Nearest train station: Langho
This is a lovely little Lancashire wild swimming spot on the River Ribble, located right on the edge of the beautiful Forest of Bowland.
The woodland can get muddy depending on the weather, though the water is easily accessible via a stony beach that is only a 10 minute walk or so from the nearest car park.
Marles Wood also has a regular swimming community in the form of Marles Wood Mental Health Swims who meet up regularly on weekends at the adjacent Marles Wood Car Park for a relaxing swim and a chat.
How to Get to the River Ribble at Marles Wood
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this lovely Lancashire swimming spot by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode BB6 8AL into your sat nav, which will take you to the Marles Wood Car Park. From here, walk around 10 minutes through the woodland before passing through a gate before arriving at the slope to the river which is on the left edge of the field.
By public transport
The nearest train station is Lungho, though you’re more likely to come from Preston. The spot is pretty hard to reach via public transport with the nearest bus stop (De Tabley Arms) being over a mile away.
If you’re not driving, it’s best to come via taxi from Preston or whichever train station you arrive into.
By bike
The Ribble Valley District is a stunning area for cycling with plenty of documented routes you can could use to make it part of your swimming day.
Check out this route from Ribchester to Whalley which hugs the River Ribble while passing through the Roman settlement of Ribchester.
What else is nearby Marles Wood?
The stunning Forest of Bowland is a stone’s throw away from Marles Wood and offers plenty of natural beauty to explore, with the nearby Tolkien Trail being a particular highlight.
Why not follow the trail up the River Ribble and see what further wild swimming opportunities you can uncover, such as by Edisford Bridge near Clitheroe?
What to Bring
Some of the links below are affiliate links. Really Wild Swimming may earn a small commission if you buy something through one of them, at no extra cost to you.
- Dryrobe® Advance Long Sleeve Adult Changing Robe – Black/Grey — This Lancashire spot on the River Ribble involves a woodland walk in potentially muddy conditions before entering a cool northern river, making a warm, waterproof changing robe ideal for getting dry and staying warm after your swim.
- VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes Barefoot Quick-Dry Aqua Yoga Socks Slip-on for Men Women — The page describes a stony beach entry to the River Ribble, making water shoes essential for protecting feet on the rocky, uneven riverbed.