Wild Swimming in Wales – a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors

Wild swimming is growing in popularity. The recent terrible weather aside, wild swimming is a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors in the summer. More picturesque than your local leisure centre with fewer squawking kiddies in armbands and out in the middle some of Wales’ most beautiful natural landscapes. In this blog we’ll be taking a look at some of the most glorious spots for a dip out in the wild. Whether you’re a skinny dipper or a serious swimmer you’ll find plenty of aquatic inspiration here.

Porthcawl, South Wales, UK by Andrew Evans

Safety first!

First things first, wild swimming is nothing like a few lengths in your local pool and there are a few things to consider before you make a splash. Firstly, never swim in the wild alone. Unlike a 25m pool, there are no signs which tell you about depth or potential dangers like sharp rocks, thick weeds or strong currents. Ensure someone is on hand to provide help just in case you get into trouble.

Secondly, do your research. Learn about currents if you are swimming in rivers, find out about tides if you’re planning an offshore dip. If you are not a confident swimmer make sure you choose a spot where the water is relatively clear and free of currents and tides. For beginners, lakes are often a safer starting point.

Finally, prepare for the cold. You may like to take a wetsuit along if you’re particularly prone to the chills. Ensure you have warm towels and clothing with you too so that you can warm up as soon as you get out. In the spirit of bravado it can be easy not to take the cold seriously yet very cold water can be a serious hazard.

Got that? Great! Now let’s take a look at some of Wales’ most spectacular wild swimming spots…

Lakes

If you’re new to wild swimming, lakes are the best place to start. Wales has an incredibly diverse selection of lakes for you to cool off in, from high altitude tarns with spectacular views, to wooded glens in secluded spots.

Llyn y Fan Fach is a stunning lake, high up close to the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons. At high altitude you should expect cold temperatures but you should also expect incredible sunsets, mountain views and true escapism.

Meanwhile, for a very different Welsh wild swimming experience, try the Blue Pool at Golwern Quarry close to Fairbourne on the West coast of Wales near Cardigan Bay. Surrounded by steep rock faces, this inviting pool is accessed through a short tunnel.

Llyn y Fan Fach Lake, Wales, UK by SNappa2006

Rivers

River swimming can be challenging if you’d never done it before, especially if there is a current to contend with. However, make sure you’re prepared for this and river swimming in Wales can be a truly liberating and exhilarating experience.

The best rivers to swim in are those which slow to river pools. Here you will be able to enjoy plunge pools and lakes without a strong current, but still swim for a distance if that’s your thing! The Upper Wye is a popular river with wild swimmers. Close to Bulith Wells, you’ll find the Pen-doll Rocks where the Wye is transformed into a long formation of rapids and river pools – perfect for a cooling dip or a real swim. With rock gorges upstream and sandy bays downstream there’s plenty of varied natural beauty to enjoy too.

Swimming Pool on the Upper Wye, Wales, UK by Graham

Sea swimming

The Welsh coast is renowned for its beauty, from the stunning Pembrokeshire coast and Gower Peninsular in the South to the wide white sands of Cardigan Bay, there are hundreds of incredible sea swimming spots in Wales.

There are even beautiful swims to be enjoyed close to the capital. Just 30 minutes outside Cardiff you’ll find Ogmore by Sea and nearby Southerndown where, beneath the beautiful Dunraven Castle, you’ll find rugged beaches and bracing, scenic swims.

If you prefer your beaches sandy and endless try Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsular or Amroth in Pembrokeshire. Aberdyfi in Gwynedd, meanwhile, is famed for its watersports. Keep an eye on the tides and soak up your beautiful surroundings.

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Tags: 25m pool, andrew evans, armbands, bravado, chills, cold water, great outdoors, kiddies, leisure centre, natural landscapes, skinny dipper, south wales uk, spectacular views, strong currents, swimmer, tides, weather, wetsuit

Category: Nature, Nature