Wild swimming has grown in popularity in recent years and for good reason.

It’s hard to beat the feeling you get from immersing yourself in a cold lake, plunge pool, river or sheltered cove.

It’s just  incredibly invigorating and refreshing.

Here are some memorable ones … chosen for their beautiful locations.

CORNWALL

Porthallow beach, Lizard

This is a very sheltered beach and perfect for swimming at any time of year.

There’s also a pub, a cafe and a car park at the beach.

swimming at Porthallow in December

WALES

Pwlldu beach, Gower Penninsula

We were given a tip about this lovely  bay  on the  Wales Coast Path whilst camping at Nicholaston Farm in the Gower.

We enjoyed it so much that we visited three days running.

Visit at high tide for the best experience. Take a picnic and stay all day, perfect.


Pwlldi Bay
path towards Pwlldi Bay

THE LAKE DISTRICT

Most of the Lakes and Tarns in the Lake District permit swimming. Some of our favourites are;

Loughrigg Tarn

We teamed this swim with a fabulous walk up Loughrigg Fell

It’s a beautiful tarn complete with wild lillies, dragonflies, ducks and spectacular mountain views.

Derwent Water

We teamed this with a walk up Catbells.

Crummock Water

Crummock and nearby Loweswater are fabulous for swimming

Crummock Water

Rydal water.

DEVON

South Sands, South Hams, Salcombe,

This is a lovely sheltered cove and a great spot for a sunrise swim ( before it becomes crowded  and the ferry service to Salcombe gets going).

South Sands beach is situated along the Devon stretch of the  beautiful   south west coast path near Salcombe.

sunrise at South Sands
South Sands beach
favourite swimming locations