On a hot summer’s day what could be more exciting than finding a secret lake in the woods, stripping off and plunging in? Or diving into a crystal-clear pool beneath a waterfall? There is something slightly naughty, a little bit scary and wonderfully invigorating about wild swimming. As an island nation with a high rainfall, the British have a bit of a love affair with water, whether it’s the chalk streams of Hampshire, the great lakes of Cumbria or our many secluded sandy coves.
Thankfully our rivers are cleaner and more accessible that at any time in living memory, and with growing concern over chlorine and bacteria in swimming pools, and less inclination to jump on an aeroplane, families are increasingly looking for more local, natural ways to enjoy watery holidays at home.
The health and psychological benefits of a cold dip are well known – soothing muscle aches, relieving depression and boosting the immune system. It’s also one of the best ways to get a natural endorphin high that raises your mood, elates the senses and creates an addictive urge to jump back in. So where best to enjoy these thrills?
Sharrah Pool, river Dart, Dartmoor
The largest and best pool on this stretch of the wonderful river Dart is situated deep in the forested Dart Valley nature reserve. From Holne, bear left along the river for 40 minutes to find this long narrow pool. You may also explore Bellpool Island just downstream, while upstream are the Mel Pools, including a few good chutes if you have an inner tube.
River Waveney, Suffolk
I love the two-mile loop around Outney Common, starting and returning from Bungay. This is a great river to see otters and Bungay is a lovely place to stock up on picnic supplies. There’s also a riverside campsite with canoe hire. www.outneymeadow.co.uk
Galleny Force, Stonethwaite, Lake District
Two sets of pools and cascades, with grassy knolls and ancient rowan trees. Fun for plunging, snorkelling and picnics. Upstream is Blackmoss Pot, a brilliant place for jumps. Warm up afterwards at the wonderful Langstrath Country Inn. www.thelangstrath.com
Linhope Spout, Northumberland
On the edge of the Cheviot Hills, the legendary Linhope Spout is a high plume that falls into a perfect cylindrical plunge pool renowned for its unfathomable depth. Popular with walkers and families cooling off in the summer, there is a fun, six-foot ledge from which you can jump, although the most daring climb even higher. Continue up the road beyond Ingram, and then follow the sign over the moor.
Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The famous Allt Coir a Mhadaidh pools and waterfalls are tinged with jade hues from the volcanic gabbro rocks. Towering over are the mystical peaks of the Black Cuillin mountains, imbrued with legend. You can swim through the underwater arch between the pools and there’s also a high jump into one. Look for the sign to Glen Brittle, just before Carbost. After four miles you’ll see a sign for the Fairy Pool car park on the left, from there it’s a 20-minute walk to the first of the pools.
Lady Falls, Pontneddfechan, Brecon Beacons, Wales
A graceful column of water falls 9 metres into a deep, large plunge pool and you can climb behind the fall and dive back in. Moss and fern grow in profusion in this misty microclimate and many say that this is the most beautiful waterfall in Wales. There are many more large pools to explore in these woods and along the nearby river Mellte. From the Angel Inn (01639 722013) follow the river by path up through the woods for just over a mile, to arrive at a junction pool with footbridges.
Staying safe
There’s nothing inherently dangerous about wild swimming, but cold water does reduce your swimming ability – at least until you get used to it. So stay close to the shore and increase your range slowly. Stay out of rivers after heavy rain, during droughts and in urban areas (water quality issues), avoid the sea in heavy swell and stay away from large weirs.
About the author
Daniel Start is the author of Wild Swimming and founder of wildswimming.co.uk
