The Wasdale Emerald Pool is not in fact emerald, but turquoise; a colour more often associated with the tropics than the Lake District. It’s no wonder it’s become nicknamed ‘the Wasdale fairy pool’, a much more apt name than the emerald pool if you ask me! It really is a sensational spot and not just because of its incredible crystal clear water, but also the majestic setting.

The pool is surrounded by the tallest mountains in England, yet nestled within craggy cliff walls, which give it a secluded feel. The small waterfalls which cascade into the pool complete the picture perfect scene. Proof that not all paradise locations involve white sand and palm trees.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Wasdale Emerald Pool, aka Wasdale fairy pools.

The walk to the Wasdale Emerald Pool (Wasdale fairy pools)

The stats

Distance: 1.7 miles (2.8km) each way
Elevation gain: 150m
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: Approximately 30-40 minutes each way

The walk to the Wasdale Emerald Pool is not flat, but the incline is ever so gentle until you’re almost at the very end, so it doesn’t really feel like you’re going uphill.

The terrain is generally good, although it gets rockier as you get closer to the falls. However, it is uneven underfoot throughout, so you’ll ideally want boots or trainers so as not to risk twisting an ankle.

Starting the trail

From the north east end of the car park (details below) the walk heads right (away from the road). You’ll turn on to a wide gravel path with a signpost for St Olaf’s Church, Burnthwaite and Styhead.

It’s completely flat and a leisurely start to the walk.

The path itself is more like a country lane than a walking track, but you’re surrounded by some of England’s tallest mountains, so the views are spectacular.

After 175m you’ll pass England’s smallest parish church, St Olaf’s. There are only 25 people in the parish and the church is suitably tiny (with seating for just 35).

It’s really cute inside and if you can spare a donation, it will help with the ongoing restoration work.

The trail continues past the church and you’ll reach Burnthwaite Farm after a further 575m. The path is through the farm to the left and signposted simply as ‘path’.

You’ll walk through the gate and then pass something we have never seen before, an honesty fridge!

I love how the Lake District has so many little honesty offerings, and while nothing will probably beat the honesty cafe near Skelwith Force, the fridge was a welcome sight on a hot day.

Don’t forget cash, you can see the pricing in the photo below.

Walking up the valley

After passing the honesty fridge, you’ll continue heading straight on, up the rocky track. Although the path does head uphill, it’s very gradual and never feels like a climb.

The views get better and better and you’ll feel more like you’re getting into the heart of the valley.

At the 1.1km mark you’ll pass through a gate and continue heading gently uphill. After a further 400m you’ll see a wooden bridge over the river. Cross over the bridge and continue on straight.

After a further 350m you’ll see a trodden down grassy path on the right. Although you can still get to the pool using the path you’re on, it’s probably easier on the way to take this grassy trail on the right, which sticks more closely to the river.

After 50m there’s another fork and you keep right, following the bracken lined path.

The path is narrow, but flat and easy to walk on. You’ll reach another gate after 300m and pass through it. Just ahead the path will get rockier and become less distinct (but still easy enough).

Although there’s technically a narrow gravel path much of the way to the pool, you’ll probably find yourself making your own route on the way there. It’s not hard and it’s a mix of grass and rocks.

Roughly 400m after passing through the gate you’ll see the first pools.

Reaching the pool

The first pools are incredible in their own right and would be worth the walk alone. There is one medium sized pool and one much smaller pool, with a cascade running into it. They are very easy to access and though more for dipping than swimming, absolutely beautiful.

The water is the same turquoise colour you’ll find at the main pool and the surrounds are just magnificent. You’re completely surrounded by fells and it feels truly wild.

They are very much worth a dip, but don’t miss continuing on for a further 200m to reach the main pool (exact location can be found by clicking here, or co-ordinates: 54.4718720, -3.2177529). It’s a little steeper, but still not difficult, just uneven.

You can reach the pool on either side of the river, but the left side (the side you’ve walked in on) provides the easiest access down into the water.

You’ll arrive at the top of the rocky cliff above the pool. You then have a short easy scramble down the rocks into the pool. It’s only really a few steps and has plenty of rocks and ledges to get down easily (on the left side).

The right side is still fine, but it’s a bit steeper. In dry weather it’s not slippery going down, but take care, and be more cautious if it’s wet.

Swimming at the Wasdale Emerald Pool

We’ve visited a lot of sensational swimming spots in the Lakes and the Wasdale Emerald Pool really is one of the best.

The water colour is out of this world and if it’s your first turquoise swimming spot in the area, then it’s probably going to feel completely surreal.

It’s not just the water colour though, the setting is incredibly dramatic. The craggy rock walls, the small waterfalls and of course the backdrop of some of England’s highest mountains.

If you’re visiting in summer there’s even a sprinkling of heather to top off this picture perfect scene. It’s one of those spots where you think it can’t possibly get much better.

Swimming is also a dream because access to the water is easy, there are virtually no rocks to climb over and a clean run through much of the pool too. Granted it’s quite small so you can only do a few strokes, but it’s still amazing.

If the pool is fully exposed to the sun and it’s a warm day, then it’s also going to feel like one of the warmer swims in the Lakes.

It really is paradise, so please look after it and keep it this wild and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Heading back

The walk back down is quick and easy. The gradual descent and good terrain make it very leisurely. It is fully exposed to the sun though, so if you’re visiting on a hot day you’ll probably be grateful for that honesty fridge.

Keep them wild

Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the park, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.

The best time to visit the Wasdale Emerald Pool

The Wasdale Emerald Pool is increasingly popular, so don’t expect to get it to yourself in the middle of the day in summer, especially if it’s a hot day.

For the best chance of solitude you want to come early, late could also work, but early will likely be better. If you don’t mind other people around then a sunny day brings out the water colour and will obviously make the swim feel warmer too.

Please be respectful to all visitors and don’t bring music etc if there are others around who simply want to enjoy nature.

Parking for the Wasdale Emerald Pool

Parking is available at the Village Green car park (CA20 1EX) in Wasdale and is free of charge. The trail starts on a gravel path that runs alongside the Lingmell House B&B, which is at the end of the car park furthest from the road

There are no facilities here or anywhere along the trail. If you need to use a bathroom you can buy a drink in the Wasdale Head Inn and use their facilities. It’s only 200m away and they have some nice picnic benches by the river.

Getting to the Wasdale Emerald Pool

The trailhead for the pool is located in Wasdale Head, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Ambleside, 1 hour 20 minutes from Keswick and an hour from Cockermouth.

The final 10 miles are narrow and windy. There are passing places, but it’s tight, so it’s best to drive through early if you’re visiting on a weekend in summer, or during the school holidays.

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