Wild Guide Wales and the Marches (Wild Guides)

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From river swims to serene lagoons and cascading waters, there are so many wild swimming in Wales opportunities. Wild swimming in Wales is perfect for a refreshing dip on a summer’s afternoon but has also been proven to make a positive impact on mental wellbeing. After a refreshing dip, be sure to visit the National Slate Museum before exploring the impressive Dinorwig quarry. This is a great wild swimming in Wales spot for first-time dippers or swimmers, with plenty of shallow lagoons to test the waters. If it’s too cold for swimming, the lake also offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Alternatively, you can walk around the lake or take one of the mountain paths that surround it.

Llanddwyn Island is a glorious spot for wild swims, with an east and west coast meaning you can find sheltered water on either side. Littered with shimmering rivers and colossal cascades, find no shortage of Brecon Beacons’ wild swimming opportunities in Waterfall Country! As well as legends, this wild swimming spot is home to a host of Welsh wildlife that you can admire while taking a dip! You are likely to see red kites, buzzards, carrion crows, and kestrels here! At one time, the Welsh village of Talysarn was home to workers and industrial buildings from the old Cambrian slate mines, mines which put roofs over the heads of countless thousands of people in the 19th century and which still last to this day.In the northwest of Wales you'll find a long belt of Cambrian slate which was formed about 500m years ago. The line stretches from the Nant Ffrancon valley in the east to Nantlle Valley in the west. Discover secret sandy beaches lapped by turquoise seas, and dramatic limestone cliffs honeycombed with sea caves; watch the sunrise from inside an ancient cromlech, and conquer ruined castles and snow-covered peaks; wander through enchanted woods and dive into crystal-clear waterfalls; descend into tunnels and caverns, or swim in a pure mountain tarn overflowing with legend. Then feast by the fire of a cosy inn and stargaze from your tent or sheepskin-strewn hideaway. Located in the valley of Cadair Idris is our next wild swimming in North Wales spot. Nestled under the southern slopes of the mountain is the natural bowl-shaped pool, enveloped on three sides by imposing cliffs. Our final wild swimming spot in South Wales is Llyn y Fan Fach, meaning the lake of the small Beacon Hill. Perch on the larger bounders in the glen or swim into the deeper sections of the River Conwy, as seen in the image above. A larger pool rests at the river’s confluence, where it meets the River Machno. Here, you will find picnic benches and grassy banks to refuel after a refreshing swim.

The walk to this wild swimming in Wales spot can be a challenge, but the peaceful, crystal clear water that awaits you is well worth it! There are a number of paths that take you to the summit of Cadair Idris and Llyn Cau. Our next swimming in Wales spot is the remote tidal island off the coast of the Isle of Anglesey. Llanddwyn Island can only be accessed on foot; you can either go through Newborough Warren or along the sands. Whichever you choose, you are promised sublime views. After dipping into the emerald green pool, it’ll be no surprise that this wild swimming in North Wales spot is steeped in folklore. This spot has been the subject of many a poem, telling tales of faeries and sprites, concealed behind toadstools under the moonlight.during his rule). Beware, the water is freezing – legend has it the saint’s penance was to stand in it!