Discover Some Of The Best Wild Swimming Wales Has To Offer
Wales has so much beauty and outdoor space to offer an adventurous visitor, and if you’re interested in wild swimming Wales will not disappoint. From scenic rivers to stunning lakes and even a few tarns with breath-taking views, Wales has everything a wild swimmer could wish for. In our opinion these are the best places for wild swimming Wales has to offer. We hope you love them too.
Wild Swimming North Wales
Llyn Eiddew Bach tarn
The first stop on our wild swimming Wales tour is to the outstanding Llyn Eiddew Bach tarn in the remote northern Rhinogs mountains. This cannot be beaten for a relaxing swim with views to die for.
This is situated in a remote location, and the best way to access it is to park in the village of Harlech (postcode LL45 2LD), which is a wonderful 45 minute walk away from the tarn.
Take the B4573 road north towards Maetwrog for four km, after passing the bridge, turn right for 800 yards then right up steep lane just before reaching the hotel. Follow the road for 1.2km until you reach the mountain track.
From here follow the track for two km until you reach the tarn. Otherwise, the closest railway station is located five km away in Tywyn.
After your swim and walk back down in to Harlech, there are a number of restaurants and pubs to recharge your batteries. If there’s still time. A trip to Harlech Castle is highly recommended.
Wild Swimming South Wales
South Wales and the surrounding areas have no shortage of fantastic wild swimming locations. Here are a couple of our favourite wild swimming spots in South Wales.
Lady Falls, Brecon Beacons (Sgwd Gwaldys)
Set beneath the thirty-two-foot Lady Falls waterfall, this is wild swimming Brecon Beacons style. At the foot of the waterfall lies a large pool, suitable for swimming and diving. You can even climb behind the waterfall and dive back in to the pool.
The waterfall and pool are found within Waterfall woods, the spot is surrounded by trees/ mosses and ferns, which gives this place its own microclimate and gives the wild swimmer a feeling of pure escapism. You might feel as if you’ve stepped in to a tropical jungle paradise, it might be easy to forget that you’re still Wales.
Waterfall Woods itself is worth spending time to investigate, and there are lots of footpaths and walking trails to explore. Nearby Dinas Rock is known as Waterfall Country due to its wealth of spectacular waterfalls and it’s from here that you should start your incredible adventure.
The rivers Afon Mellte, Afon Hepste and Afon Nedd Fechan have carved their way through the rock to create gorges, caves and waterfalls.
How to get to Lady Falls
Start off at Dinas Rock car park (postcode SA11 5NU) near Neath. Head over the bridge and turn right to reach the start of the trail. Follow the trail through the old gunpowder factory and through the woodland. It is a moderate walk to the waterfalls through one and a half miles of woodland with the river Mellte running through it.
Wild Wye Swim
The river Wye is close to the Wales/England border is a water paradise for anglers, canoers and wild swimmers alike. Taking a dip is Britain’s fifth longest river (two hundred and fifty km in length) is a bucket list swim for many outdoor swimmers.
As you enter the water, you’re immediately immersed in a peaceful world, in this tree-lined heaven. Look out for some amazing way to see some fantastic wildlife, as you swim downstream. On my last visit I passed two kingfishers and many more species of birds and butterflies.
There are many places that make great swimming in the Wye. Two of the best spots can be found at Bredwardine Bridge and Kerne Bridge.
Bredwardine has a number of beaches and shallow areas when the water level is lower, as well as deep pools which are ideal for diving. After your swim, why not head for a bite to eat in The Red Lion Hotel (postcode HR3 6BU).
Kerne Bridge (postcode HR9 5QT) is just over three miles south of Ross-On-Wye. A gentle, although a little stony place to enter the river. Parking is free and the river has a gentle current, but make sure you watch out for the rapids further downstream. Climb out of the river before you reach them and re-enter after.
Average Water Temperatures in Wales
If you haven’t tried wild swimming in Wales, then you really should consider making time for a trip. The scenery is fantastic, the welcomes are warm, and the water temperature in August is a very reasonable 16 degrees C. The chart above gives you an average month-by-month water temperature. March averages 7 degrees C – a great excuse to dust off your wetsuit!
More Places To Wild Swim In Wales
Wales is a beautiful country with many opportunities for wild swimming. Here are some suggestions for places you could go:
- Llyn Padarn – This lake in Snowdonia National Park is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and has clear, freshwater perfect for swimming. See the image at the top of the page to appreciate how beautiful this spot is.
- The Gower Peninsula – This area of outstanding natural beauty has several stunning beaches that are perfect for wild swimming, such as Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, and Port Eynon.
- Llyn Cwm Llwch – This remote lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park is a hidden gem for wild swimmers. Surrounded by mountains, it is a great spot for a refreshing dip.
- Aber Falls – Located in Snowdonia National Park, Aber Falls is a waterfall that ends in a pool of crystal-clear water, perfect for a wild swim.
- Lake Vyrnwy – This man-made lake in Powys is surrounded by forest and hills and offers a tranquil spot for wild swimming. There are several access points around the lake, including a small beach.
- Afon Llugwy – This river in Snowdonia National Park is popular with kayakers and canoers, but it also offers great wild swimming opportunities. There are several deep pools and waterfalls that are perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Blue Lagoon – Located in Pembrokeshire, the Blue Lagoon is a former slate quarry that has filled with water. The water is a bright blue color and offers a unique wild swimming experience. However, it’s important to note that swimming here is technically illegal and can be dangerous due to the deep water and submerged equipment.
- Llyn Ogwen – Another lake in Snowdonia National Park, Llyn Ogwen offers stunning views of Tryfan and the surrounding mountains. There are several access points around the lake, including a small beach at the southern end.
- Sgwd Gwladus – This waterfall in the Brecon Beacons National Park ends in a pool that is perfect for wild swimming. The water can be chilly, but the stunning scenery and refreshing swim are well worth it.
Remember to always take precautions when wild swimming, such as wearing appropriate clothing and checking the depth and temperature of the water before jumping in.
Always check the safety of the area before swimming, as wild swimming can be dangerous in certain conditions. It’s also important to respect the environment and leave no trace behind.
Happy swimming!