Crazywell Pool Dartmoor - Image 1
1 / 3

Crazywell Pool Dartmoor

4.5
·27 reviews·, United Kingdom

A unique wild swimming spot on Dartmoor, offering refreshing dips in a sheltered moorland pool surrounded by natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful swim

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Crazywell Pool Dartmoor - Image 1

Crazywell Pool Dartmoor

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful swim

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique wild swimming spot on Dartmoor, offering refreshing dips in a sheltered moorland pool surrounded by natural beauty.

4.5
(27 reviews)

"Lovely swim spot, peaceful and refreshing, with beautiful Dartmoor scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check water clarity

Water can be brackish after dry spells, but still good for a refreshing swim.

🥾 Wear sturdy footwear

Terrain can be rough, especially if cycling. A puncture kit is recommended.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Wild Swim

The Wild Swim

Crazywell Pool

Experience a refreshing wild swim in this unique moorland pool, known for its sheltered location and good water temperature.

Moorland Scenery

Moorland Scenery

Dartmoor National Park

Enjoy the rugged beauty of Dartmoor on your way to the pool, with opportunities for walking and cycling.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Crazywell Pool

Keep an eye out for local wildlife; visitors have spotted newts and tadpoles in and around the pool.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Wild Swim

Crazywell Pool can get busy, especially on warm weekends, as it's close to popular parking spots. Consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons for a more peaceful experience. The water temperature is often good for swimming due to shelter and minimal current, but be aware of submerged rocks and a quick drop-off into deeper water.

Accessing Crazywell Pool

While accessible by foot, cycling to Crazywell Pool can involve some rough terrain, requiring a decent bike and puncture kit. If walking, be mindful that the pool isn't the reservoir in the distance but is located off the main track. Parking is available nearby, making it a popular spot for a refreshing dip on Dartmoor.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful swim
Crowd
Low
When
Late August
Why
Peaceful, pleasant water temp
Crowd
Low
When
Warm weekends
Why
Ideal for swimming
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

7 dreamy swimming spots in Devon #devon #devonuk #dartmoor #dartmoornationalpark #englandtravel #uktiktok #wildswimminguk #wildswimming
@ukwanders
109.2K likes • 1.3M views

🎯 Check water clarity

Water can be brackish after dry spells, but still good for a refreshing swim. Reddit

🥾 Wear sturdy footwear

Terrain can be rough, especially if cycling. A puncture kit is recommended. TikTok

A 50km Wildcamping & Backpacking adventure across Dartmoor National Park! For anyone who’s never been wild camping at Dartmoor National Park, I highly encourage you to get it planned…. I just completed this stunning 50km circular route in a weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening and honestly it was an experience of a lifetime. The trip I did here was as followed along with some hopefully ...
@tomproutt
68.5K likes • 537.2K views
reddit.com

Swimming

⚠️ Be mindful of depth

The pool drops to deep water quickly; supervise children closely. Reddit

📍 Don't miss the pool!

It's not the distant reservoir, but on the right off the main track. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check water clarity

Water can be brackish after dry spells, but still good for a refreshing swim. Reddit

🥾 Wear sturdy footwear

Terrain can be rough, especially if cycling. A puncture kit is recommended. TikTok

⚠️ Be mindful of depth

The pool drops to deep water quickly; supervise children closely. Reddit

📍 Don't miss the pool!

It's not the distant reservoir, but on the right off the main track. Reddit

🥪 Pack a picnic

Enjoy a meal with a view after your swim. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(27 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find Crazywell Pool to be a lovely spot for a refreshing wild swim, appreciating its sheltered location and pleasant water temperature. The surrounding Dartmoor scenery is a significant draw, and many enjoy picnicking by the water. However, some note that the water can be brackish after dry spells, and caution is advised due to the quick drop-off into deep water.

"Visited after quite a lengthy period of dry weather and the water was a bit brackish. Still was a nice walk and we did go in for a refreshing swim (and we're both fine several days later). We found a number of newts and tadpoles. Had a lovely picnic. Can't complain. A great place to visit."

Peter Perhac

"Couldn't see my reflection in the water so 5*. It was a dull rainy Sunday and a few people were about. Probably gets very busy in warm weather as it's only about a mile from popular car parks. Very sheltered from wind so ideal to change for swimming and staying warm. Water temp is good for the same reason and little flow or current. Nice sandy bottom, watch out for the submerged rocks never main beach. Drops to deep water very quickly so take care with kids or if swimming in colder months make sure you acclimatise"

Brendan

"Nice little cycle to the pool, some rough little bits on the bike but generally ok, not suitable for a novice and you need a decent bike and puncture kit. As a walk it's fine, there is a steep few sections but not gruelling. Really cold water at the pond and a few people there, nothing amazing just a little pond on the moors.

Have food at the plume of feathers in Princetown."

Mystery Farm

What People Like

Refreshing wild swim
Sheltered water temperature
Dartmoor scenery

What People Dislike

Brackish water (sometimes)
Quickly deep water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Crazywell Pool is located within Dartmoor National Park. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. It's about a mile from popular car parks. For cyclists, the terrain can be rough, so a decent bike and puncture kit are advised. Walkers will find it off the main track, not to be confused with a distant reservoir. TikTokReddit

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Crazywell Pool are limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer walking or cycling route within Dartmoor National Park. TikTok

There are popular car parks within a mile of Crazywell Pool, making it a relatively short walk or cycle. Specific car park names can be found with a quick online search for 'Crazywell Pool parking'. Reddit

Yes, you can cycle to Crazywell Pool, but be prepared for some rough sections. A good quality bike and a puncture repair kit are recommended for the journey. TikTok

The walk to Crazywell Pool is generally considered fine, though there are a few steep sections. It's not described as grueling, making it accessible for most walkers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Crazywell Pool is a natural swimming spot within Dartmoor National Park and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors. TikTok

As a natural outdoor location, Crazywell Pool does not have set opening hours. It is accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. TikTok

No booking is required for Crazywell Pool. It's a natural wild swimming location, and visitors can come and go as they please. TikTok

While children can swim, extreme caution is advised. The water drops to deep water very quickly, so close supervision is essential. Reddit

There are no formal facilities at Crazywell Pool. It's a natural spot, so be prepared to be self-sufficient for changing and any other needs. TikTok

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The water temperature at Crazywell Pool is generally good for swimming, often described as 'cold' but refreshing. It's well-sheltered, which helps maintain a pleasant temperature. Reddit

The bottom of Crazywell Pool has a nice sandy bottom in parts, but visitors should be aware of submerged rocks. Reddit

Crazywell Pool is described as being approximately 100 meters by 45 meters. Reddit

In certain conditions, like a dull rainy Sunday, visitors have noted they couldn't see their reflection, which was considered a positive for the atmosphere. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing newts and tadpoles in and around Crazywell Pool, adding to the natural experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, a popular recommendation is to have food at The Plume of Feathers in Princetown, which is a nearby village. Reddit

Absolutely! Crazywell Pool is a lovely spot for a picnic. Many visitors enjoy bringing food to have after their swim. Reddit

No, Crazywell Pool is a natural wild swimming location and does not have any cafes or restaurants on-site. You'll need to travel to nearby villages for dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique dark water, the surrounding Dartmoor landscape, and the act of wild swimming itself offer great photographic potential. The lack of reflection in certain conditions can also create interesting visual effects. Reddit

It can be challenging to take photos while actively swimming. It's often easier to take shots before or after your swim, or have someone else take them for you. Waterproof phone cases are recommended if you plan to use your phone near the water. TikTok

A durable camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing the experience. The natural light on Dartmoor can be beautiful, so consider golden hour for softer shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Crazywell Pool can be a fun destination for families, but requires extra vigilance. While the water is refreshing, it drops to deep water very quickly, making close supervision of children absolutely essential. Reddit Consider bringing along some simple toys for the sandy bottom and packing a picnic to enjoy by the water's edge. The walk to the pool is manageable for most, but ensure little legs are up for a few steep bits. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists and Hikers

For cyclists, Crazywell Pool offers a rewarding destination, but the terrain can be challenging. Ensure you have a reliable bike and the necessary repair tools. TikTok Hikers will find the walk to the pool pleasant, with some inclines to keep you engaged. The surrounding Dartmoor landscape provides ample opportunities for longer routes, with Crazywell Pool serving as a perfect spot for a refreshing dip mid-adventure. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts

Nature lovers will appreciate the wild setting of Crazywell Pool. The opportunity to spot local wildlife like newts and tadpoles adds to the natural charm. Reddit The unspoiled moorland scenery surrounding the pool provides a tranquil backdrop for a peaceful swim and a chance to connect with nature. Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Wild Swimming at Crazywell Pool

Crazywell Pool offers a quintessential wild swimming experience on Dartmoor. Its sheltered location means the water temperature is often surprisingly pleasant, even outside of peak summer months. The pool's dark, peaty water and sandy bottom contribute to its unique charm. Visitors often describe the swim as refreshing and peaceful, especially when the pool is less crowded. Remember that this is a natural environment, so be prepared for the lack of facilities and the need for self-sufficiency. TikTokReddit

Safety is paramount when wild swimming. The pool drops off into deep water quite quickly, so it's crucial to supervise children closely and be aware of your own swimming capabilities. Submerged rocks can also be a hazard, so tread carefully. After periods of dry weather, the water can become a bit brackish, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience for most. The opportunity to spot local wildlife like newts and tadpoles adds another layer of enjoyment to the visit. Reddit

Navigating Dartmoor to Reach Crazywell Pool

Reaching Crazywell Pool involves navigating the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park. While it's only about a mile from some popular car parks, the journey can be an adventure in itself. For those who prefer to cycle, be prepared for some rough patches; a sturdy bike and a puncture repair kit are highly recommended. The trails are generally manageable but not ideal for novice cyclists. TikTok

If you're arriving on foot, the walk is described as manageable with a few steep sections, but not overly strenuous. It's important to note that Crazywell Pool is not the large reservoir you might see in the distance when approaching from certain directions. Instead, it's located off the main track, typically on the right side when walking east to west. This distinction is key to avoiding a wild goose chase and finding the actual swimming spot. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2