Wild Swim

Manley Mere, Manley Lane, Frodsham. WA6 0PE

Hope House Children’s Hospices are organising their first sponsored open water swim to help raise funds for the hospices....

Gyllyngvase beach Falmouth Cornwall

Now in its eigth year the Trident Challenge is an 800m (approx) sea swim around a triangular course off...

Rutland Watersports Whitwell

Date: Sunday 8th September, 2013. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just want to swim for fun you’ll get...

50.509028,-4.151026

Magical river swimming in the woods

52.329381,-0.118485

An idyllic stretch of river flowing through traditional water meadows. There’s the National Trust mill to visit, and tea...

Stockton Teeside

We are a fledgling Wild Swimming group based in Teeside. Our aim is to enjoy our beautiful countryside,our wonderful...

Lynton

Lee Bay is a popular family beach in the summer season, with parking, toilets and a cafe above, and...

Mortehoe

Rockham Beach certainly has a wild feel to it, being hidden well enough to avoid the crowds of nearby...

Traunfall, Roitham, Upper Austria

beautiful waterfalls and canyons filled with cristall clear water. the river traun builds a labyrinth of caves and underwater...

Directly east of the famous Abbey, there is a 2m deep pool just upstream of some rapids (you can...

Dalmally

The River Orchy is a beautiful river in Glen Orchy east of Dalmally. It is popular when in spate...

Friday Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Lake on private land but next to a footpath through Forestry Commission woods. Seculded with grass banks.

Wiesen 45, 3323 Neustadtl an der Donau, Österreich

romantic and wild island in the river danube in austria. you can reach the island by 10min swimming. near...

Gosau 396, 4825 Gosau, Österreich

beautiful alpine lake in austrian alps. great panorama to the dachstein glacier. water gets up to 18 degree C...

Glen Trool Village

A quick dip near to the waterfall on the Water of Minnoch (see listing). Wasn’t very deep but with...

Lochgoilhead, Cowall Peninsula

Loch Goil is just west of Loch Lomond just over an hour from Glasgow. Follow the old military road...

EX20

Old water filled quarry, with swing rope on the southern side!

New Galloway

This swim is very close to the Grey Mare’s Tail Burn swims. You can park at the same place...

Glen Trool Village

A lovely waterfall right next to the visitor car park in the beautiful Glen Trool. The waterfall is visible...

New Galloway

There are a number of small plunge pools on the Grey Mare’s Tail Burn. We swam in three different...

Wood of Cree

A beautiful burn located in an ancient woodland. There is a beautiful walk around the Wood of Cree with...

Ashford Carbonel

Look for the old schoolhouse on the left as you come into the (very pretty) village of Ashford Carbonel....

Bredwardine, River Wye

In summer this is normally a lovely spot near the grand old brick bridge with gravel river beach to...

Leintwardine

Nice quiet spot in the summer at the joining of the River Teme and River Clun for a swim...

Lower Buckton, Buckton near LEINTWARDINE, Shropshire SY7 0JU

Lower Buckton Country House & The Millstream Camp. Stunning bed and breakfast in fab old farmhouse and unique Shepherd’s...

Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 3JY

Chippenham River Festival is an annual celebration of the River Avon which flows right through the heart of Chippenham....

wraysbury

Colne Brook between Wraysbury Station and Hythe End. The Colne Brook has a decent flow and the base is...

SO50 5PE

Open water swimming lake in Hampshire. Set in the beautiful Lakeside Country Park it is the perfect lake to...

Blea Tarn, Eskdale

Blea Tarn is a nice place for swimming after a steep walk up from the valley bottom. The water...

Fan mountains, Tajikistan

This triangle-shape mountain lake is set at 2,195 m in the Fan mountains of Tajikistan and accessible only by...

yosemite, california, usa

Surrounded by granite domes and lodgepole pine forests, Tenaya Lake is the crown jewel of Yosemite National Park’s high...

achmelvich

There is a beautiful bay about 500m to the north of the Achmelvich campsite in Assynt. It’s sheltered from...

The Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Dover, Kent

This is where I go every year for a spot of Wild Sea Swimming. In the shadow of the...

SP6 2EY

The Hampshire Open Water Swimming Centre is a new facility that has just opened to the public for open...

Langley Ln, Bampton, Oxfordshire OX18, UK

This is a quiet stretch of the Thames between Lechlade and Radcot. Drive down to Grafton Lock (Go down...

Koppenwinkellake Austria, Upper Austria

a small periodical lake. it fills only in time of the melting snow. the water is crytal clear but...

Tanners Lane, Lymington SO41

Great remote location for pool swimming at mid tide. Can park right on beach (but watch the tide!) with...

Summerleaze Beach, Bude EX23 8HJ

Beautiful tidal pool which curves under the cliffs on the North Cornwall coast. Semi-natural construction and filled twice daily...

Aviemore

A small, romantic loch at the foot of the Cairngorms, with a tiny ruined castle on an island set...

Inverarnan

A huge plunge pot under a great Waterfall or Gorge. The Falls of Falloch are spectacular and the great...

Dunblane

A perfect, if small, plunge pool in open countryside with a fun rock slide. Above are 100m of further...

Laggan

A large calm pool beneath Waterfall or Gorge on River Pattack in Strathmashie community forest next to car park....

Inversnaid

Remote stretch of northern Loch Lomond on West Highland Way. Steep wooded rocky loch sides lead down to Rob...

Feshiebridge

Fabulous clear water flows down rapids into a large (100m) river pool (1’2m deep) with white shingle beach opposite....

Ballater

A gently shelving section of river beach, deepening to 4m, with large flat rocks on the nearside. Elegant white...

Killiecrankie

A beautiful wide gorge opening out to very large, still river pool (200m). Access is a scramble but peaceful...

Drumnadrochit

Britain’s longest lake and home to Nessie. Secluded place to access shoreline opposite dramatic Urquhart Castle, down through fields....

Braemar

A dramatic gorge cutting down under an elegant Victorian bridge to deep pools and river beaches in open woodland.

Relugas

Stunning wooded gorge on mythical River Findhorn, descending to rocky headlands with access to river beaches and very large...

Dulsie

Stunning gorge with rapids above and deep pools, Waterfall or Gorge and sandy cove below.

Cannich

Stunning islanded lake, rich in original Caledonian pine. Many places to swim from shore and potential to swim out...

Tomich

Deep, large, black plunge pool (30m) at base of Scotland’s second highest Waterfall or Gorge. Difficult scramble but stunning...

Cannich

Beautiful stretch of river among woods of Scots pine. Good plunge pools above falls. Further down there’s a deep...

Uig

Small lake by roadside in the pointyhilled Faerie Glen. Large Waterfall or Gorge plunge pool nearby.

Torrin

Dramatic Waterfall or Gorge gorge and numerous pools on route up to Bla Bheinn. Stunning and wild backdrop. Beautiful...

Bualintur

Deep pools and Waterfall or Gorge, tinged with pink and blue hues, set under the peaks of the Black...

Clunes

A series of three falls and three pools set in quick succession by roadside. Interesting rock formations.

Horncliffe

Wide (80m), shallow (1m), fast flowing stretch of Tweed, downstream of bridge. Fun to swim against current and cross...

Alwinton

Open meadows and moorland along banks of delightful River Coquet. Some rapids and a fall, but mainly intermittent river...

Glencoe

A long river canyon with high cliffs and deep water. Popular for wild camping. As for Higher Glen Etive...

Glencoe

A dramatic glen with perfect river pools running very close to road. Good pub nearby in the grandeur of...

Ruswarp

A tall plume and small deep plunge pool (10m high, 2m deep) at the head of a forested gorge....

Humshaugh

Shallow rapids among ruins of collapsed Roman Bridge. Chance to find Roman remains and examine Roman bathing complex. Deeper...

Haltwhistle

Large open moorland tarn set beneath a crag and one of the great forts of Hadrian’s Wall. Marshy, shallow...

Ingram

A ‘bottomless’ plunge pot, about 5m wide and circular, beneath a tall spout in a pretty glade that is...

Middleton-in-Teesdale

This is the little-known sister of High Force. Still very large but with a deep, calm pool on a...

Goathland

A plunge pool (20m) set beneath an impressive Waterfall or Gorge at the head of a woodland walk. Starting...

Ingleton

A busy walk with concrete gangways but many spectacular pools if you don’t mind the crowds. Thornton Force is...

Stainforth

A series of river pools and falls set beneath an old packhorse bridge. Grassy banks and good paddling. A...

Thirsk

A large (300m), warm and little-visited lake set in woodland beneath the Sutton Bank escarpment. Squidgy leaf litter mulch...

Stainforth

An atmospheric Waterfall or Gorge set in woodland on edge of moor with small pool beneath towering rocks.

Bolton Abbey

A popular stretch of river in front of the priory ruins. Upstream of stepping stones and bridge is deeper...

Bolton Abbey

A shady, deep stretch of river beneath the notorious Strid gorge (do not swim IN the cataract itself). Wide...

Appletreewick

A pretty rocky pool in the river with a small island and bay and rapids upstream. Rope swing on...

Burnsall

A fantastic stretch of grassy riverside incorporating the limestone cliffs and plunge pool of Loup Scar and the shallower,...

Grassington

A large grassy area of riverside common with two weirs and a Waterfall or Gorge plus footbridge. Popular, sociable...

Grassington

Exciting rocky pools and rapids. Lower pools have interesting snorkelling and a large reach for a longer swim. Also...

Rosthwaite

A high tarn in the shadow of Scafell Pike with island and excellent diving and swimming. Popular for wild...

Keld

A wide Waterfall or Gorge, about 3m high, with pleasant plunge pool and open aspect. Limestone cliffs in valley...

Keld

Two spectacular Waterfall or Gorge deep in a woody gorge. One is 5m high with 80m plunge pool, open...

Garsdale Head

A deep gorge with impressive rock sculptures, shallow stream, small Waterfall or Gorge and midway plunge pool. Dangerous in...

Ulpha

A popular area of grassy riverside with 300m stretch of pool and shallows, deep section under bridge from which...

Rosthwaite

A deep pot with 6m cliff for jumping. Interesting rock formations. Deep section for about 50m downstream. Upstream current...

Rosthwaite

Two sets of pools underneath cascades, about 200m apart. 1’2m deep, about 30m long. Fun for plunging and snorkelling....

Ulpha

A clear stream in a gorge beneath an old packhorse bridge. Swim upstream from the rocks to the Waterfall...

Rydal, Ambleside

A narrow dark cleft between rock walls and Waterfall or Gorge, crowned with rowan. Very deep (4m) and cold...

Rydal, Ambleside

A triangular plunge pool in the fells, open with large pebble beach and large rock slabs. Views down to...

Blawith

A stretch of wooded rocky headlands with secluded sandy coves. Peel Island sits across a 100m strait.

Skelwith Bridge

Beautiful small tarn, relatively warm, under skyline of Langdale Pikes. Basic but scenic campsite adjoining.

Boot

A long series of fantastic pools. Tongue Pot is more dramatic with high jumps possible (5m deep) many small...

Boot

A small rocky gorge and pool on the Esk, close to the village of boot with its campsite and...

Wasdale Head

Quartz-bedded, very clear, long lake (5km) with good shelving beaches and some of the most stunning scenery in the...

Llanberis

A deep blue lake set under a 100m steep rock wall, famous in climbing and traditional folklore. Beach on...

Golan

A clear blue tarn in a hidden cleft, at the head of one of most remote and beautiful valleys...

Beddgelert

An extended series of pools and falls starting close to the Snowdon Watkins path. Rather overlooked but popular with...

Beddgelert

A 1km-long valley lake at the foot of Snowdon with stunning craggy backdrop. Accessible directly from the main road.

Tanygrisiau

Two small shallow tarns at 500m at the head of Croesor valley. Fantastic views of Cnicht and the sea....

Corris Uchaf

A huge, dramatic glacial cwm in the crater of Cadair Idris set beneath 400m high mountain walls. It’s a...

Harlech

A tarn in the remote northern Rhinogs, with cliffs for jumping and fabulous views of the sea. Good hotel...

Fairbourne

A very deep, clear green’blue pool (50m x 30m) in a mysterious cavern entered via a short dark tunnel....

Llangollen

A very deep, completely clear azure blue lake at the bottom of a spectacular quarry crater (Moel-y-Faen). Steep scramble...

Dolgellau

A large deep plunge pool at this littlevisited Waterfall or Gorge, set among the ruins of a former goldmine....

Betws-y-Coed

A picturesque, narrow gorge with access for ﾣ1. Some large rocks to sit on and a deep section down...

Maentwrog

A beautiful wild gorge, off the tourist track, with 2km woodland walk to high Waterfall or Gorge with deep...

Twynllanan

A high lake in the shadow of the Black Mountain, legendary home of a lake nymph. Deep (18m) and...

Llanwrtyd Wells

A wide, open pool at the end of a short gorge with shelving access, about 2m deep. Long swim...

Llanwrtyd Wells

A series of deep pools, about 10m across and 3m deep, at the outflow a narrow, interesting slot gorge....

Brecon

A string of magical shallow Waterfall or Gorge through fairy woodland under heathercovered hillside, under Pen-y-Fan. Some moss-covered. Pools...

Crickhowell

A large pool, up to 2m deep, beneath the arched medieval bridge of Crickhowell. Rather open and visible, but...

Crickhowell

Two beautiful, secluded river pools in remote countryside, 30m long with smooth red, flat rocks, 2’3m deep with diving...

Pontneddfechan

A fantastic set of deep forest plunge pools beneath a horseshoe-shaped Waterfall or Gorge.

Pontneddfechan

A graceful column of water falls 10m into a deep, large plunge pool set in an amphitheatre in the...

Pontneddfechan

An exciting and relatively safe piece of gorge swimming. A pool flows slowly through a deep, narrow channel, 5m...

Builth Wells

An exciting stretch of the Wye narrowing through rocky cliffs. Downstream are safe white sandy bays. Upstream the water...

Hay-on-Wye

A popular stretch of commoner’s meadow by the side of the Wye. White shingle beach and shallows below the...

Flash

Two Waterfall or Gorge and plunge pools (shallow, 1m) plus bridges set in the small but wild valley at...

Thorpe

A stunning deep limestone gorge with caves, rock spires and shallow pools. Popular stepping stones good for paddling at...

Ashopton

On the young river Derwent, downstream of the foot bridge, about a mile up from the car park at...

Leek

Tiny moor-top pool steeped in legend with views of The Roaches.

Rhayader

A wide deep junction of the Elan and the Wye. Deepish section to jump into from bank. Shallower paddles...

Baslow

A graceful sweep of the river Derwent. Long river pools with fantastic Chatsworth parkland views. Red, sandy river bed...

Bungay

A 3km stretch of the Waveney meandering around open common land. Good water quality, up to 2m deep in...

Buxton

A quiet, rural idyllic stretch of the Bure river, flowing past gardens, fields and a church. Deep and clear...

Hatchmere

A relatively shallow, warm 300m’long lake in the nationally important wildlife area of Delamere Forest. A grassy area next...

Ellesmere

An area of nine glacial meres. Colemere is remote, beautiful and quiet with a shore path and small sailing...

Dedham

A beautiful open historic vale, site of Flatford Mill, where people row on boats and occasionally swim. Fen Bridge...

Hatfield Peverel

A secluded little church on the banks of the river Chelmer where people sunbathe and sometimes swim. Wide, deep...

Thetford

30km further up the A11 from Cambridge. Pretty chalk stream running through forest with shelving access above footbridge next...

Cambridge

A range of swimming opportunities along 2km of the meadows ending at the Orchard Tea Garden. Deep banks make...

Ross-on-Wye

Ancient but little known common in tight loop of Wye providing large shingle and sandy beach shelving to large...

Hereford

Large meadows just outside Hereford. Meandering gentle river with deep holes (2m) in bends and plenty of shelving gravel...

Leominster

Teme runs through sunny open fields, often shallow but with deep pools above several weirs.

Ludlow

A stretch of open common with pub, bridge, church and rope swings. Deepish junction pool. Little beaches and fun...

Ross-on-Wye

Small sandy bay, meadows, shelving to 2m. Large rocks on far bank. 5km N of Monmouth on A40 (dir...

Woodstock

Pretty footbridge and clear, clean, shallow river on grassy banks below gentle Cotswold escarpment. Does not deepen to more...

Tewkesbury

Deep, green, spring-fed quarry lake in great natural amphitheatre in cleft of Malvern hills. View millions of years of...

Ross-on-Wye

Beautiful open common by small church with shingle beach shelving to deep section (2m) on far bank. Elegant white...

Witney

A small, clear, pretty Cotswold river running through the romantic grounds of the ruins. Just deep enough to swim...

Southmoor

Chimney Meadows nature reserve has a shallow, shady, magical woodland glade. Rushey Lock weir pool is also nearby, the...

Lechlade

Buscot weir pool is large deep pool with tree swings and lawns.

Lechlade

Cheese Wharf is a roadside glade, deep pool in river bend, rope swing, possible to dive in from bank.

Lechlade

A popular stretch of Thames upstream from town with good access and a junction pool for swimming. Silty shallows...

Marlow

An historic village with river parkland, wooded river islands and a 1000-year-old pub. Several places to swim. Can be...

Didcot

A pretty bridge and pub featured in Jerome K. Jerome Three Men in a Boat. Sandy bays shelving to...

Staines

2km long lake one side, Colne river the other. Former gravel pit. Deep water from wooded banks. Drone of...

Oxford

2km of river with little beaches (R bank) and grassy expanses of meadow (L bank). Shelving to up to...

Eynsford

Clear, clean, shallow ford and stream beds at Eynsford (0.5m) though beware of cars. Upstream a pretty stretch of...

Lewes

Fantastic 5km stretch of swimming on river Ouse. No current but clean, deep water. Boat hire. Steep banks.

Hampstead

Swimming ponds in middle of wild, hilly heath. Woody, sheltered aspect, open on one side. Changing areas and lifeguards....

Albury

Famous springfed pools, renowned for their clear waters, on edge of North Downs. Shallow, some weeds, but rather magical....

Farnham

Shallow river and ford at confluence of two Weys. Quintessential village green, cricket matches and pub. Deeper below ford...

Farnham

Huge sandy lake with small buoyed-off swimming area shelving to 1.5m deep and 50m wide. Forest and open heathland....

Seaford

Wide, shallow, moderately warm oxbow lakes cut off from the main Cuckmere stream. Grass banks and chalky beds. Non...

Tonbridge

Open, sunny stretch of peaty brown river by country road. Steep banks but deep water make it good for...

Winchester

Deep, lined pool above footbridge and below hatch. 2m deep. Very clear, clean, though some concrete in bottom. Natural...

Stockbridge

A wide, white chalk bay at the end of bridleway in beautiful countryside. Water flowers in early summer (crowsfoot...

Salisbury

A small, cold, shelving pool with deep section (3m). By bench and lawn behind hedge but visible from road...

Stockbridge

Ancient rural common bounded by two arms of the Test. Two shallow pools by footbridge, white gravel, very clear...

Salisbury

Small, secret pool under hatches, public right of way, but on wellmaintained fishing beat so don’t swim if fishermen...

Amesbury

Medium pool, 20m x 60m, with chalk shingle in shallows and deep section (2′ 3m) beneath a small weir...

Bath

100m long weir in wonderful valley of the Avon. Meadow, old ferry crossing steps, long deep water stretches. Shallow...

Trowbridge

One of the country’s last river-swimming clubs occupies a pleasant, deep but narrow stretch of the Frome above a...

Trowbridge

Sloping green field by large weir pool. Lovely pastoral aspect with trees and hillside. 1m deep by weir wall...

Wimborne Minster

A wide stretch of mature river at old ford with weir, bridge and long upstream swimming stretch. Good access...

Malmsmead, 2km

Charming but small plunge pool underneath shallow Waterfall or Gorge and big tree in popular Doone Valley woodland walk....

Sturminster Newton

An open stretch of the Stour with grassy fields by elegant white wrought-iron Colber Bridge. A little weedy and...

Castle Cary

A pretty 100m stretch of river running alongside church lawns between old bridge and weir. Gravel bed by weir,...

Withypool, 7km

Ancient stone ‘clapper’ bridge, very popular with children for paddling. Deeper pool of Barle about 20 mins upstream through...

Lynmouth, 5km

Rockford is tiny hamlet next to the tumbling wooded East Lyn above Watersmeet. Good real ale pub and series...

Withypool, 7km

Small junction pool of Barle and Sherdon, upstream from popular paddling at Landacre Bridge. Open and sunny with plenty...

Lynmouth, 3km

Watersmeet is a famous National Trust area of wooded river walks. There is a Waterfall or Gorge with small...

Simonsbath, 3km

Deepish, smallish pool (10m x 20m x 1.5m deep) in the babbling river Barle in wild scenery beneath the...

Okehampton, 7km

Small plunge pool in narrow rocky valley below Scarey Tor. Some grass for picnics and large rocks for sunbathing....

Great Torrington

The Torridge at Torrington Common is fast flowing and pebbly but mainly shallow (1m) with some deeper holes. Woody,...

South Zeal, 2km

Small, dammed plunge pool in brook at edge of moor. Shallow (1m) but set beneath flat rock rapids with...

Barnstable, 8km

Open river meadows by footbridge behind small railway halt on Barnstaple line. The Taw is large and wide here...

Holne, 3.5km

Small Waterfall or Gorge pool

Whiddon Down A30, 3km

Long river pool in woods beneath Castle Drogo. About 1.5m deep. Weir and footbridge. The Teign cascades into three...

Whiddon Down A30, 5km

River-fed swimming pool with cafﾎ set in fields on outskirts of tiny Chagford. Largest outdoor pool in Devon. Upstream...

Ashburton, 5km

Wonderful wooded island with red sand beach shelving into deep river bend with Holne cliff towering up behind. Rusty,...

Holne, 0.5km

Small Waterfall or Gorge with sunbathing rock and large pool in secluded Holne Woods, close to Holne and its...

Liskeard, 8km

Beautiful stream of young river Fowey runs through ancient oak woodland. First 700m wide path provides access to shallows...

Ashburton A38, 5km

Peaty water, clean from the mountain, this is the most popular and accessible Dart swimming location, especially in summer....

Bodmin, 5km

Wooded National Trust estate riverside walk. Some sections 1.5’2m deep. Swim against the current. Wooden bankside deckings (for fishing)....

Bodmin, 5km

Still in the Lanhydrock Estate, this swim is off the original driveway to the main house from behind the...

Port Isaac, 6km

A luscious, chalk-green, spring-fed quarry lake on private land, part of Cornish Tipi Holidays. Wooded cliffs and banks. Very...

Bolventor, 4km

A huge moorland lake, the highest and largest in Cornwall. Open access on the west side with chalky, shelving...

Tintagel, 2km

A tall, slender Waterfall or Gorge at the head of a wild woody dingle. It falls into a high...