
Crazywell Pool Dartmoor
A unique wild swimming spot on Dartmoor, offering refreshing dips in a sheltered moorland pool surrounded by natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful swim

Crazywell Pool Dartmoor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful swim
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique wild swimming spot on Dartmoor, offering refreshing dips in a sheltered moorland pool surrounded by natural beauty.
"Lovely swim spot, peaceful and refreshing, with beautiful Dartmoor scenery."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Wildlife Spotting
Crazywell Pool
Keep an eye out for local wildlife; visitors have spotted newts and tadpoles in and around the pool.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Wild Swim
Accessing Crazywell Pool
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
Swimming
⚠️ Be mindful of depth
The pool drops to deep water quickly; supervise children closely.
📍 Don't miss the pool!
It's not the distant reservoir, but on the right off the main track.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.
⚠️ Be mindful of depth
The pool drops to deep water quickly; supervise children closely.
📍 Don't miss the pool!
It's not the distant reservoir, but on the right off the main track.
🥪 Pack a picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view after your swim.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No booking is required for Crazywell Pool. It's a natural wild swimming location, and visitors can come and go as they please.
While children can swim, extreme caution is advised. The water drops to deep water very quickly, so close supervision is essential.
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.
🎫 🏊 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.
The bottom of Crazywell Pool has a nice sandy bottom in parts, but visitors should be aware of submerged rocks.
Crazywell Pool is described as being approximately 100 meters by 45 meters.
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.
Visitors have reported seeing newts and tadpoles in and around Crazywell Pool, adding to the natural experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, a popular recommendation is to have food at The Plume of Feathers in Princetown, which is a nearby village.
Absolutely! Crazywell Pool is a lovely spot for a picnic. Many visitors enjoy bringing food to have after their swim.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists and Hikers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Wild Swimming at Crazywell Pool
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.
Navigating Dartmoor to Reach Crazywell Pool
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit