Wild swimming is not a new thing, but the distinction between it and regular swimming gradually arose due to trends promoting healthier and cleaner lifestyles. Wild swimming denotes a sense of freedom and adventure, which many find irresistible and liberating. It also rekindles an appreciation for the beauty of nature, as most wild swimming spots rely on being kept pristine to be safe and swimmable.
Most swimming spots in the United Kingdom are under the care of a government agency or local organization, such as Cairngorms National Park and Northumberland National Park. This means outdoor enthusiasts can easily integrate this activity while camping or hiking. However, it is best to exercise caution, prepare and research in advance, and follow safety guidelines when wild swimming.
If you want to try this activity, check out these best wild swimming spots in the UK and be in awe of the beauty of nature.
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1. Bude Sea Pool; Bude
Bude Sea Pool is in Cornwall and on the southwestern coastline of England. Part natural and part man-made, the pool opened in the 1930s to provide a safe swimming area for the region’s beachgoers. It measures about 91 m (299 ft) long and 45 m (148 ft) wide.
Visitors planning to enjoy the sea pool can book lodgings and buy food in the town of Bude. Travelers only need a 14-minute walk from the town center to reach the shore. Just note that the pool is not accessible if the seawater is washing over the pool walls, depending on the tide. Swimmers can check out the live conditions through the official website and the Summerleaze on Zuma Jay’s Surf Report, so they can plan their visit. Just remember that diving is prohibited and swimmers need to acclimatize, and a wetsuit is recommended as the temperature can be between 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (64°F).
The local charity, Friends of Bude Sea Pool, maintains and cleans this swimming spot through the support of donations and volunteers. Moreover, the charity has done its best to ensure Bude Sea Pool retains its prestigious Blue Flag awards by preserving the environment, providing safety and services, and initiating community activities and outreach programs to educate or serve the people of Cornwall.
Bude Sea Pool
Address: Bude Sea Pool, Bude, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Website: Bude Sea Pool
Opening hours: from 9:30am - 6pm (daily) (visitors can check out the official website as opening hours vary per month)
Price: free
2. Blue Lagoon; Abereiddi
Blue Lagoon is one of the defining features of Abereiddi Beach, which is in Abereiddi, a rural hamlet in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The beach and the pool are also part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which got designated back in 1952.
The lagoon was a former slate quarry back in the 19th century. When it was no longer used, the quarry blasted and was flooded by the sea. Today, visitors to Abereiddi Beach can take a 10-minute walk from the parking area down to the beach, and a few more minutes of walking down the cliffs will lead to the Blue Lagoon. Apart from swimming, the lagoon is also a popular spot for kayaking and cliff jumping. Just make sure to check the tide times before getting here for safety.
Blue Lagoon
Address: Blue Lagoon, Abereiddi, Wales, United Kingdom
Website: Blue Lagoon
Opening hours: dawn until dusk (daily); closed from Sep 23 until Nov 4 due to breeding seals
Price: free admission (parking may be charged)
3. Llyn Glaslyn; Snowdonia
Nestled 600 m (1,969 ft) up amidst the slopes of Snowdon, Llyn Glaslyn is a beautiful blue lake found fittingly in the stunning land of Wales. It is part of Snowdonia National Park, also known as Eryri National Park, and is also associated with the city of Caernarfon. Traveling from Caernarfon to Glaslyn will take a 40-minute drive, not counting the time you’ll be hiking through the park to reach the lake.
Experienced hikers can take the Miner’s Track route with reaching the lake in mind. However, note that due to the altitude and climate, the water can be quite cold for swimmers. The lake also has a maximum depth of 127 ft (39 m), so divers will cover a lot of cold water before reaching the depths.
Llyn Glaslyn
Address: Llyn Gaslyn, Snowdonia, Wales, United Kingdom
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
Price: free admission (parking may be charged)
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4. Fairy Pools; Glenbrittle
Deep in the misty wilderness of Scotland’s Isle of Skye are the Fairy Pools—a series of waterfalls and clear pools believed to be the home of selkies. Despite the cold climate, its scenic location is trekked by outdoor adventurers looking to experience the magic and mystery of the pools. From the parking area, travelers will have to hike 2.4 km (1.5 mi) before reaching the pools.
The nearest settlement, Carbost, is about a 16-minute drive away. There’s also a campsite at Glen Brittle for those traveling on foot. Just make sure to wear a wetsuit when swimming here.
Fairy Pools
Address: Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Website: Fairy Pools
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
Price: free admission (parking may be charged)
5. Hampstead Heath Ponds; London
For aspiring wild swimmers who want to try the activity without being too far from civilization and modern comforts, London’s Hampstead Heaths have several ponds open for swimming.
The Mixed Pond is open for swimmers of all genders but is only open and lifeguarded during non-winter months. On the other hand, the Ladies’ Pond and Men’s Pond are accessible and lifeguarded year-long. Moreover, the administration highly recommends that swimmers book their slots well ahead of time. Swimmers are also advised to acclimatize before getting in the water, especially during colder months.
Hampstead Heath Ponds
Address: London, England, United Kingdom
Website: Hampstead Heath Ponds
Opening hours: 7am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: from 4.25 GBP (5.47 USD) per session; 2.55 GBP (3.28 USD) for concession ticket
6. Loch Morlich; Glenmore
Part of the protected Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich is a scenic lake surrounded by Glenmore’s woodlands and serves as an idyllic retreat for travelers to Scotland. The lake is about a 20-minute drive from Aviemore, the nearest town, making repeated trips to the lake possible.
The lake also has a maximum depth of 49 ft (15 m). Apart from wild swimming, the lake allows watersports such as windsurfing. However, the administration advises visitors to prepare before swimming and to follow open water safety rules. Its Lake Morlich Beach even includes facilities such as toilets, parking, and a picnic area.
Loch Morlich
Address: Glenmore, Highlands, Scotland
Website: Loch Morlich
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
Price: free admission (with charged parking)
7. Linhope Spout; Northumberland
Linhope Spout is a charming waterfall and pool tucked away in the depths of Northumberland National Park. To get there, prospective swimmers will have to hike a total of 3.21 mi (5.17 km) through the park-protected forest.
Along the way, visitors can see different bird species and native red squirrels scurry across the trunks and branches of Scots pine trees. Once there, they will be greeted by the 18-m (60-ft) tall waterfall splashing down a 2-m (7-ft) wide, 5-m (16-ft) deep pool.
Linhope Spout
Address: Northumberland, England, United Kingdom
Website: Linhope Spout
Price: free admission (with charged parking)
8. Brompton Bay / Jenny Watts Cove; Bangor
Brompton Bay is located in Bangor, a city on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland. It also goes by the local name of Jenny Watts Cove, in reference to a folk hero who smuggled important and much-needed supplies to the Irish. In June 2023, Brompton Bay was also officially recognized as a swimming spot by the government, despite the locals having used it for centuries.
Getting from downtown Bangor to Brompton Bay is a quick four-minute drive or nine minutes by bicycle. There are handrails available to guide swimmers down to the beach. Although street parking is available nearby, the nearest public toilets are 800 m (2,625 ft) away.
Brompton Bay / Jenny Watts Cove
Address: Bangor, Northern Ireland
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
9. Feshiebridge; Kingussie
Hidden in the woods of the Cairngorms is Feshiebridge, a popular landmark built over River Spey. The nearest town is Aviemore, which is a 20-minute car ride or 38-minute bike ride away. Because it is a popular walking route, it is maintained and kept clean by Forestry and Land Scotland. Travelers looking to visit need to take three trails to get there. The easiest way is the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail featuring garden-like paths flanked by wood and stone sculptures.
The swimming spot is the River Spey, which offers travelers multiple points to get in the water. One recommended place is 100 m (328 ft) from here, where a waterfall and a deep pool can be found. If you’re not keen on cold waters, it is best to wear a wetsuit and acclimatize before swimming.
Feshiebridge
Address: Kingussie PH21 1NG, Scotland
Website: Feshiebridge
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
10. Kailpot Crag; Ullswater
Kailpot Crag is a scenic and quiet swimming spot on the southern banks of Ullswater, in England’s Lake District. The closest communities are the hamlets of Howtown and Sandwick, perfect spots for a scenic walk. On your way to Kailpot Crag, you can take a ferry that will drop you off at Howtown’s pier. From there, it will take a 16-minute walk to reach the crag.
As Kailpot Crag is part of Ullswater, it stands to reason you should heed the safety recommendations of the Lakes District National Parks administration. Some of these include not swimming alone, wearing a wetsuit, and watching out for algae.
Kailpot Crag
Address: Ullswater, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Opening hours: open 24 hours (daily)
Try wild swimming for a change of pace and scenery
Wild swimming opens doors for appreciation of nature’s beauty and opens one’s mind to simpler and free pleasures of life. The United Kingdom has several open waters available for swimming, so if you’ve got time during your trip, why not try them out? To help you decide, check out this list of the best wild swimming spots in the UK.
Note: If you plan to go wild swimming, it is necessary to follow safety guidelines at all times. Note that open water can be unpredictable sometimes, so it is best to research any regulations and read them in advance so that you have time to gather the correct equipment and make all the necessary preparations. You can also bring lifejackets, tow floats, and wetsuits. Moreover, remember not to get into cold water until you have acclimatized yourself.
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