June 3, 2021
Wild swimming has never been more popular. Thousands of us have discovered the therapeutic benefits of a chilly dip, while daredevils seek out the adrenaline rush of plummeting from steep crags into deep cauldrons.
Here's our guide to some of the best wild swims in Britain, from deep, dark lochs to sunny natural pools.
1. Loch Lomond, Scotland
Britain's largest body of water (locals take the hump if you call it a lake) is dotted with tiny, wooded islands. There are sandy beaches around its shallow bays, so all in all it's the perfect introduction to wild swimming for novices, with plenty of challenges for distance swimmers too.
2. Appletreewick, Yorkshire
The River Wharfe broadens into a wide, shallow stretch at the little village of Appletreewick, next to the picturesque ruins of Bolton Abbey. There's a pebbly beach on the opposite bank, and even a tiny rocky islet to swim out to – and a couple of village pubs for after-swim refreshment.
3. Windermere, Lake District
If you're up for a real long distance challenge, head to Windermere, to attempt a swim from one end of the lake to the other and back. At almost 34km (21 miles), that's not far short of swimming the English Channel, so you’ll need a backup boat from a specialist operator like Chillswim.
Thousands of keen wild swimmers flock to England's best-known lake in June to join the John West Great North Swim. This annual charity event is great for beginners, with family-friendly 250m swims for anyone over eight years old and longer swims of up to 10km for serious contenders.
If you just fancy a summer dip followed by a lakeside barbecue picnic, you'll find family-friendly beaches all around Lake Windermere.
4. Llyn Glaslyn, Snowdonia
This blue lagoon, 600m above sea level and ringed by rugged slopes, is part of Arthurian myth. It's said to be where loyal Sir Bedivere threw Arthur's magical sword, Excalibur, after the king's death. There are miniature sandy beaches around its sheltered shores, and though the water may be chilly, it's not too intimidating for beginners.
5. Wallingford Beach, Oxfordshire
Midway between Oxford and Reading, Wallingford's tiny (35m) beach is just downstream from the town centre, next to a grassy park that's perfect for picnics. The Thames here is calm and slow-flowing and the beach shelves gently, so it's a good spot for kids and less confident swimmers.
6. Loch Ness and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin, Scotland
Only experienced wild swimmers should dare a dip in the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. Average water temperature is a sub-Arctic 5C, so you'll need a serious wetsuit. Plus, of course, there's the risk of becoming a meal for the monster!
Happily, there are less intimidating wild swimming spots nearby – all less than an hour's drive from Inverness. Head up gorgeous Glen Affric to discover Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin and swim to offshore islets or across miniature fjords.
7. Wainwath Force, Yorkshire
This wide, low waterfall on the River Swale, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, has sculpted a fine natural swimming pool surrounded by grassy slopes and pebble beaches. It's deep, so it's better for a plunge than for serious swimming.
8. Llyn Cau, Snowdonia
On a sunny summer day, the steep hike from the car park beneath Cadair Idris makes a swim in the clear water of Llyn Cau, 350 metres above, a very attractive prospect. There's a shelving gravel beach at the west end of the lake if you want to take things gradually, but if you want to cool off fast (and show off on social media) there are rocks to leap from.
9. Coniston Water, Lake District
The gently shelving silver sand beaches scattered around the shores of Coniston Water are ideal for novice swimmers (and perfect spots for a post-swim picnic). For a bigger aquatic adventure, swim out to leafy Peel Island or all the way across the lake – it's around 800m from shore to shore.
10. Rob Roy's Bathtub (Falls of Falloch), Scotland
11. Janet's Foss, Yorkshire
In summer, this clear pool beneath a gushing cascade looks almost tropical, with lush green foliage reflected in cool emerald water. Legend has it that Janet, a fairy queen, made her home in a cave behind the waterfall.
12. Lechlade-on-Thames, Gloucestershire
Lechlade, about 20km north of Swindon, offers wild swimmers a choice of places to plunge into the Thames. In the centre of town, there's a popular (and often crowded) river strand at Riverside Park. Heading downstream, Cheese Wharf (where river barges once loaded their cargoes) is a deep river pool, and a little further downriver the old Buscot Weir creates one of the best and biggest natural swimming spots on the Thames.
13. Loony Dook, Firth of Forth, Edinburgh
Finally, one for later: a wild New Year's Day plunge into the frigid Firth of Forth that will shock you out of the worst Edinburgh Hogmanay hangover. The official 'Loony Dook' kicks off with a parade through the streets of South Queensferry, in the shadow of the Forth Bridges. Numpty costumes are optional (there's a £250 prize for best outfit), and around a thousand dookers take the icy plunge. They're outnumbered by warmly dressed spectators. It's a ticketed event, with a cut going to the RNLI.
For a more impromptu Ne'er Day 'dook' you can join locals on the sands of Portobello, a couple of miles from the city centre – no ticket required.
Top tips for wild swimming
Stay safe
- Inland waters may seem safer than the sea, but cramp, fatigue and hypothermia can cause accidents in freshwater too. Don't plummet from cliffs or boulders unless you're 100% sure the water below is deep and rock-free.
- For longer swims in waters that swimmers share with boaters (like the Norfolk Broads and the Lake District), use a brightly coloured tow float and a bright orange swim hat to tell boaters you're there.
- Some travel insurance providers may not cover unsupervised free swimming under a standard travel insurance policy, so check the small print.
Keep it clean
Pandemic limits on travel outside and within the UK have encouraged more people than ever to discover the joys of wild swimming in Britain's lakes and lochs. Not all have behaved responsibly. There's been a huge increase in the amount of trash left behind in beautiful places, so don’t be part of the problem and take all your stuff home with you.
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