Nearest train station: Bamford
The Peak District has plenty of wild swimming opportunities. If you’re looking to combine a hike with a dip on a hot summer’s day there are countless places where you take a swim with some of the UK’s best scenery at your disposal.
One of our favourites is an idyllic spot in the northern sections of the Derwent Valley just beyond Howden Reservoir known as the Slippery Stones.
The Slippery Stones is a plunge pool that can get up to 4 metres deep and is easily accessible via a footpath that follows the River Derwent north of Howden Reservoir beyond a beautiful old packhorse bridge.
Combine your visit to the Slippery Stones with both a swim and walk – there are plenty of routes nearby include a 10 mile loop around both the Howden and Derwent Reservoirs.
How to Get to the Slippery Stones
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get this wild swimming spot in the Peak District by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
If you fancy a nice walk, you can park up at the Fairholmes Car Park (S33 0AQ) and then walk north beyond both reservoirs until you reach the Slippery Stones, which takes about 90 minutes.
Once you get beyond Howden Reservoir (following the path on the west bank of the water), follow the footpath north, hugging the River Derwent until you reach an old packhorse bridge. The pools are located around 100m north of the bridge.
You can also opt to continue driving up the western side of Howden Reservor until you reach the end of the road at the top, and simply walk over the bridge from there.
By public transport
Given the remoteness of this location and its location deep in the Derwent Valley, there isn’t really a direct route via public transport.
The nearest train station is in the village of Bamford which runs on the Hope Valley Line, accessible from Sheffield.
The Slippery Stones is about a 4 hour hike north of Bamford however, though will give you the perfect opportunity to take in all the beauty and joy of the Derwent Valley.
By bike
Don’t be deterred by the name, the Peak District is great for cycling in certain areas, and the Derwent Valley is one of the best.
Starting off at the southerly Ladybower Reservoir for instance (just north of Bamford) you can traverse the three reservoirs and continue north until you reach the Slipper Stones and then head back down south again on the other side.
Take a look at the Derwent Valley Cycleway to get even more inspiration for cycle routes in the area.
What else is nearby the Slippery Stones?
As we’ve mentioned before the area in the vicinity of the Slippery Stones offers some of the Peak District’s best beauty spots. If you want to continue your journey further, check out the Three Shires Head swimming spot in the southwestern area of the Peak District.
Enjoy the nearby reservoirs, take long walks around the area or head west to the famed Kinder Scout mountain and more.