon works better if you plan to explore the surrounding valley and paths.

Where do I park at River Wharfe?
Vehicles can use the ten available spaces nearby, which consist of four day and six overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near River Wharfe?
The Craven Arms in Appletreewick, The Clarendon Hotel in Hebden, and The Fountaine Inn in Linton offer three places to get a meal in the vicinity. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near River Wharfe?
Craven Shepherd Huts provides one overnight option close to the water. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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