Wild swimming spots to try this summer
Wild swimming has quickly become one of the UK’s favourite ways to experience the outdoors, swapping crowded pools for lakes, rivers and hidden waterfalls. It’s not just about cooling off - it’s about finding places that feel a little more remote, a little more memorable.
From mountain-backed tarns to slow-moving woodland rivers, wild water swimming opens up a different side of the countryside. One where the journey matters just as much as the dip, and every location brings something new to the experience.
Whether you’re easing in with a gentle paddle or chasing something more adventurous, these spots prove that the UK is full of places worth diving into - you just need to know where to look.
Lake District, Cumbria (Buttermere & Black Moss Pot)
The Lake District doesn’t hold back when it comes to wild swimming, but Buttermere and Black Moss Pot show two very different sides of it. Buttermere is all calm waters and big mountain views - easy to reach, hard to leave.
Black Moss Pot, on the other hand, takes a bit more effort, tucked away in Langstrath Valley with deeper, darker pools that feel properly off-grid. One’s for a gentle dip, the other for a full adventure.
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River Barle, Exmoor (Tarr Steps)
This is wild swimming at its most peaceful. The River Barle winds quietly through ancient woodland, with Tarr Steps acting as a natural starting point.
There are shallow edges for paddling and deeper pockets if you’re up for a proper swim, all framed by mossy banks and dappled light. It feels remote without being inaccessible, and on a warm day, it’s hard to imagine a better place to switch off for a while.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
The Fairy Pools are as striking as they look in photos - bright, clear water set against the jagged Cuillin mountains. A short walk brings you to a series of pools and waterfalls, each one more tempting than the last.
The water is cold year-round, and after rain it can move quickly, so it’s more about a refreshing dip than a long swim. Still, for sheer scenery, it’s one of the most memorable places to get in.
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Llyn Cau, Cadair Idris, Snowdonia
Llyn Cau doesn’t give itself up easily. The hike up Cadair Idris is part of the experience, and by the time you reach the lake, it feels completely removed from everything else.
The water is dark, deep and often still, surrounded by steep slopes that make the whole place feel enclosed and dramatic. It’s not somewhere you linger for hours, but for a quick, bracing swim in a truly wild setting, it’s hard to beat.
River Wye, Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean
At Symonds Yat, the River Wye slows just enough to make it ideal for a relaxed swim. There’s a sociable feel here in summer, with paddleboarders and kayakers sharing the water, but it never loses its sense of space thanks to the towering cliffs and woodland around it.
Find a quieter stretch, ease yourself in, and let the gentle current do the work. Just keep an eye out for others on the water.
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Golitha Falls, Cornwall (River Fowey)
Despite the name, Golitha Falls is less about dramatic drops and more about a series of small cascades and clear, inviting pools. The River Fowey runs through ancient woodland here, creating plenty of spots to stop, dip and linger.
Some areas are shallow, others surprisingly deep, so it’s worth taking a moment to check before you get in. It’s an easy place to spend a whole afternoon, moving between pools as you go.
Loch Morlich, Cairngorms
A sandy beach backed by pine forest isn’t what most people expect in the Highlands, but Loch Morlich delivers exactly that. On a still day, the water reflects the surrounding mountains, giving it a calm, almost coastal feel.
It’s one of the more accessible wild swimming spots, with plenty of space to spread out, but the water stays cold even in summer. Ideal for a quick dip followed by warming up on the shore.
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River Etive, Glencoe
The River Etive cuts through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, with waterfalls, pools and wide open views at every turn. It’s not all gentle - the current can be strong in places - but there are calmer stretches where you can safely get in and cool off.
Pick your spot carefully, take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a swim that feels properly wild, with barely another soul around.
Wild swimming safety tips
Wild swimming is all about freedom, but it’s not the place to wing it. A little caution goes a long way when you’re far from lifeguards and ladders.
Stick to clean, flowing water - avoid canals, stagnant spots and anywhere choked with reeds. After heavy rain or long dry spells, water quality can change quickly, so it’s worth thinking twice before getting in.
Don’t go solo, and always keep an eye on weaker swimmers in your group. Check depth properly before you jump what looks inviting from above can hide rocks or debris just below the surface.
Plan your exit before you enter. Slippery banks and steep edges can turn a quick dip into a scramble if you haven’t scoped things out.
Cold water hits hard, even in summer. Keep swims short, warm up straight after, and bring layers. A pair of swim shoes can also make a big difference on rocky ground.
And if you’re sharing the water with boats, make yourself visible - a bright swim hat is a simple but smart move.
Now you’ve got a list of wild swimming spots worth seeking out, all that’s left is planning where to stay. And if braving chilly waters isn’t quite enough relaxation, there’s always the option of a long soak somewhere warmer - browse our cottages with hot tubs for the perfect end to your day outdoors.
