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Gaddings Dam, located near Todmorden in West Yorkshire, is a favourite spot for wild swimming. However, the beauty of this location has been marred by disrespectful visitors. Andrew Robinson from YorkshireLive spoke about the thrill that comes with taking a dip in the sea or lake, especially when it involves a challenging trek to find the perfect spot.

He said: "It feels like a much-needed mini adventure." Often referred to as "England's highest beach", Gaddings Dam offers a sense of isolation and remoteness. This was particularly true for Andrew, who drove an hour from Huddersfield to reach this moorland gem.



After parking his car, a steep 15-minute climb up a rough and uneven makeshift path heightened his sensation of discovering a hidden sanctuary. "On my visit last Sunday afternoon, I was greeted by the sight of around 50 people, including families with young children, enjoying the small sandy beach at one corner of the dam," Andrew recounted. "Some were soaking up the sun, while others had brought camping chairs from the roadside parking near the Shepherd's Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road, high above Todmorden town centre.

" A few individuals were seen paddle boarding. "Although it's a known spot for swimming, I didn't see anyone taking the plunge," Andrew noted. The day was warm and sunny, a stark contrast to the icy water that takes your breath away.

"I cautiously descended the gently sloping dam wall before taking the plunge," Andrew shared. "My son and I managed to stay in .

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