Gaddings Dam, nestled near Todmorden in West Yorkshire, is a haven for wild swimming enthusiasts. However, the scenic spot has recently been marred by visitors who fail to respect its natural beauty. YorkshireLive's Andrew Robinson captures the essence of wild swimming's allure: "There's a certain exhilaration that comes with taking a dip in the sea or lake, especially when it involves a challenging trek to find the perfect spot," he remarked.
He continued: "It feels like a much-needed mini adventure." Often referred to as "England's highest beach", Gaddings Dam offers a sense of seclusion and escape, a sentiment echoed by Andrew following his hour-long drive from Huddersfield to the tranquil moorland location, which is only an hour away from Manchester. The journey to the water's edge involves a steep 15-minute climb up a rugged, makeshift path, which only adds to the feeling of discovering a secret retreat, Andrew reported.
"Upon my arrival last Sunday afternoon, I was met with the sight of around 50 people, including families with young children, relishing the small sandy beach at one corner of the dam," Andrew recounted. Read More Related Articles The UK's top 50 beaches announced but Merseyside misses out Gaddings Dam in Todmorden is a natural beauty spot (Image: DAH Sports Images) He observed some visitors lounging in the sunshine, while others had carried camping chairs from the roadside parking near the Shepherd's Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road, situated high above the cen.