Sharrah Pool – The Ultimate Dartmoor Dip!
Have you ever swum in a natural pool surrounded by tumbling cascades, dense woodland and the occasional flash of a kingfisher? Well, that’s precisely what you’ll get at Sharrah Pool! I’ve visited dozens of wild swimming spots across Devon, and I have to say, this gorgeous spot along the River Dart is absolutely one of my favourites.
What makes it even better is that loads of other swimming holes are dotted along the route too so that you can make a proper day of it! Fancy a bit of water-hole hopping? This is the perfect place to do it.
Why Sharrah Pool Is Fabulous
I’m a huge fan of wild swimming (as regular readers will know!), and Sharrah Pool ticks all my boxes. The water takes on this incredible emerald colour from the surrounding trees, and the natural rock wall that runs along half the pool creates the most stunning backdrop for your swim.
It’s also gloriously long- you can swim proper lengths here, which is rare for a natural pool. And while the word ‘wild’ might make you think ‘freezing cold’, it’s actually one of the warmer spots I’ve swum in Dartmoor. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still refreshing (it is England, after all!), but it’s definitely swimmable, even for those who aren’t polar bear enthusiasts!
The Lovely Walk to Get There
Quick Stats:
- How far? 2.1 miles (3.4km) each way
- How hilly? 150m elevation gain in total
- How hard? Pretty easy but not completely flat
- How long? About 45-60 minutes each way at a relaxed pace
One of the things I love about Sharrah Pool is that the journey there is part of the experience. The walk follows the River Dart through beautiful woodland, and it’s shaded the whole way – perfect for those scorching summer days when you don’t fancy being out on the exposed moors.
My Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Sharrah Pool
Starting Out
Your adventure begins at New Bridge car park. Once you’ve parked up – it’s £2 for the day—an absolute bargain! – cross over the gorgeous stone bridge and turn right through the small gate at the second car park area, about 100m from the main car park.
Into the Woods
As soon as you go through the gate, you’ll find yourself on a lovely dirt track under a canopy of trees. You’ll be following the River Dart for much of the way, and trust me, the views are stunning!
First Dipping Opportunity
After about 600m (roughly 10 minutes of walking), you’ll come across your first swimming spot. It’s super accessible – just a minute’s detour from the main path. This is a brilliant option if you’re travelling with little ones or anyone who might find the full walk challenging.
Keeping on Track
The main path generally stays to the right, keeping close to the river. You might spot smaller paths branching off to the left, but for Sharrah Pool, stick to the riverside route.
The One Proper Hill
About 1.3km in, you’ll hit the steepest bit of the walk. Don’t worry though – it only lasts for about 150m! Yes, you go straight back downhill afterwards (isn’t that always the way?), but it’s really not too taxing.
River Crossing Adventure
At 2.6km, you’ll cross a small waterfall using stepping stones. I always find this bit quite exciting! It’s easy enough in normal conditions – just hop across the rocks, and you’re sorted.
The Final Stretch
After the crossing, the path narrows and rises above the river. You’ll get gorgeous glimpses of cascades through the trees. There are a couple of slightly rocky bits here, but nothing major.
About 650m after the waterfall crossing (3.2km from where you started), you’ll cross over a stile. From here, it’s just 150m to go! The track gently slopes down toward the water, and suddenly, there it is – Sharrah Pool in all its glory!
Swimming at Sharrah Pool
When you arrive at Sharrah Pool (coordinates: 50.5301170, -3.8402752 if you’re using a GPS), you’ll see why it’s worth every step of the journey. The pool stretches out impressively long, with that beautiful rock wall on one side and lush forest all around.
Getting into the water is easy peasy—there’s a shallow gravel bottom near the edge that gradually gets deeper. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, bigger rocks make perfect platforms to slide directly into the deeper water. Splash!
The middle channel stays nice and deep throughout, so you can swim proper lengths without worrying about scraping your tummy on rocks (we’ve all been there, right?). The water clarity is amazing too – on a sunny day, you can see right through to the bottom in many places.
When Should You Visit?
Timing is everything when it comes to Sharrah Pool:
- Early birds catch the peaceful swim – before 9 am is magical
- Evening dips are dreamy – after 5:30 pm the crowds thin out
- Weekdays are wonderfully quiet compared to weekends
- Outside school holidays give you the best chance of tranquillity
On my last visit, I arrived at about 9am and stayed until after 10.30. Even then, we shared the pool with a couple of other swimmers, but it was still blissfully peaceful. If you find it busy when you arrive, don’t panic! There are loads of gorgeous spots nearby where you can while away some time until the crowds thin out.
Everything Else You Need to Know
Parking
New Bridge car park (postcode: TQ13 7NT) is your best bet. It’s £2 for all-day parking. The car park isn’t massive though, so during peak periods (sunny weekends, school holidays), you’ll want to arrive early or late to bag a spot.
One amazing bonus – there’s a toilet at this car park! If you’re familiar with Dartmoor trails, you’ll know this is a rare luxury!
What to Pack
- Swimming gear and a towel (obviously!)
- Water shoes are helpful for rocky entries
- Picnic and plenty of water
- Waterproof bag for your valuables
- Layers for after swimming (it can get chilly once you’re wet)
Be a Brilliant Wild Swimmer
Wild swimming is becoming more popular by the day (yay!), but that means we all need to do our bit to keep these special places pristine:
- Always take ALL your rubbish home with you
- Skip the soaps and shampoos – they don’t belong in our rivers
- Keep noise levels down (though a bit of joyful splashing is fine!)
- If you spot litter, be a star and pick it up, even if it’s not yours
- Park considerately in designated areas only
- Respect the wildlife – they were here first!
Beyond The Pool
If you’ve still got energy after your swim (or you’re just feeling adventurous), explore further upstream where you’ll discover even more pools and cascades. The entire River Dart Valley is absolutely packed with wild swimming opportunities!
Tavy Cleave is a gorgeous swim.
Final Thoughts
Sharrah Pool is wild swimming at its absolute best! The relatively easy walk keeps it just the right amount of accessible without being overrun, and the swimming experience is second to none. A cold dip in the wilds is good for the body and the mind.
Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or trying it for the first time, Sharrah Pool offers an experience that will have you falling in love with Dartmoor all over again. Just remember – take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints (and maybe a little splash!).
Have you been to Sharrah Pool yet? What’s your favourite wild swimming spot in Devon? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Tags: dartmoor, Sharrah Pool, wild swimming