I saw two ladies swimming in London’s Kings Cross canals the other day, a practice which I do not deem a) safe, or b) pleasant. But people are going crazy over wild water swimming these days, and if you live in London, you make do with what you get.
Wild water swimming has long held a place in British tradition, from idyllic country swims in classic literature to icy dashes into freezing waters on Christmas Day. Although, in all honesty, British waters often feel icy no matter what time of year you decide to plunge in. However, over the past few years, this refreshing (aka, freezing cold), soul-cleansing activity has surged in popularity, attracting a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts. With the combination of mental health benefits, physical challenges, and a reconnection with nature, wild swimming has become a way to truly immerse oneself in the environment.
Why Has Wild Swimming Gained Popularity?
The rise of wild water swimming is not a mere coincidence but part of a broader movement towards wellness, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Many have turned to outdoor activities for solace and exercise, especially during and after lockdowns caused by the pandemic. Wild swimming has proven particularly popular as it requires minimal equipment, is often free, and has a low barrier to entry in terms of skill level.
Mental health benefits are a significant draw, and swimming in open water is linked to reduced anxiety and improved mood. The combination of cold water and natural surroundings triggers a rush of endorphins, leading to a sensation often described as euphoric.
In addition, cold water therapy—long considered a niche wellness practice—is now widely known to have multiple health benefits. Cold water exposure can improve circulation, boost the immune system, and even aid in recovery from physical exercise.
Wild swimming communities have blossomed across social media platforms like Instagram, where people document their swims and encourage others to take the plunge. The rise of popular groups, such as the Outdoor Swimming Society, has fuelled this growing interest, offering tips on swimming safely, organising events, and helping people find local swimming spots.
How to Get Started with Wild Swimming
For beginners, the idea of swimming in a chilly lake or river might seem daunting, and probably uncomfortable.
Essential Tips:
- Start slow: If you are new to cold water swimming, ease in gradually. Swim in familiar locations where you can exit the water easily. Begin with short swims and slowly increase your exposure to colder water.
- Wear appropriate gear: Many seasoned swimmers opt for just a swimsuit, but for beginners, a wetsuit can make a significant difference. A wetsuit helps keep you warm, allowing you to stay in the water longer.
- Stay safe: Always swim with a buddy, or at least ensure someone knows your swimming plans. Check water conditions, such as currents and tides, and avoid swimming in unfamiliar or remote locations without research.
- Acclimatise to cold: One of the key aspects of wild swimming is acclimatising to the cold. Start with a short dip and slowly increase your exposure as your body adapts to the temperature.
- Respect nature: Wild swimming often takes place in protected natural environments. Ensure you leave no trace and respect local wildlife and other swimmers.
Now, let’s take a dive into the ten best wild swimming spots across the UK, each offering something unique to those brave enough to venture into their waters.
Top 10 Wild Swimming Spots in the UK
Port Meadow, Oxford (River Isis)
Situated along the upper reaches of the River Thames (known locally as the Isis), Port Meadow in Oxford is a wild swimmer’s paradise. The meadow itself, with its roaming cattle and horses, offers a beautiful backdrop, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely summer swim. The wide expanse of shallow water also makes it a family-friendly location.
Linhope Spout, Northumberland
A hidden gem in Northumberland National Park, Linhope Spout features a dramatic 18-metre waterfall that cascades into a deep plunge pool. For those looking for a magical setting surrounded by dense woodland, this is the perfect spot. It’s a little hike to reach the pool, but once there, swimmers can immerse themselves in cool, refreshing waters.
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Pembrokeshire’s Blue Lagoon is an iconic swimming spot, formed from a former slate quarry that is now filled with sea water. Its deep, azure-blue waters are perfect for wild swimmers seeking something both stunning and adventurous. The surrounding cliffs also provide opportunities for coasteering and cliff jumping, making it a dynamic location.
Loch Morlich, Cairngorms, Scotland
This Highland loch offers a sandy beach with an epic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, making it one of the most scenic wild swimming spots in the UK. Loch Morlich’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for both swimming and watersports. It’s an accessible spot, making it suitable for beginners.
Falls of Falloch, Crianlarich, Scotland
Fed by a ten-metre waterfall, this spot—located just off the West Highland Way—is famed for its tranquillity and beauty. The waterfall feeds a circular plunge pool, creating an ideal place for cooling off while enjoying the dramatic surroundings. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the Highlands.
Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate, Kent
This tidal pool offers a great sea-swimming experience with an enclosed environment. Located in Margate, the pool fills with seawater at high tide, creating a unique swimming experience. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the sea but might not be ready to swim in the open ocean.
Hampstead Heath Ponds, London
An urban oasis, Hampstead Heath is home to several ponds that have become iconic wild swimming spots in the heart of London. With separate ponds for men, women, and mixed groups, Hampstead Heath offers a unique swimming experience amidst the greenery of the capital. It’s a perfect option for those looking for a wild swimming experience without leaving the city.
Llyn Cau, Cadair Idris, Wales
Nestled within the mountains of Cadair Idris, Llyn Cau is a serene and secluded glacial lake. The climb to reach this pool is steep, but the rewards are significant. Swimming here, surrounded by towering peaks, offers a feeling of complete escape from the world.
Feshiebridge, Cairngorms, Scotland
This spot in the Cairngorms is perfect for those looking for a refreshing swim in a natural pool. Tucked away in forested surroundings, the River Spey offers several spots for a dip, including a section near a picturesque waterfall.
Skenfrith Castle, Monmouthshire
A truly unique wild swimming experience, Skenfrith Castle offers swimmers the chance to take a dip beside the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The river is accessible and gentle, making it a beautiful and serene place to swim.
The Joy of Wild Swimming
In addition to its physical and mental health benefits, wild swimming carries a deeper, philosophical appeal that draws people into its waters. Many wild swimmers describe the experience as a form of meditative practice, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and to engage with their surroundings in a more primal, unmediated way. There’s a growing consensus that the rising popularity of wild swimming can be linked not just to wellness trends, but to broader philosophical ideas that resonate in an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world.
At its heart, wild swimming aligns with philosophical ideas of simplicity and authenticity. By stepping into a river, lake, or sea, free from the trappings of modern conveniences, swimmers engage in a form of minimalism—the water is untamed, there are no chlorine controls, no lifeguards, and often, no clear boundaries. This mirrors the search for simplicity and the “stripping away” of unnecessary excess, a concept found in minimalist philosophies that advocate for a life filled with fewer distractions and a deeper focus on the essential.
The Romantic notion of the Sublime, rooted in 18th-century philosophy, also finds expression in wild swimming. As defined by philosophers like Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant, the Sublime refers to experiences that evoke awe and wonder, often triggered by nature’s vastness or power. Swimming beneath a towering waterfall or in the shadow of a mountain, as at places like the Falls of Falloch or Linhope Spout, can provoke these intense feelings of awe. The cold shock of entering natural waters reminds swimmers of their own smallness in the face of nature’s grandeur, pushing them beyond the comforts of modern life and into a state of humility and reverence.
Moreover, wild swimming encourages a heightened awareness of the present moment, akin to mindfulness practices found in Buddhist and Stoic philosophies. When you immerse yourself in cold water, your body becomes hyper-aware of every sensation—the chill on your skin, the movement of the water, the sounds of nature around you. This immediacy forces a focus on the “now,” quieting the noise of everyday concerns. Wild swimmers often describe the experience as a meditative reset, where thoughts slow down, and an almost spiritual connection to the water and landscape emerges.
There’s also an element of transcendence in wild swimming. The concept of transcending the self and the everyday world is central to many spiritual and philosophical traditions. In wild swimming, there is a sense of letting go—of control, of daily routines, and of the mind’s constant chatter. The immersion in cold water can create an almost otherworldly experience, where the boundaries between self and environment blur. In this way, wild swimming offers a profound sense of belonging to the natural world, a feeling that can be both freeing and grounding.
For those familiar with the writings of Henry David Thoreau—particularly in Walden—wild swimming can also be seen as an expression of self-reliance and individualism. Thoreau’s famous retreat to Walden Pond was a deliberate choice to live more simply and deliberately, to strip away the distractions of society and reconnect with the essentials of life. Wild swimmers often echo similar sentiments, valuing the independence and resilience that come with swimming in nature. The solitary nature of wild swimming, especially in remote locations, can evoke Thoreau’s ideal of self-discovery and reflection through nature.
Finally, there’s an ecological and ethical dimension to the philosophy of wild swimming. Many wild swimmers develop a deep respect for the environment through their repeated encounters with natural bodies of water. This experience fosters a sense of responsibility towards preserving these natural spaces, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. As wild swimming communities grow, they often advocate for protecting waterways, reducing pollution, and ensuring access to clean, wild spaces for future generations.