Fancy a dip? Seize your swimsuit and search out my seven favorite wild swimming spots in Wales. From tranquil river swims to large marine swimming pools, these eight wild swimming spots are the right locations to whereas away a sizzling summer time’s day, or to move to for some chilly water remedy in autumn and winter. I’ve included info on get to all of those magical locations.
Eight of one of the best locations to go wild swimming in Wales
Skenfrith Citadel, Monmouthshire
The River Monnow varieties a large pool simply exterior the ruined partitions of Skenfrith Citadel (free to enter). There’s a simple stroll into the water from underneath the shady bushes, making this spot excellent for giant and little swimmers like, and also you’ll usually spot households full with inflatables splashing about or leaping off the rope swing. Swimming within the shadow of a thirteenth century fortress is a reasonably particular expertise, and that is one in all my favorite laid-back swim spots for a picnic and a dip on a sunny day
The best way to get there: Stroll by means of the ruins of the fortress within the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire to succeed in the river financial institution.
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
Show your swimming mettle with a skin-tingling swim in Pembrokeshire’s Blue Lagoon, hidden within the cliffs above Abereiddy Seashore. Stroll up slightly path previous ruined slate employee’s cottages and also you’ll abruptly come upon this man-made sea-water lagoon of deep, sapphire blue. The water is refreshing to say the least, however these courageous sufficient to dive in and swim throughout it are rewarded with jutting steps of black slate to clamber up for a heart-stopping leap into the depths – the lagoon is residence to the Crimson Bull Cliff Diving Champs, and it’s simple to see why.
The best way to get there: Park on the Abereiddy Seashore automobile park, and stroll the coastal path to the lagoon.
Sgwd Gwladys/Girl Falls
Ten metres of dashing water cascade down into this idyllic deep forest pool. You may even see locals leaping from the highest of the falls however I undoubtedly don’t advocate you attempt it your self – simply go for a splash about or swim underneath the waterfall. It’s an attractive stroll alongside the river and passing varied plunge swimming pools to succeed in Girl Falls, making it a dreamy wild swimming stroll on a sizzling day.
The best way to get there: In the event you fancy an all-day journey do this 20km waterfall strolling route on Komoot. In any other case Girl Falls is well reached in a 30 minute stroll from the customer centre and Angel pub in Pontneddfechan, the place you’ll discover the path head.
Llyn Cau, Cadair Idris
They are saying that anybody who sleeps within the shadow of Cadair Idris will awake a madman or a poet. Who is aware of if the identical is true of Lyn Cau, the deep (so deep it’s rumoured to be bottomless) lake that sits under the summit? Both means this storied place is an extremely stunning spot for a swim, and beautiful for a wild camp adopted by a morning dip.
The best way to get there: It’s a steep three mile loop to and from Llyn Cau from the principle automobile park alongside the Minfordd path.
Ystradfellte waterfalls – Sgwd Yr Eira
Certainly one of my favorite walks within the Brecon Beacons Nationwide Park is the 9.3 mile 4 Waterfalls hike by means of wonderful woodland to the Ystradfellte waterfalls (right here’s my put up on the stroll). The final waterfall, Sgwd Yr Eira, is a towering beast you could stand behind, earlier than diving by means of the churning water right into a tempting pool – excellent for cooling off after a sizzling hike.
The best way to get there: The start of the stroll is at Gwaun Hepste automobile park. Strolling route right here.
Blue Pool, Gower
Blue Pool Bay, reachable solely at low tide or through a stiff scramble from the cliffs, is residence to its namesake swimming spot, a gem-like tidal pool surrounded by tall rocks and ideal for a plunge. Legend has it that the pool is bottomless – the jury’s out, nevertheless it’s deep sufficient you could leap in from the rocks for those who’re cautious. Stroll to the opposite finish of the seaside to discover the dramatic Three Chimneys cliff arches.
The best way to get there: Stroll to Blue Pool Bay at low tide from Broughton Bay or comply with my 5 mile Komoot stroll alongside the coast path to succeed in the bay.
Llyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons
One other excellent bracing swim spot for lovers of untamed tenting. Llyn y Fan Fach within the coronary heart of the inexperienced mountains of the Brecon Beacons is well reached on a brief steep hike, and can also be the right in a single day cease on a two-day stroll. Legend has it that it’s residence to the Girl of The Lake, however she doesn’t appear to thoughts swimmers. There are shingly seashores for straightforward entry. Value swimming even in chilly water for the stupendous mountain views throughout you.
The best way to get there: Right here’s a four-mile round mapped route to succeed in the lake.
Rosebush quarry
Pembrokeshire is finest recognized for its unbelievable shoreline, however for those who journey slightly additional inland you’ll be rewarded with a fairytale hidden pool. From the village of Rosebush you possibly can hike by means of woodland to succeed in the summit of Foel Cwmcerwyn hill for panoramic views of the encircling Preseli Hills. Then descend into Rosebush quarry, now disused and brought over by nature. Completely hidden from view however reachable by footpath is that this flooded quarry pool, its deep waters essentially the most stunning azure blue. The water right here is all the time very chilly, so you might wish to put on a wetsuit. You’ll be able to clamber into the shallows or dive in from the deeper financial institution. Again in Rosebush the Tafarn Sinc pub is a superb place to heat up by the hearth.
The best way to get there: Observe my Komoot route right here. It’s a simple stroll from Tafarn Sinc.