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, Andrew Robinson from YorkshireLive said. He added: “It feels like a much-needed mini adventure.”
Gaddings Dam, often dubbed as “England’s highest beach“, tends to create a sense of isolation and remoteness, particularly for Andrew after he spent an hour-long drive from Huddersfield to this moorland beauty.
Once parked, a steep 15-minute ascent up a rough and uneven makeshift path heightened his sensation of uncovering 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,” said Andrew.
“Some were basking in 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 there were paddle boarding. “Although it’s a known spot for swimming, I didn’t see anyone taking the plunge,” said Andrew.
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 the water for about 10 minutes, which seemed safe and sensible given the temperature. When swimming in open water, it’s crucial to enter slowly to allow your body to acclimate to the cold.”
Andrew advised: “So don’t just dive straight in – and try not to swim alone. Upon exiting, I felt a tingling sensation and a sense of elation; there’s a definite rush to open water swimming that leaves you feeling somewhat hyper and buzzing.”
He shared: “After drying off and changing, I took a stroll around the dam and discovered a small passageway with a date stone engraved with the year 1855.
“Unfortunately, the tunnel seemed to have been used as a lavatory by at least one visitor, with faeces and toilet paper on the stone flags.”
Andrew added: “The descent was slightly more challenging than the ascent, and I did witness one individual slip, fall and scrape their knee. There is a warning sign at the base of the path reminding visitors that people have been injured in the past and to exercise extra caution.
“As we exited through the gate, the final sight was an unpleasant one that left me feeling slightly sick. The bins by the gate were not just full to the brim but the odour emanating from the rubbish was repugnant.”
Andrew continued: “The ground was strewn with pieces of clothing, drinks cans, plastic bottles, and food containers. Leaving your waste beside a bin that’s already overflowing is no better than fly-tipping, and those responsible should feel embarrassed – but evidently, they couldn’t care less.
“The sight and smell of the mounds of decaying rubbish, especially after coming across the faeces in the tunnel, was somewhat of a let-down following the exhilaration of the wild swim.
“That being said, I’m eager to return for another invigorating dip, although I’d likely avoid the weekend as it often attracts so many day visitors that it feels more like Torremolinos than Todmorden.”