This beach claims to be the highest in England and is found in one of the most unexpected places, yet you can expect to see tourists flock to the calming sands throughout the year.

Sitting above the humble Yorkshire market town of Todmorden, out of sight and out of mind for many living below, is a sandy beach hidden within the green moors.

Although it’s not a beach in the traditional sense, there’s sand and there’s water. Even though it’s nowhere near the sea. In fact, the water that rolls along the sand’s edge belongs to Gaddings Dam, a former Victorian mill reservoir nestled within the Yorkshire Moors.

The remote location makes it a popular spot for wild swimmers looking to get their kicks after a strenuous walk to the summit. It seems strange that a beach and summit would even be in the same sentence, but the sea-less location is high above the ground, around a 30-minute hike away, and it’s no easy feat.

There is no vehicle access to the dam, and so the only way to enjoy that cold water plunge on a warm day is to embark on a steep and rugged path from the valley floor. Making it slightly more bearable, however, for those who aren’t keen hikers is that it typically begins at a cozy pub, the Shepherd’s Rest Inn on Lumbutts Road.

When visitors reach the very top, the dam reveals itself in all of its rugged beauty. There’s the beachfront, where you can sunbathe and brace for a quick dip. For those wanting to dive right in, you can find a spot on the wall.

A visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “I don’t recommend swimming unless you’re a confident swimmer, and please take precautions with some jagged rocks here and there until the water is deeper. If you have the time, energy and strength for it – I’d recommend walking around the dam, and getting a feel for the different areas around the dam. So much fun to be had. No trip to Gaddings Dam will be the same.”

Another person explained that the sand is “so soft on your feet” as well as being both “clean” and “tidy” despite its remote location.

The beach is a historic spot, having first been built in 1833, during the Industrial Revolution, to help supply water to the nearby textile mills. In 1923, the dam was sold to a corporation as a freshwater supply reservoir, and in 2001, it was bought again, this time by the Gaddings Dam Preservation Company, which set out to preserve it for the local community.

Since then, the redundant mill pond has transformed into a northern shore and a free space to spend the day in the sunshine.

It’s worth noting that there are no lifeguards on site, nor any safety equipment or amenities. When you reach the spot, you’re truly at one with nature.