Where To Go Wild Swimming In The UK
When it comes to getting the most of the outdoors in the summer, wild swimming is pretty high on the list for anyone keen on some outdoorsy adventure.
The UK is home to beautiful lakes, rivers and waterfalls that make great spots for swimming whether you’re camping out in the Lake District or you just need a nature fix in the heart of London. Of course, wild swimming does come with its risks so you should never venture out in the water unless you’re a confident swimmer and you’ve checked weather conditions beforehand.
We’ve done the research and found some beautiful wild swimming locations across the UK to bookmark for the summer:
St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
While most head to Cornwall for the beaches and sun, the wild woodlands of Cornwall are not to be missed. Just a thirty minute walk from the main car park (PL34 0BD), St Nectan’s Glen is an easy one to get to. Trees and rocks cloaked in ivy, ferns that traverse across the rivers, awe-inspiring waterfalls and the constant chatter of birdsong in the air – the place invites you to literally step into your Pocahontas dreams. You can club the waterfall trip with a woodland walk and end your nature retreat with a stop at the local cafe that serves up Cornish delicacies.
Trees and rocks cloaked in ivy, ferns that traverse across the rivers, awe-inspiring waterfalls and the constant chatter of birdsong in the air…
Eskdale, Lake District
Across the length of Lake District’s River Esk there are beautiful natural plunge pools and waterfalls in which to soak or swim. The Tongue Pot, located at the base of the Esk Valley and arguably the most popular swimming spot here, offers some great swimming and cliff jumping opportunities – always check the depth beforehand. There’s also a Roman fort nearby that’s worth hiking to for some commanding views of the valley.
The area is likely to get crowded in the summer months so either plan to head there early, or go later in the evening if you’d prefer to skip the crowds.
Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons
The highest waterfall in South Wales, Henrhyd is best known for being used as a filming location for The Dark Knight Rises (where Batman (Christian Bale) disappears into the cave). The gorge at the bottom of the waterfall makes a popular site for wild swimming and you can even venture into Batman’s secret lair.
The walk to the falls takes you across valleys, bridges and slopes and the region is home to some colourful kingfishers and other woodland birds who might be on the lookout for some river trout.
The gorge at the bottom of the waterfall makes a popular site for swimming and you can even venture into Batman’s secret lair.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
If you’re okay to brave the frigid waters, Scotland’s Fairy Pools are a beautiful series of natural pools and waterfalls in the Isle of Skye. If you’ve always dreamed of swimming in the wild, with nothing but rugged mountains and greenery for company, this is the one for you. While it makes a secluded area if there aren’t other hillwalkers around, the fairy pools aren’t too far from civilisation, and the nearest village is Carbost, a tourist hotspot largely due to the Talisker distiller present here.
Llyn Tegid, Eryri National Park
Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid is great to head to on a warm summer day, whether you’d like to go swimming, canoeing or paddle boarding. Sandwiched between Snowdonia and the Berwyn mountains, you don’t need a permit to swim here, but the Snowdonia website warns that the water can be very cold and deep in some areas. The safest part of the lake to swim is called the Foreshore – but swimming is not permitted from boats taken out into the lake. Whether you’re spending the weekend in Wales or you’re driving down for the day, the lake makes an ideal family-friendly to unwind outdoors on a warm day.
Hampstead Heath, London
Possibly the least “wild” from all our wild swimming options, Hampstead Heath is home to some lovely ponds that make the perfect getaway to enjoy the spoils of nature without even leaving the city. There are three ponds for swimming, the women’s, men’s and mixed which are open all year round. A lovely way to spend an afternoon picnicking in the park, Hampstead Heath’s pools an get quite crowded on sunny days especially so you might want to book your swim on the website or head down early to get some quiet time.
Hampstead Heath is home to some lovely ponds that make the perfect getaway to enjoy the spoils of nature without even leaving the city.
Divers Cove, Surrey
A stunning 7.3-acre reservoir, Divers Cove is a lovely area for wild swimming and a host of other activities available on site. After a cold splash in the cove, you can warm up in the barrel saunas, available to book or get some hot food at the cafe. There are paid swimming memberships available for everyone from beginners to experts, and wetsuits are mandatory if the water temperature falls below 16°C. Floats, swimming hats and wetsuits are all available to rent at the site. Plus, if you really find yourself passionate about it, there’s an open water swimming course that you can sign up for here.
Linhope Spout, Northumberland
The closest you can get to an outdoor plunge pool, Linhope Spout is a great spot that’s just about 40 minutes away from the main road where you can leave your car. The water is 16 feet deep, and the small pool is fed by a gorgeous 18-meter waterfall. The pretty glade is ideal for picnics and makes a great resting place if you’re walking in the Breamish Valley.
The pretty glade is ideal for picnics and makes a great resting place if you’re walking in the Breamish Valley.
