|
|
Wild Swimming in
rivers, lakes and waterfalls - our favourite areas
Highlights
from the Book

We've
created six regional
sections which review the best parts of Britain
for wild swimming. Here
you'll find our highlights for lake and river swimming places
with a photoslideshow and the coverage maps from
the Wild Swimming book
(so you can see whether your favourite areas are covered).
Click through
to:
Photo
Gallery
The links above also take you straight through to slideshows
of photos
from the book (hosted by google web albums). Or you can click
right to reach the main gallery
Wild Swim
Google Map
Or go to our community river and lake wild swimming MAP
(which is uploaded with new swims contributed
by readers / web users). It doesn't incude swim found in the books.
The
compiled text and photos descriptions from all the
contributions is posted at the bottom
of the page and also externally here.
Other sites, links and resources
You
can also find more information at the River and Lake Swimming Association
website wild swimming places pages, the Outdoor Swimming Society swim map
or, for Wales lake and river swimming, www.swimming-holes-wales.org.uk
General advice
Lake swimming advice
Shallow
lakes can warm
up qute quickly in summer. Deeper lakes may develop a warm top layer,
but your feet will still be cold! Lakes in woods will often become
clogged with rotting leaves around the edge making them very squelchy!
You can find a list of many lakes at www.uklakes.net but they
are easy to find on Ordance Survey maps (e.g. at www.multimap.com).
Look for lake boundaries with footpaths of Access Land down to the
water's edge. Many lakes are private and most have some form of
arrangement for fishing. Never swim if fshermen are present. In most
National Park and wilder upland areas you should have less problem than
in lowland areas near cities.
River swimming advice
Rivers can be
good for long
sections above weirs, or in deep pools on corners. Look for rivers with
footpaths, fords or foot bridge access. Canoing rivers have access for
swmimers too. Look at UK
River Guidebook for more details. If you avoid fishermen and
are discrete you should have no problem swimming in most appropriate
rivers.
Waterfall
swimming advice
Waterfall are
generally in
higher upland areas such as National Parks, and are mainly on access
land. Many have deep plunage pools. For inspiration why not read the Waterfalls of England guidebook.
Summary of whats on the
Wild Swim Google Map for river swimming and lake swimming...
last
updated 9th May 2009
Farleigh
Hungerford swimming club
26 April 2008 19:12

The
legendary river swimming club, founded in the 1930s and with over 2000
members today. A pool above a small weir on the rive Frome. Sociable
and perfect for picnics. Chairman is father of wild swimming, Rob
Fryer. Local campsite and riverbank owners: www.stowfordmanorfarm.co.uk
The home of English wild swimming?
Figheldean pool,
Wiltshire Avon
27 April 2008 00:24
Perfect
little chalk stream pool, deep beneath the 'hatches' a small narrow old
weir through which water still tumbles and fizzes. Cold, clear, clean
and invigorating. Surrounded by trees with views to distant fields. SU
151474
Twyford Lock
27 April 2008 00:28
A
wide open pool in the chalk stream river Test. This river used to be a
navigation though it is so shallow now you wouldn't believe it. This
pool is deep, though, and you can even jump in. Upstream there are
pretty paddling stretches and you can swim against the current. Very
clear and clean. Wild Swimming
Rive Ilse,
Ilford Brigde, Ilminster
27 April 2008 00:34
A
deep pool in a seemingly shallow and trinkling River
Isle, just off the road down a track. Roger Deakin swam near here in
Waterlog whilst exploring wild swimming in the Somerset Levels. ST
370178
Burrintgon
Coombe stream
27 April 2008 00:36
A
very little but pretty stream drops down from the Mendips through and
past the famous caves of Goatchurch Cavern ST 476582. You could try and
wild swim here, but it would be more like a wild puddle. Pretty and
magical though.
Upper Bath Avon,
nr Malmebsury
27 April 2008 00:38
The
young Avon has only passed
through Malesbury by the time
is reaches here, but it is wide and deep enough for swimming at the
ford and
bridge ST 960832 nr Great Somerford. Very rural and remote down the
little lane
from Littler Somerford ST 955 845 where some jump from the trees. Very
English wild swimming
Upper Avon
27 April 2008 00:40
The
young Avon has only passed through Malesbury by the time
is reaches here, but it is wide and deep enough for swimming at the
ford and
bridge ST 960832 nr Great Somerford. Very rural and remote down the
little lane
from Littler Somerford ST 955 845 where some jump from the trees. Very
English wild swimming
Withypool Bridge
27 April 2008 01:16
The river Barle is a beautiful if shallow wild swimming river, from its
headwaters high on Exmoor
at
Pinkery Pond. In places it pools and is good for swimming but here at
Withypool village it forms the perfect shallows with grassy banks for
picnics and the optimum depth for children to paddle and chase minnows!
River Dart,
Dartmoor
27 April 2008 01:29

This
could well be the most magical wild swimming in Britian. The river Dart
cuts a deep, sheltered gorge through steep forests. Pools form and you
can tube down water slides. You have to bushwhack down from Mel Tor or
follow the river up or down from Dartmeet / Newbridge. It's quite a
trek but worth it for the adventure. There's no better place to be
swimming on a hot summer day!
St Nectan's
Kieve waterfall
27 April 2008 01:41

An
incredible plunge pool in a deep chasm near to Tintagel Castle, said to
be where King Arthur took the knights to be baptised before their quest
for the Holy Grail. Brilliant for a sacred, cleansing plunge.
Cuckmere meanders
27 April 2008 11:16
A
wide curving river meader, now a lake, the flow having been diverted
through the new cut. You can swim anywhere along this beautiful valley
and combine it with a sea swim as well.
Eynsford on the
Darent
27 April 2008 11:22
The
Darent is a dear chalk stream that rises in the north downs and flows
clean and clear parallel to the eastern M25. It is shallow and popular
with children at Eynsford but upstream a little way there is a deeper
section alongside the lake at Lullington Castle
Sandy Bay, River
Rother, Midhurst
27 April 2008 11:27
The
(west Sussex) river Rother is alternately sandy and muddy. As it passes
through the magnificent ruins of Cowdray Castle its banks are sandy and
there are some deep holes. This is where the famous River Rother Raft Race begins each summer
bank holiday.
Cenarth pools,
River Teifi
27 April 2008 11:52
The
Teifi is a fantastic wild swimming river, and my favourite strethces
are bewteen Landysul and Cenarth. At Cenarth there is a famous bridge,
a waterfall and deep pools beneath. It is popular though fishermen can
get a bit cross. You'll also find the National Coracle Centre
Wye Elan
junction pool
27 April 2008 11:59
A
fabulous deep pool at the junction of these two famous rivers. Accessed
from the right bank via little lanes or from the left bank
from the
main A470. The Elan can be colder in summer than winter because they
release water from the deeper levels of the great reservoirs in the
valleys above.
Pontneddfechan
Waterfalls
27 April 2008 12:05
Possibly the most extensive range of waterfall plunge pools in Britain,
along the Neddfechan and Melte. Wild swimming heaven...
Afon Rheiddol
& Mynach Falls,
Devil's Bridge
27 April 2008 12:33
Ive
not tried this one but a deep gorge is said to run upstream from
'Devil's Bridge' on the Rheiddol. The Rheidol rises in the headwaters
of the Nant y Moch
reservoir on the western flanks of Plynlimon and then flows south through
the village of Ponterwyd on the main Aberystwyth to
Rhayader road.
Continuing south-westwards, largely through ancient oak woodlands in an increasingly deep
valley the Rheidol joins with the Afon Mynach
and veers westwards, the direction in which it continues for most of
the rest of its course. At its confluence with the Mynach, it descends
one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales at Pontarfynach ( Devil's Bridge).
Melyn Llyn,
Yellow Lake
27 April 2008 12:36
The
highest lake in Wales, the yellow lake is also one of the most remote
and is set adjacent to the 'black lake' (Llyn Dulyn). Approach from
Dolgarrog to the east and follow the waterfalls of Afon Dulyn.
Fairy Glen, Afon
Conwy
27 April 2008 12:47
A
magical glen on the river Conwy below Conwy falls. Accessed on its
right bank through the Fairy Glen Hotel (payment required) or from its
left bank via the access land and lane (free).
Grantchester
Meadows, River Cam
27 April 2008 13:06
Follow
in the footsteps of the Bloomsbury Group and Rupert Brooke. There are
squelchy swim holes all along the river Cam on the meadows.
Why not
make a day of it and punt and swim? Afterwards you can have tea in
deckchairs at the famous Orchard
Tea Garden in Trumpington
Rushey Lock,
Tadpole Bridge, Thames
27 April 2008 13:10
The
pools beneath the weirs on the rural river Thames above Oxford have
always been popular places for swimming - though there are many other
more secret places too. You have an enshrined right to swim along the
Thames and most loch keepers are pretty easy going.
Hatchmere,
Delamere Forest
27 April 2008 13:23
An ancient mere that has been enjoyed by local families for swimming
over generations. See the Friends of Hatchmere website
Buxton Lamas,
River bure
27 April 2008 13:31
A footpath follows this pretty stretch of the young Bure. It is
wonderfully cool and clear.
Thomasson Foss
waterfall, Eller Beck
27 April 2008 13:35
A deep pool under a dramatic waterfall in the woods above Beck Hole.
Bolton Abbey on
Wharfedale
27 April 2008 13:51
This
is the destination of choice for the populations of Leeds, Bradford and
Burnley on hot summer day. Stepping stones, shingle beaches, and deeper
river sections for a proper swim, all set in the ruins of Bolton
Priory, this is like a wild swimming festival.
Wastwater
27 April 2008 13:56
Oh
beautiful Wastwater, so deep and clear! The sun is setting and this
little white beach by the stream at Over Beck is my favourite place to
swim in the sunset and then watch the evening stars appear.
Kisdon Falls,
Swaledale
27 April 2008 14:00
All
along Swaledale, near Keld, there are extraordinary waterfalls, hewn
from brown red sanstone with multiple deep pools. Kisdon Force is the
largest, deepest and highest.
Faerie Pools,
Skye
27 April 2008 14:10
There
are many hidden Faerie Pools on Skye because Skye is embued with watery
and Faeriesh legend. These just up from Glen Brittle are the most
famous and there is even an underwater arch to swim under.
Loch Ness,
Urquart Castle
27 April 2008 14:15
You
can't go swimming in Scotland and not swim in Loch Ness with Nessey.
There are over 60miles of shoreline to wild swim along but swimming
near the famous ruins of Urquart Castle in very dramatic.
Falls of
Falloch, Rob Roy's Bathtub
27 April 2008 14:18
You won't find a larger plunge pool, so grand they call it Rob Roy's
bathtub.
River Tweed,
Peebles
27 April 2008 14:22
Beautiful
pools in the river Tweed on the bends beneath Neidpath Castle. Be
careful because the current can be strong in high water.
Stanley Ghyll,
Eskdale
27 April 2008 17:36
A lovely walk up Stanley Ghyll leads to a beautiful
Lakeland waterfalls. The vegetation here is so lush in summer that it
seems almost tropical. Start at the parking area near the Dalegarth
terminus of the popular Eskdale railway, and follow the waymarked trail
through pleasant woodland to the banks of the Ghyll. Just off the minor
road through Eskdale, near the Eskdale Railway
terminus at Dalegarth, or park at Boot and take the stepping stones
over the River Esk.
OS
SD 174995.
Walton Swimming
Club
13 May 2008 11:08
Steps formerly
used by the Walton Swimming Club.
The club's old changing rooms are now used as a clubhouse by the Thames Valley Skiff Club who
still swim here on warm days.
Dumsey Meadow
13 May 2008 11:12
A small beach here makes entry
easy into the Thames.
Thames near Aston
13 May 2008 11:13
A quiet spot
off the beaten track. May be quiet enough for skinny dipping if you are
not too nervous.
Penton Hook
13 May 2008 11:16
A number of
popular swimming spots on this Thames backwater.
Frensham Pond
13 May 2008 11:18
Very popular in summer. Great for
kids as well as adults. Sandy beach.
Can sometimes suffer from algae later in the summer.
River Aln weir,
Lesbury
27 June 2008 13:14
Just
200m across the field from the main road bridge (Lesbury A1068) you'll
find a secret arbor of Balsam, meadow and shallows under a weir. A long
stretch of river above is good for swimming and there is a tree you can
jump in from.
River Wansbeck,
Bothal weir and salmon
steps
27 June 2008 13:32
Follow
the footpath up river from the road bridge 500m west of Bothal and you
will soon come to an old weir with a fun set of salmon steps, up to 1m
deep!
Glen Massan
03 July 2008 08:38
head
out of dunoon on the a815, and take a left turn at the signpost for
glen massan. go through the trees, past teh houses, and up the hill.
further up the hill, the road widens significantly for a short
distance. park here, and head through the trees to the river. explore!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrpattersonsir/203241395/
Southwater
Country Park
07 July 2008 13:22
Cripplegate Lake in Southwater Country Park has a dedicated beach for
swimming (at the left of the picture).
Its
easy to get to off the A24 and the Park has free parking and a cafe and
watersports hire (opposite end to the swimming beach). There is also a
good adventure playground.
Slippery Stones
plunge
08 July 2008 13:44
On
the young river Derwent, downstream of the foot bridge, about a mile up
from the car park at the road end of the Derwent / Lady Bower
Reservoir. If you can find it there is a very deep pool, about 3-4m.

John Robert Shepherds on Flickr
says: "Water crystal clear but tinted brown and strangely fizzy.
Imagine swimming in Coke. I'm happy and it shows."
Cutt Mill
09 July 2008 19:00
There
is a disused mill, weir and pool here at the bottom of the lane,
excellent for swimming and popular with the locals. The mill has
suffered an arson attack and can no longer be jumped off, but the water
is still lovely and you can swim up or down the river, with the fields
and trees around.
Barricane Beach
17 July 2008 17:15
A
wonderful cove that fills up at high tide into a fairly wave-free
swimming spot with jumping in opportunities. If you go there at low
tide it's possible to walk over to the neighbouring beach Combesgate
for some fantastic breakers which are great for body boarding as the
tide comes back in. Photo to follow
Aberdaron
17 July 2008 17:44
Beautiful clear
water and nice to swim along by the caves and inlets from the west side
of the beach
Poulanassy
Waterfall, Mullinavat, Co.
Kilkenny, Ireland
31 July 2008 15:53

Mullinavat
is a village north of Waterford on the main N9 road to Dublin. Turn off
in the village between the two pubs. Take the next left turn where the
road veers right and drive until you see the sign for the waterfall.
Basin
at base of waterfall is safe to swim in. A popular swimming spot at
weekends during the summer with local children and adults alike.
Calver Bridge
01 August 2008 08:38
Park
up on the road in one of the two layby's either side of the bridge. You
can access the river on both banks on the downstream side of the
bridge, but the southern bank offers the nicest spot and catches the
afternoon and evening sun. However the best way to get in is to jump
from the bridge! It's plenty deep enough. There's scope for long swims
up and then back down the river towards Grindleford.

Between Tilford
and Elstead
01 August 2008 08:57
Nice
bend in river with sandy bank. swim upstream for quieter spots as due
to a rope swing this can get visited. but far enough off track to not
be a problem. follow path that runs along cliff top parallel to river
to get here. enjoy!
Lydford Gorge
pool - upstream
01 August 2008 09:52
DO
NOT SWIM ABOVE THE WATERFALL AND DEVILS CAULDRON!
This is a sallow shady
stream, several hundred meters upstream of the major
waterfall. It is
like a ford with a gravel bed. It shelves down into a still small
plunge pool
which leads upstream into a narrow deeper gorge. Atmospheric and eerie,
overhung with ferns and ivy. Swim discretely. Stunning NT waterfall and
gorge
walk downstream.

Lydford
is off the A386 between Tavistock and Okehampton.
Follow road through village, across bridge to National Trust carpark
and enter
gorge (£5.20). Follow path upstream to its shallow end, 300m.
Downstream of
carpark is amazing cauldron gangplank,
stunning gorge walk, more pools and thundering Whitelady
waterfall (no pool), 1.5km. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Grid Ref: SX 511847
Giants Cave
01 August 2008 11:08
At
high tide it's possible to jump from the lip of the cave into the sea
below - around 30 feet. There are numerous ways to get back out most of
which require a degree of skill in rock climbing. Charlie Don't Surf is
a fun little E4 on the right hand side of the arch of the cave as you
are looking in.
Gaddings Dam
06 August 2008 10:50
Gaddings Dam,
swim on top of the moors in a small dam built in 1830's to provide
power for a local mill. Glorious!
Coniston Water
06 August 2008 11:04
Coniston
Water. Enjoyed a swim here many times. Perfect spot for moonlit skinny
dip or misty early morning swim in the silver waters.
Barrow swim at
Muine Bheag
08 August 2008 15:07
There
is an outdoor locally built pool here with a car park. There is also a
beautiful stretch of river for swimming and playing on the weir
opposite.
In summer there is normally a lifeguard at the riverside.
Peel Island,
Coniston
14 August 2008 22:08
Nice little
beaches and island to swim to.
Rydal
14 August 2008 22:11
stunning
setting, gravel beaches. Top scoff at the nearby "Badger Bar"
Potter Tarn
14 August 2008 22:19
Good walk up
here. Almost infinity pool like effect with the dam. Sometimes has
cows. Check for blue green algae
Gurnal Dubs
14 August 2008 22:21
Nice walk up,
bigger and more popular with dog walkers than nearby Potter Tarn
Triple Falls,
Glen Etive
29 August 2008 12:23
Triple Falls is the term given
to this set of
rapids/waterfalls by the kayaking world. The section from here down to
Loch Etive has about 15 waterfalls on, all with various places to swim.
If you are travelling along the
A82 to Fort William as
you go over Rannoch Moor take the turning on the left, sign posted Glen
Etive after the white bridge. Follow the road along for about
a mile
until you see the first set of waterfalls. Its very
easy to notice from
the road and there is parking along the side of the road.
Earslaw Quarry,
Malvern Hills
03 September 2008
23:09
 Small
secluded quarry. A relaxing summer evening swim. Some signs warning
about swimming and getting cold.
Hoarwithy
03 September 2008
23:15
Great
river swimming popular with canoe trips along the Wye, some current to
swim against some deeper pools for jumping and swinging. Close to a
lovely pub and campsite.
Devil's Bridge
04 September 2008
21:19
Wide, medium
flowing river with deep pools by the bridge. Excellent brew van for
warming up afterwards too!
High Dam
24 September 2008
22:10
Lovely
tarn set amongst trees, with a couple of islands for added interest.
Path round the lake is popular with walkers, so skinny-dip with
discretion! Plenty of parking available just left of "Low Stott Park"
on the map, and a clear path leads up to the tarn (10-minute uphill
walk) past the first small tarn (Low Dam).
Cate
Davies adds: Every summer we swim at High Dam, a man made
lake above
Lakeside, at the foot of Windermere. From Newby Bridge go
through
Lakeside (big hotel, aquarium etc) and follow signs for Stott
Park
Bobbin Mill - which is about 500 metres further on. Turn left
where
the road forks, on a bend - at the bobbin mill - then, after about 100m
- right into the woods - parking. Walk uphill for about 15
mins, past
the first, smaller lake, and you will arrive at a larger lake. Turn
right over the wooden bridge and there are numerous entry points to the
water along the banks of the lake. Deepish, peaty water, but
very
clean and pleasant to swim in. 2 years ago we saw an adder
swim right
across the lake! Looking forward to trying some of your other
lake
district swims - Buckstones Jum(p) being a long term favourite, esp.
with my son and his friends who regularly leap into it.
Evenlode at
Stonesfield
25 September 2008
17:40
A
great little river pool with a nice bank to lounge around on. According
to the book it's normally a nice tame place less than a metre deep. We
went when the river was in spate (water up to the bottom of the bridge,
and at least 180cm deep) and had a good time, but obviously you need to
take great care in these conditions. Had a good time bobbing along down
to a get-out 200 metres downstream (just before a wood on the right
bank). Access is from Stonesfield (nice pub recommended in the book) or
the Roman Villa to the SW (muddy fields possible).
River Otter,
Honiton weir
09 October 2008 12:40
Emily
says: "Beautiful deep pool swimming and great place to hang out with
friends, by a small waterfall (that can be slid down). Gets sun most of
the day".
Stainforth Falls
10 October 2008 17:36
Janet K says:
Stainforth
Falls. Beautiful - very popular - gets especially busy on hot weekends.
There are 3 waterfalls increasing in height as you go down river. Each
waterfall has a drop pool, but the man poolis at the bottom of the
largest fall. Be careful swimming here, however as paople jump and dive
off the cliffs so keep away from the edges. Gets very rough after heavy
rain of course, and the 2 smaller pools turn into whirlpools which drag
you under the waterfall so beware if it looks rough don't
go
in!
Take the B6479 from Settle then 2nd right into Stainforth
where there is a pay and display carpark. Walk back out of the village
and cross the B6479 carring further up the road a few yards till you
come to Dog Hill Brow on the left - it is marked usuitable for
caravans. Follow this road until you get to the little bridge and there
are steps here down to the river.
Lonparish House
Lane on river Test
10 October 2008 17:50
Added by Janet K
Dun Caan Loch,
Raasay
11 October 2008 20:51
Ian says:
A small loch near the high point of Raasay - DunCaan. Picture of a
September swim on a beautiful Autumn afternoon.
Raasay lies just off Skye and we walked up to the high point
Dunaan
on
Friday 12th September. It was a warm sunny afternoon and this little
loch sits just below the summit. The cool peaty water was too inviting
to miss.
Ian Orr
Lough Shannagh
J294263
28 October 2008 19:17
Rachel says:
This
is a wide open loch surrounded by beautiful mourne mountains, it is
best to walk along the left hand side of the loch and swim from the
beach it is dark and cool, but you feel totally free out there alone
surrounded by the beauty of it all.
Park in the small roadside carpark at J280278. This is on the road
between Bryansford and Kilkeel (which is unnumbered on my map) between
Fofanny Dam Reservoir and Spelga Dam Reservoir. Cross the road and
follow the track up Ott Mountain. Where the path forks take the
rightward track. The path peters out and the ground becomes boggy with
peat hags. But don't worry. Just carry on to the col between Slieve
Lough Shannagh and Carn Mountain where you will find a wall and a stile.
Climb over the stile and descend to Lough Shannagh. The easiest access
is to keep walking, descending slowly, as if you are going to walk past
the Lough and then turn right to meet the Lough's eastern shore. The
walk should take about 1 hour.
Parking for
Lough Shannagh
28 October 2008 19:22
see
to east for the loch
Bloody Bridge
River J388269
28 October 2008 19:31


Rachel says:
Great
jumping pools at different levels. Double amazing as there are
mountains above and sea below. I would recommend heading further up the
pathway as the pools near the bridge might be busier( but only by
northern Ireland standards 1 or2 people!
Park
in the roadside carpark at J382272. This
is on the A2 between
Newcastle and Annalong.
Cross the road to the river.
There are some
good rock pools for jumping near the road below
a bridge and also
further upstream.
The Hermitage
J340322 (approx)
28 October 2008 19:43
Rachel says:
As
you follow the path up stream on the right hand side of the river you
will come to stone looking little shelter you can either climb over the
wall ( this is slightly more private way to get in) or get in before
reaching the hermitage and swim round. It is a beautiful pool
surrounded by trees and is a clear mountain river.
Go to Tollymore Forest Park, near Newcastle. Walk up the Shimna River
to the Hermitage (there is a sign) and get in. The walk should take
less than half an hour.
The Gortin
Loughs H500842
28 October 2008 19:44
Rachel says:
These two small loughs are a little south of
Gortin (and north of Gortin
Glen Forest Park) just off the B48.
There is a car park.
Lower Lough Erne
28 October 2008 19:45
Rachel says:
I camped at Castle Archdale campsite (H176590).
There are plenty of
islands to swim to (e.g. White Island H170600).
Look out for boats.
Upper Lough Erne
28 October 2008 19:46
Rachel
says:
Again, loads of water and loads of islands.
E.g., I swam from Lady
Craigavon Bridge
(H330278) to Inish Rath (H335273). Look
out for boats.
Lake of Menteith
01 January 2009 12:26
A
great swim in Scotland's only lake: 900 metres to the secluded island
with beautiful Inchmahome Priory, so an 1800m return swim. Or catch the
tiny boat back! Parking available from where the boat leaves. Best done
with a wetsuit (and canoe for safety if the ferry is running).
Loch Laidon
01 January 2009 12:51
Enjoy
views over Rannoch Moor towards the Black Mount from the small beach at
Loch Laidon. Parking available at nearby Rannoch Station.
Clachtoll Bay
01 January 2009 12:59
Swim
out a short distance to see the impressive Split Rock. Don't miss a
swim at nearby Achmelvich beach either! Ample parking available at
Clachtoll.
Redpoint
01 January 2009 13:08
A
great beach with red sand and Torridon mountains nearby. Parking
available at the end of the B8056 by the beach.
Loch Lubnaig
01 January 2009 13:11
There
are a number of access points on the quiet western side of Loch
Lubnaig. Best to combine a swim with a ride along the cyclepath on the
western side starting from either south (Callander) or north
(Balquhidder).
Achmelvich beach
01 January 2009 13:32
Cold!
But a fantastic beach for a swim on a hot summer's day. Parking
available at the
beach.
Loch Coire Lair
02 January 2009 00:52
At
400m altitude, this fantastic lochan is surrounded by mountains: 2
munros (Beinn Liath Mhor & Sgorr Ruadh) and, even better, the
corbett Fuar Tholl. A swim here is best combined with a walk up some of
these. About 3km from Achnashellach Station where parking can be found.
Loch Voil
02 January 2009 19:07
A
fantastic spot given its proximity to Glasgow. Loch Voil is one of the
many glacial lochs in the area, lined by mountains on either side.
Access the water from Balquhidder, walk up the quiet south bank or
cycle up the north bank. And enjoy the views!
Dromore Lake
12 January 2009 14:50
Peaceful lake
with nice surrounding countryside
and view of Victorian castle on the other shore. Water is clean. Access
is difficult requiring a short hike through fields and over some fences.
Lough Key
02 February 2009 16:58
A
beautiful lake set in the heart of the Lough Key Forest Park. A 560
meter swim to Castle Island in the middle of the lake with great views
over the surrounding countryside. Ample parking and facilities.
Loch Achray
11 February 2009 21:21
Go
for a swim in Loch Achray after a walk up & down Ben A'an with
its tremendous views.
Gullane Beach,
East Lothian
15 February 2009 00:23
A
wide bay of golden sand. Popular family spot and a firm favourite of
windsurfers too. To the south of the busier main bay there are smaller
more stoney bays that offer more privacy. The sand dunes offer
somewhere discrete to change and dry off. Busy on a hot summer weekend.
Ample parking at the end of Marine Terrace and then a 2 minute walk to
the beach.
Tyninghame Beach
15 February 2009 00:28
As
a nature reserve this wild beach offers unspoilt and varied scenery -
from mudflats to sand dunes and wild cliff-top views. The best bathing
is to the north where the sands are widest. At the furthest reach of
the bay an un-official naturist area offers the chance of a discrete
skinny-dip (but don't be surprised if you come across the unsuspecting
dog walker or two!). Plenty of parking at the end of Limetree Walk and
afterwards the best home baking and coffee are served in the teashop in
Tyninghame Village.
Heron Lake
12 March 2009 11:28
Mainly
a Waterski/Wakeboard lake, there is a section that has been roped off
for swimming with large water trampolines. Great in the summer with a
nice club house for food/drinks.
Disabled facilities available.
Forty Foot
bathing place
24 March 2009 11:09

http://www.fortyfoot.org/
The Forty Foot is a promontory on the southern
tip of Dublin Bay at
Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland, where people have
swum in the
Irish Sea all year round for some 250 years.

In
former times it was kept solely as a gentlemen's bathing place and
the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the
area. Due to its isolation and gender-specific nature it became a
popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s during the women's
liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged
into the waters, now it is open to women and children as well. The
gentlemen's swimming club still exists and is open to both genders, it
expects voluntary contributions to the upkeep of the area.
It area may have been called the
Forty Foot after the 42nd Highland
Regiment of Foot (now known as the Black Watch), a regiment of the
British Army, which built a fortress here in 1747 when it was sent over
to repulse any possible Napoleonic invasion of Ireland. The
fortifications included 'the battery', the massive granite walls and
the Martello tower.
Horseway Bridge
- Forty Foot Drain
24 March 2009 11:15
UPDATE:
now often empty since closing of Welches Dam lock
The
Forty Foot Drain at Horseway Lock, looking westward towards Horseway
Bridge and the junction with the Sixteen Foot Drain. This section is
maintained by the Middle Level Commissioners and is kept in navigable
condition.
Only filled with water on some weekends, see http://www.middlelevel.gov.uk/pdfs/NavNotes2009.pdf
http://www.middlelevel.gov.uk/pdfs/Navig%20brochure%202008.pdf
Sixteen Foot
Drain
24 March 2009 11:25
Grisedale Tarn
30 March 2009 15:51
Gormire Lake
21 April 2009 23:09
Truly
natural glacial lake in Yorksire near sutton bank.
River Great
Ouse, Olney, Bucks
26 April 2009 21:58
Situated
at bottom of playing fields, these steps lead down into the R. Great
Ouse. River bed is smooth gravel easy on bare feet.
Shallow near the
steps but easy swimming depth towards the far bank. Water
quality
good, and this spot is very popular with the locals.
Cotswold Country
Park
26 April 2009 22:27
The
Bathing Beach at Cotswold Country Park. Although segregated
from the
main body of the lake there is adequate depth for a proper swim out
towards the boom. In addition to summer swimming I understand
they
will permit winter swimming by adults - I swam here in
mid-April. Lake
is a flooded sand quarry so water quality is excellent. The
beach sand
is coarse, deep and clean (dogs not allowed on beach). They
also have
pedalos for hire to use on the main body of the lake.
Website
here
Situated in Cotswold Water Park just south of Cirencester,
Glos. Well worth the £2 adult entrance fee.
Dores, Loch Ness
26 April 2009 22:58
Dores
Beach is one of Scotland's designated bathing beaches. Loch
Ness isn't
cold - I swam in it on a warm September day and the water temp was 18C
(64F). Bear in mind the floor of the Great Glen is virtually
at sea
level.
Talisker Bay
01 May 2009 21:28
From
Barbara: A superb bay with waves to catch if you are lucky and views to
the outer Hebrides. Parking available a short distance from the bay.
Glen Orchy
02 May 2009 10:25
From
Barbara: Take the road to "Glen Orchy" from Bridge of Orchy on the A82
for a little over 4 miles (be careful - this is a very narrow road) and
park anywhere you can on the right. There is a beautiful area for
swimming in peaty water. Please note that there are some quite strong
rapids here, so you must be a strong swimmer.
|
|
or check out the latest
book...
by
Daniel Start
published
May 2009
|