Wild swimming has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, with more people recognising…
Britain has more than its fair share of incredible wild swimming spots to try this spring and beyond. From the Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools to Eryri National Park’s Llyn Glaslyn, there are so many options for a rejuvenating outdoor swim.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy, Wales
One TripAdvisor member called the Blue Lagoon “a very different place to swim” and they’re not wrong. The Blue Lagoon is an eye-catching aquamarine, a colour that comes from the slate in the old quarry it fills. The lagoon is surrounded by protective walls – making it a great spot for those who are new to wild swimming. Its water comes from the sea, so it’s perfect if you want a seawater swim too. Make sure you check opening times before your visit.
Farleigh & District Swimming Club, Somerset, England
Join the Farleigh & District Swimming Club – thought to be England’s oldest river swimming club – to swim a scenic stretch of the River Frome. Membership is cheap (£12 for adults) and covers you for as many visits as you like over the annual swimming season (generally May to September, depending on the weather). There’s also a field to picnic in, for some well-deserved snacks after your dip.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools are as magical as they sound. Leading up to the Black Cuillin Mountain range, they’re a succession of crystal-clear, spring water pools, fed by the spray of small waterfalls. According to Visit Scotland, it’s a 2.4km walk to the pools, so you can combine a hike with a refreshing swim. And we really do mean refreshing – the Fairy Pools are renowned for their chilly temperatures! They may be the island’s most famous wild swimming spot, but Skye is full of awe-inspiring places to swim outdoors. Check out Loch Coruisk, the Torrin Pools and Glenbrittle Beach too.
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Back on the mainland, Dores Beach is a popular location to access Loch Ness for a swim or watersports. Loch Ness is Scotland’s second deepest lake and suited to more experienced cold water swimmers. A swim in the Loch offers unmissable views. The shingle beach also gives you the perfect vantage point to admire the Loch. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for its most famous resident!
Blea Tarn, Cumbria, England
This Lake District tarn was filmed for TV show The Witcher and it’s easy to see why they chose the lake. On a calm day, the water’s mirror-like, reflecting the sky, lush greenery and the towering Langdale Pikes around it. Despite its fame, the glacial tarn is a quiet location, so you may get a secluded swimming spot if you’re lucky. Very little walking is required to reach the tarn, as it’s close to a National Trust car park. There’s a gentle circular path around the water if you do want to add a walk on to your swim.
Llyn Glaslyn, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Wales
According to legend, Llyn Glaslyn may be where King Arthur left his famous sword Excalibur. There’s certainly an air of mystery that hangs over the lake, thick as mountain mist. Carved into the eastern side of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the glacial lake offers magnificent views of Wales’ highest mountain. Llyn Glaslyn (‘Blue Lake’) is on the Miners Track to the summit, making it the ideal place to stop for an invigorating swim, whether you’re heading up or down Yr Wyddfa.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland, England
A round up of wild swimming spots wouldn’t be complete without a sea swim! With thousands of miles of coastline, it’s no easy feat to pick a favourite sea swim in Britain – but Bamburgh stands out. The wild, windswept Northumbrian beach has recently made into a Which? list of the UK’s cleanest beaches. Wetsuits may be needed for a dip in the icy North Sea unless you’re a seasoned wild swimmer. A swim here is spectacular, with views of Holy Island and all the way to the Farne Islands. The imposing Bamburgh Castle can be viewed towering above the beach too.
When wild swimming please ensure you take sensible safety precautions.
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