Summer’s in full swing—and so are the temperatures. These eight UK hikes include refreshing dips, river paddles, or tranquil tarn finishes to keep you cool through July’s peak heat. Perfect for hikers, wild swimmers, or anyone seeking trail-based hydration therapy.
1. Loch Ossian Circuit – Scottish Highlands
- Distance & Time: ~15 km / 4.5–5.5 hrs
- Start Point: Corrour Station (train access only)
- Water Spot: Remote sandy lochside beach—ideal for paddling or a full-on dip
- Why It’s Great in July: Flat, easy track with water access halfway—great for a cool break
- Top Tip: Time your lap so you hit the beach when you’re sweaty and ready for a splash
2. Loch Ossian + Beinn na Lap (Optional)
- Distance & Time: ~25 km / ~7 hrs
- Start Point: Corrour Station
- Water Spot: Same sandy spit—perfect pause before tackling the Munro
- Why It’s Great: Start with a relaxed loch circuit, then level up your day with a bonus mountain
- Top Tip: Bring a swimsuit—you’ll want that water after Munro sweat
3. Rydal Water Loop – Lake District
- Distance & Time: ~8 km / ~2 hrs
- Start Point: White Moss House car park (A591)
- Water Spot: Shallow shores perfect for a cool dip or river paddling
- Why It’s Great: Easy circular route with mid-walk swimming potential and Wordsworthian scenery
- Top Tip: Extend the walk to Buckstones Jump waterfall for hidden plunge pools
4. Buckstones Jump & Rydal Waterfalls
- Distance & Time: ~5 km / 3–4 hrs
- Start Point: Rydal Village (near Wordsworth’s Seat)
- Water Spot: Multiple small waterfall pools—ranging from splash to deep plunge
- Why It’s Great: Beautiful, quieter swim hikes off the beaten track
- Top Tip: Choose your own dip spot—no crowds, just cool water and falling rocks
5. Falloch Falls & River Dip – Loch Lomond Area
- Distance & Time: ~6 km / 2–3 hrs
- Start Point: Next to Falls of Falloch car park, Crianlarich
- Water Spot: Natural river plunge pools—great for post-hike icing
- Why It’s Great: Combine a woodland waterfall walk with a refreshing splash break
- Top Tip: Water shoes recommended—rocks can be slippery
6. Fairfield Horseshoe + Rydal Water Sides
- Distance & Time: ~16 km ridge route + access down to Rydal (~7 km extra)
- Start Point: Rydal or Ambleside
- Water Spot: Lake-side cool-off at Rydal Water post-ridge
- Why It’s Great: Get your ridge fix, then reward sweaty legs with a dip and riverside tea
- Top Tip: Bring swimsuit tucked away—best enjoyed post-summit
7. Loughrigg Fell + Rydal Lakeside Swim
- Distance & Time: ~10 km / 4–5 hrs
- Start Point: White Moss car park or Grasmere
- Water Spot: Quiet coves on Rydal or Elter Water—similar accessibility to Rydal Water
- Why It’s Great: Classic Lake District fell with easy dip option
- Top Tip: Capture sunset reflections—lake water’s calmest in the evening
8. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail – Yorkshire Dales
- Distance & Time: ~8 km / 3–4 hrs (paid trail)
- Start Point: Ingleton village car park
- Water Spot: Multiple waterfalls and dipping pools—perfect for cooling stops
- Why It’s Great: Easy family-friendly walk with guaranteed water access
- Top Tip: Buy tickets in advance to avoid the ticket office queue
Final Thoughts
July heat calls for smart hiking—and smart hikes combine elevation plus refreshment. These routes let you earn your scenic views and immediately cool off beneath a waterfall, beach, tarn, or riverside.
Photo by Jaz Blakeston-Petch on Unsplash
