Bredwardine, River Wye

In summer this is normally a lovely spot near the grand old brick bridge with gravel river beach to one side for a gentle swim in the River Wye.

In general the river here in summer is slow and cooling. There is a deeper hole nearer the bridge on the beach (west) side of the river (normally little or no flow in this but use your common sense if it’s been raining previously – even in summer). You can normally walk right across the river to the other side on the gravel for most of this site though.

The more athletic can also swim upriver from the beach to the wide concrete shelf at the foot of the central bridge support and dive back in from it.

Sometimes families come just to paddle and sit on the river beach or in the field just up above the river at this site.

You can normally park just east of the bridge opposite Brobury House Gardens and walk down over the old bridge (single track with passing places) to the access stile/footpath just west of the bridge.

For those who fancy a pint and something to eat after their exercise, there’s the Red Lion Pub up the hill on the west side at the ‘T’ junction with the B4352.

Place Categories: River Swims and Wild Swim.

i swam down river wye from just south of hereford to monmouth about 8 years ago. beautiful swim over 2 days. caution warranted as depth and speed changes frequently and after high rainfall the river can flood quickly.
Mark Sawyer, Jul 28, 2016 - Bredwardine, River Wye

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Sad to see this recommending as a swimming spot, too many lives have been lost swimming in the Wye some in this area, doesn’t matter how strong a swimmer it’s too late when there is another casualty
Sarah Prosser, Jul 20, 2016 - Bredwardine, River Wye

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In 2009 a local boy, Stuart Thompson aged 17, tragically drowned whilst swimming here. Please do not encourage river swimming in this area.
Concerned, Aug 10, 2013 - Bredwardine, River Wye

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Beautiful! We had an amazing day there yesterday. The only additional caution I’d add is that the trail down to the water’s edge appears to have been worn away by a storm or some other natural event. That made the going difficult getting down to the water. On the way back up, once we were more familiar with the area, we were able to find a somewhat easier way back up the very steep slope that overlooks the swimming hole, but beware that this site can provide some tricky footing.
A lovely hidden spot well worth the trip.

Elaine, Jul 27, 2013 - Bredwardine, River Wye
4/5
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