Wales, a land blessed with majestic mountains and beautiful coastal shores, beckons you to immerse yourself in its extraordinary natural water wonders.
Engaging in wild swimming not only poses an invigorating challenge but also offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being.
However, while venturing into open water, it's crucial to take measures that mitigate potential risks, allowing you to relish your swim with utmost safety.
One of the key factors in minimising hazards during wild swimming is enhancing your visibility to boats, lifeguards, fellow swimmers, and rescue teams. Hence, we recommend donning a vibrant swim cap and utilising a brightly coloured tow float or dry bag to ensure you stand out in the water.
For added protection, consider employing accessories like earbuds, a nose clip, and goggles. These aids serve to safeguard against waterborne bacteria, preventing their entry into your body and averting infections or illnesses.
Llanddwyn Island
- Location: Anglesey
- Supervised?: No
Llanddwyn Island, situated on the southern coast of the Isle of Anglesey, offers a unique opportunity to discover various sea swimming spots. On the western side of the island, you can explore a range of tidal pools and rocky coves.
If you prefer swimming at a sandy beach, the eastern coast is home to a collection of sandy coves.
To reach Llanddwyn Island, you must travel on foot as car access is not available. You can choose to walk along the sandy beach of Traeth Llanddwyn or through Newborough Warren.
Embark on this picturesque journey to the island, where you can spend a day swimming, having a picnic, and exploring the believed residence of Saint Dwynwen on the island.
Llyn Y Fan Fach
- Location: Brecon Beacons
- Supervised?: No
Nestled along the Beacons Way footpath, beneath the towering Black Mountain, lies Llyn Y Fan Fach, a captivating destination teeming with wildlife, mythical tales, and the occasional daring swimmer.
This enchanting lake, reaching depths of 18 meters, beckons adventurers to its shingle beach, offering a serene setting amidst the remnants of a glacial past.
Folklore whispers that the elusive 'Lady of the Lake' vanished beneath its depths centuries ago, yet fear not, for this doesn't detract from the allure of taking a refreshing plunge.
Instead, allow your senses to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panorama that surrounds you, as well as the diverse array of untamed avian inhabitants, such as red kites, kestrels, and buzzards.
Mwnt Beach
- Location: Cardigan Bay
- Supervised?: No
Mwnt Beach is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts who enjoy swimming. This beach offers a unique opportunity to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals, and basking sharks, providing a thrilling experience during your swim.
As it is under the ownership of the National Trust, this sandy beach guarantees a delightful summer's afternoon of sea swimming and snorkelling.
Accessing this hidden gem requires overcoming the challenge of cliffs, but worry not, for there are steep steps available to lead you to the beach.
Llyn Padarn
- Location: Snowdonia National Park
- Supervised?: No
Want to experience a refreshing outdoor swim while enjoying breathtaking vistas of Snowdon? Llyn Padarn offers a remarkable opportunity.
Stretching approximately 2 miles in length and reaching depths of 94ft, it stands as one of Wales' largest lakes.
The water undergoes regular monitoring during the summer season to ensure its suitability for wild swimming.
Accessing the water is made convenient by a pontoon located on the Llanberis side of the lake.
Notably, this glacial lake holds great scientific significance due to its unique geology, diverse array of flowers, and the presence of the rare Arctic Charr fish.
Llys Y Fran
- Location: Pembrokeshire
- Supervised?: Yes
Llys y Fran offers thrilling adventures both on land and in the water. With a diverse range of sports to choose from, such as cycling, archery, canoeing, sailing, and wild swimming, you'll never experience a dull moment.
The expansive 200-acre water area serves as an ideal location for weekly outdoor swimming sessions, which are supervised by a lifeguard.
If you're participating in these sessions, you have the option to rent safety equipment like buoyancy aids and wetsuits from the venue, or you can bring your own. It's important to note that swimming outside of these supervised sessions is not permitted.
Additionally, for your own comfort and protection, be sure to bring water shoes with covered toes, which can be in the form of old trainers.