Gaddings Dam is a former mill reservoir high on the moors above Todmorden in West Yorkshire, famous for having what is often called England's highest sandy beach. It has a cult following for year-round wild swimming, reached only on foot up onto the open moor.
What to expect
An exposed moorland reservoir with a small sandy beach on its north-eastern side that fills with swimmers on hot days. The water is cold and bracing all year, with a hardy winter-swimming crowd, and there are no facilities of any kind. The setting is bleakly beautiful Pennine moorland; the reward is earned by the climb.
Getting there car-free
There is no vehicle access to the dam, which makes it surprisingly car-friendly to reach by train. The nearest station is Todmorden on the Calder Valley line; from there it is a steep walk of around 40 minutes up onto the moor via Lumbutts. Wear proper footwear — the path is rough and exposed.
How do you get to Gaddings Dam?
On foot only, up a steep moorland path from Todmorden or Lumbutts. There is no parking or road access at the dam itself.
When is the best time to swim here?
Summer for the beach and the warmest (still cold) water; the dam is also swum through winter by experienced cold-water swimmers.
