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Salmon Leaps

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Farmland

Swimming

Autumn for salmon leaping

Photo: Lewis Clarke via Geograph.org.uk

Cold mountain water rushing continuously from the wild granite moors of Dartmoor carves cleanly through the wooded Teign Valley, swirling directly into a sequence of three stone-lined rectangular plunge pools known as Salmon Leaps. Victorian estate builders constructed these distinct granite chambe...

4

Parking nearby

2

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

4 day parking

The Old Forge Caffè​, Beachwood Bakery​

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Salmon Leaps?
Devon's wooded Teign Valley contains this river pool below a hilltop castle. Walkers encounter the spot by following a narrow path down through the deep valley floor.

What type of place is Salmon Leaps?
Salmon Leaps is a wild swimming spot in the Dartmoor area of Devon.

When is the best time to visit Salmon Leaps?
Autumn brings the prime conditions if you want to witness adult salmon leaping upstream through the channels. Crisper mornings during October and November offer a peaceful experience because the busy summer holiday crowds thin out completely.

What can you do at Salmon Leaps?
Plunging into the dark pools provides a sudden, icy shock before the fast river current forces your body downstream. Many people enjoy using the middle granite chamber as an exhilarating natural water slide.

How long should I spend at Salmon Leaps?
Allocating roughly two hours allows plenty of time to enjoy a long river swim and explore the adjacent walking trails. A longer stay suits anyone packing a picnic to relax on the banks.

Where do I park at Salmon Leaps?
Spaces for vehicles include 4 day parking spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Salmon Leaps?
The Old Forge Caffè and Beachwood Bakery offer two places to purchase food nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Salmon Leaps?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Salmon Leaps, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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