Wild Swimming Walks: 28 River, Lake and Seaside Days Out by Train from London (Wild Walks)

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Over the past decade, the rivers in the UK have become cleaner than they’ve ever been due to the fantastic work agencies like The River Trust, and The Environmental Agency. It is a great time to embrace wild water swimming!

There are local legends too, for example, the two immortal fish named Adam and Eve by Eliza Lynn Linton in Bowscale Tarn that could speak and were popularised by William Wordsworth. Henry Clifford, a Dr Doolittle-esque character, was said to be on speaking terms with the fish.Written guides to the Lake District fells are many and varied. The first, and one of the best, was Guide to the Lakes written by Wordsworth himself in 1810. The guide was initially published anonymously, was then updated and expanded over a number of editions until the sought after 1835 fifth edition was published. Guide to the Lakes is typical Wordsworth and, already recognised as a place of beauty, drew the great and the good to the Lakes in increasing numbers.

Wild swimming has grown in popularity over the last few years, yet many wild swimming spots remain unknown. What is a wild swim? Essentially it is swimming outdoors in natural spaces. Cold water swimming activates endorphins, the chemical in our brain that makes us feel good. As well as being great exercise, many cite it has improved their mental health. Outdoor Swimming Wales It is always satisfying to include a visit to a castle on a walking route, even if it is something of a folly. Wray Castle was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1840 along with St Margaret’s Church, by retired Liverpool surgeon, Dr James Dawson, using his wife’s inheritance froma gin fortune. Apparently, she showed her contempt for it by refusing to live there, which is a shame because it has very good lake access and would have been perfect for her morning swim. Buttermere is home to Arctic char, but the precise location is a closely guarded secret. The ancient woodlands of Langstrath is the place for pied flycatchers and roe deer with red deer above the treeline and, soaring overhead, buzzards and peregrine falcons. The walk continues to another intriguing quarry, housing an open-air theatre where the likes of Kneehigh and Miracle Theatre perform. Very close to the entrance of the quarry you might be able to find some steps leading down to an old well, known as Figgy Dowdy’s Well, where young girls would once bring their dolls to be baptised every Good Friday. The Warrenis a stretch of meadow alongside the River Wye. The water is shallow but does have some rapids. You can expect to see dog walkers, children paddling, and even people reading or having a picnic. It is a gorgeous suntrap.

Art and Water

Don’t get too cold – summer is the best time to go wild swimming near me, but if you do go in winter, be prepared Fancy a dip? Grab your swimsuit and seek out my seven favourite wild swimming spots in Wales. From tranquil river swims to huge marine pools, these eight wild swimming spots are the perfect places to while away a hot summer’s day, or to head to for some cold water therapy in autumn and winter. I’ve included information on how to get to all of these magical places. Eight of the best places to go wild swimming in Wales For wildlife watchers Pete has plenty of tips on where to see – or at least be in the presence of – rare and unusual creatures. We are very excited to announce a series of ‘Wild Swimming Walks’ events to celebrate the launch of our new book

Potter was best known as a children’s author and as a brilliant artist and illustrator (her work has been curated to good effect at The Armitt Museum in Ambleside and is worth visiting). As swimmers we can thank her for the preservation of Moss Eccles Tarn (see chapter 20) and with the places associated with her books, in particular The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin. Squirrel Nutkin is based on the adventures of the impertinent squirrel, Nutkin, and his friends who sail over to Owl Island (St Herbert’s Island, Derwentwater; see chapter 8) on tiny rafts using their tails as sails. Nutkin incurs the wrath of Old Brown the owl and barely escapes minus his tail! There are few hazels on St Herberts Island these days, although I’ve heard an owl hunting there late at night, and the swim out to the island will forever be a favourite of mine.It really is worth joining the Outdoor Swimming Societyas they have 25,000 members and it’s the biggest wild swimming group in the UK and it’s free to join. Resources p.s. are you looking for somewhere by the Welsh coast to stay? Wild Swimming now has two beautiful places to rent out on the north Pembrokeshire coast near Newport with views over the Preseli mountains. Perfect for beaches, coves and swimming in the Witches Cauldron at Ceibwr Bay. Henllys Cottage sleeps 5 and Henllys House sleeps 14. One of my favourite walks in the Brecon Beacons National Park is the 9.3 mile Four Waterfalls hike through glorious woodland to the Ystradfellte waterfalls ( here’s my post on the walk). The last waterfall, Sgwd Yr Eira, is a towering beast that you can stand behind, before diving through the churning water into a tempting pool – perfect for cooling off after a hot hike. Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide to Wales, shares his all-time favourite wild swims of Wales..

Ten metres of rushing water cascade down into this idyllic deep forest pool. You may see locals jumping from the top of the falls but I definitely don’t recommend you try it yourself – just go for a splash about or swim under the waterfall. It’s a beautiful walk along the river and passing various plunge pools to reach Lady Falls, making it a dreamy wild swimming walk on a hot day. This slate quarry has stunning views out over the estuary and Cardigan Bay and has become one of the most famous swims in the country. There are several relics, including tramways and an old iron winding-wheel, but the main attraction is a very deep, green-blue rectangular pool. It is entered by a short railway tunnel that opens out into a great quarry amphitheatre. Don’t be tempted to follow the local lads, who like to jump from the cliffs above – terrifying! A popular spot for Brecon Beacons wild swimming is Llyn y Fan Fach. The picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park often steals hearts with its scenic surroundings, breathtaking views and incredible wildlife. You can enjoy a wild swim in the lake after an easy 4-mile walk. Ferns and creepers hang from the cliffs over the dark, deep waters of the lower Teifi, home to otters and buzzards. Swim from the beach near the Teifi Marshes Reserve, or take a longer swim journey right through the gorge from Cilgerran Castle where an impressive twin-towered Norman keep overlooks the forested river.

The inviting view of Derwentwater is ever present during the walk and to swimmers the aerial view of its bays and islands below are fascinating. Upon descending the fellside, the serious task of exploring the bays and islands from the water can get underway.