Wild Swimming: The practice or activity of swimming for pleasure in natural waters, typically rivers and lakes.
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The heady pursuit of outdoor swimming or ‘wild swimming’, to use a recently coined phrase, is essentially the age-old pursuit of swimming outdoors in lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans. Research carried out pre-pandemic (2018) by Swim England found that 7.5 million people swim in outdoor pools and open water. Over the last twelve months, this ancient pastime has been thrust into people’s consciousness thanks in part to a growing sub-culture of ‘trendsetters’ that are highlighting the benefits of wild swimming as a way of boosting the immune system, staying fit and relieving stress.
Often featuring dramatic and breathtaking backdrops, with our very own Girl About the Lake District Ali, being an excellent example of this. It is completely juxtaposed against the ‘new normal’ for the majority, which entails being stuck at home attempting to work from a kitchen table whilst juggling childcare, and a severe lack of holidays on the horizon. To also throw into the mix indoor swimming pools, gyms and sports being currently off the cards, it has led many to consider the idea of wild swimming for exercise purposes with the added benefit of washing away the strains of lockdown life.
So, whilst it may seem tempting at times to exit the house at break-neck speed and jump in your nearest pond or river; there are several essential matters to address before the activity of wild swimming can commence. These include the legal formalities of wild swimming, the safety precautions that must be taken, the equipment that should be bought and the information that needs to be read. All this before even asking the most important question, “where to wild swim near me?â€
Wild swimming is not just allowed everywhere, it is important to research your wild swimming spots. When asking the question, where to wild swim near me, the Wild Swimming website is invaluable and you can search for local swim spots near you that are cleared for wild swimming. The Right to Roam Law is an ancient custom that categorises most UK lakes and rivers as public places however, you need to consider how you are accessing these swim spots and the logistics of parking legally if required, ideally visit somewhere with a designated car park.
It is therefore imperative that you only access wild-swim sites using public rights of way, never cross through or onto private land and be respectful of nearby residents whilst also considering any specific lockdown or travel restrictions that may still be in place. The responsibility of any wild swimmer is to leave a swim site cleaner than you find it, this involves taking home any rubbish you may find and generally having a love for the place you are visiting.
Staying safe whilst wild swimming is the most important point to consider and it essentially comes down to being prepared. Although there always remains a risk to outdoor swimming, you can at least mitigate against this as much as possible by following these simple rules:
Although the beauty for wild swimming, during the warmer Summer months, is the fact that you need minimal kit, it is still worth considering a few important pieces before entering the world of wild swimming.
This brilliant article from Simply Swim contains a comprehensive list of the Top 10 Essentials for open water swimming
A point to remember; although all the above kit will keep you warmer for longer whilst swimming, it will not essentially prevent the likes of cold water shock and hypothermia, so swim with precaution and read this fantastic guide to cold water swimming before you do.
So you are finally ready and prepared but before heading off into the wilderness, you need to consider where you can safely wild swim near you. Your first port of call needs to be the Wild Swim Map which is essentially a community map with swim areas, open water swim events, places to camp close to open water alongside honest reviews from fellow swimmers.
You could also consider cross-referencing this search with The Outdoor Swimming Society and their comprehensive list of outdoor swimming groups in the UK. For those in the North West, #ChesterFrosties is a great place to start; this local community outdoor swim group is based in Chester and swims in various spots throughout Cheshire and North Wales.
If you are new to the world of outdoor swimming, then it is advised that you first begin by visiting a regulated swim spot to build up your confidence in the water whilst being under safe instruction the entire time.
There are a few ways to do this, you can either join an outdoor swim school such as USwim or a private swim club where you will gain valuable experience of outdoor swimming with an instructor, as well as meeting like-minded individuals.
Manley Mere – Open Saturday and Sunday (and midweek during Summer) to NOWCA Members for 250/500/750m swimming in designated and safe swim lanes. Reopening 3rd April 2021. There is also an aquapark, water sports hire and fishing.
Alderford Lake – Open daily (currently closed due to restrictions), this 14 acre lake allows wild-swimming to all year-round. There is also a calendar of events including an aquapark, kayak and paddleboard hire.
Wildshore Delamere – Pre-booked wild swim sessions available for all ages (currently closed due to restrictions), with 400m and 750m swim loops suitable for all with a safety kayak/SUP in attendance always. There is also an aquapark, Aqua Chimp (World’s first floating rope course), wakeboarding and water sports available.
Boundary Water Park – USwim operate twice-weekly swim sessions at Boundary Water Park making it an excellent place for wild swim beginners. This shallow lake is a popular swim spot, but it is private so booking onto the USwim course is essential.
Claire Patterson (@thevanfam4) had her first wild swim in Llyn Gwynant, Snowdonia in June 2019 after being inspired by other members of the Instagram #vanlife community.
“I have always loved swimming but had a massive fear of what might be lurking beneath the surface. Yet I really wanted to push outside of my comfort zone and see what I was capable of. I started attending weekly supervised sessions with USwim at Boundary Waterpark and slowly but surely overcame the panic about the weedy lake bottom!
I soon became addicted to the feeling of being literally immersed in nature, and began seeking out beautiful lake, river, and sea swim spots whilst on our travels around the UK in our campervan. During the pandemic I have had to look elsewhere for my cold water fix as it brings so many physical and mental benefits to me. I have been busy scouting out local swim and dipping spots with a few close friends. We have continued right through the winter months.
I never dreamed I would be brave or silly enough to swim in a frozen lake!â€
If the idea of a wild swimming holiday appeals, then there are several hotels and retreats in the North West region that can accommodate this popular holiday pastime.
Combermere Abbey – Situated in South Cheshire close to Whitchurch, Combermere Abbey offers guests staying in their 5* holiday cottages the chance to swim in the private mere. Wild swimming is welcomed during the warmer months, March to October (during designated swimming times) whereby Combermere Abbey’s guests are allowed the rare opportunity to swim from their doorstep (T&Cs apply and must be accompanied by a swim buddy).
Armathwaite Hall, Lake District – Situated on Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, this elegant country hotel allows guests the opportunity to book onto their Wild Swim Half Day Package which includes a short introduction to open water swimming, wetsuit hire and an accompanied swim with your very own swim instructor. After an initial introduction in Bassenthwaite Lake and dependant on ability, you then have the opportunity for a swim in a ‘secret’ location a short drive from the hotel.
Another Place, Lake District – Situated on Ullswater in the Lake District, the incredible and utterly unique Another Place Hotel offers its guests the opportunity to swim with local instructor Colin Hill. These pre-booked sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities and alongside these, there is the chance to swim without instruction using the hotel’s wetsuit and float hire whilst following suggested swim times and guidelines.
Wild Soul Swim – The sister company of the environmental organisation doing wonderful things We Swim Wild; Wild Soul Swim offers the wild swim retreats, wild swim sessions in Snowdonia, wild sailing trips and swim wild adventures (coming soon). If you are passionate about wild swimming and looking for a way to experience this pursuit in a unique and devoted way, Wild Swim Soul maybe for you.
And finally, if you have an adventure booked in the Lake District National Park this Summer or are lucky enough to live there then take a read of Ali’s (Girl About Lake District) latest wild swim blog featuring 5 Amazing Swim Spots in the Lake District.
For more Cheshire adventures and UK staycation inspiration, head to the Girl About Cheshire blog to continue reading. You can also follow me on Instagram @girlabout.cheshire and by following the hashtag #MakingMemoriesInCheshire for our Cheshire community. Do not forget to tag me in your wild swim adventures!
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Our Girl About pick of the best alternative beauty spots to visit right now across the UK, from Esse...
What a fab location overlooking the Abbey....
Harrogate is a spa town of the tallest order. Visited by royalty and the rich back in Victorian time...
North Yorkshire is the largest county in England by area so I could have quite easily given you enou...
When I first saw Palaette pop up on my Instagram feed, I instantly knew I needed to check it out. I ...
If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to visit the gorgeous country that is Italy and experience th...
We’re always on the hunt for a quirky venue for date night. Don’t get me wrong, crazy golf is fu...
Whether you are looking for something relaxing, or adventurous, you can find a variety of things to ...
Leeds is one of the biggest, boldest and best cities in the UK and has an incredibly rich and divers...
The Harbour Master in Aberaeron is a very unique boutique hotel. It’s also home to an award-winnin...
Few places can rival York for its character, culture and cocktails. York has always been a popular c...
This was one of the first places we dined at when we first moved to Leyburn and coming from a seasid...
Set in 100 acres of stunning woodland with one of the largest collections of shrubs and trees in the...
For all you Yorkshire Gin lovers out there, this one’s for you! Brewtown Tours provides microbrew...
It’s fair to say bonding is not the first thing anyone thinks about when they’re booking their h...
Situated along Ramsgate harbour this is a great spot for lunching and brunching with friends!...
We’re always on the hunt for a quirky venue for date night. Don’t get me wrong, crazy golf is fu...
On the ground floor of a wonderful South Bank hotel and overlooking the Thames is Sea Containers. It...
Before you read this review, put your phone down and go book a table at Blacklock. There are three v...
Rutland may be England’s smallest county but it is bursting with action, fun and flavour, which is...
Kent is easily reached from London by high speed and boasts beautiful countryside and stunning coast...
Sheffield is low-key, humble with a relaxed and friendly vibe, but without a doubt exciting and infe...
Here at Girl About, we love a beach and we love our local areas, so our Blog Squad have pulled toget...
Made up of a whole host of historic towns, cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages and even the odd ham...
The Peak District is famed for its stunning scenery, fascinating history and quaint little market to...
You might be surprised to discover that Bradford is the 5th largest city in the UK. Which is why wh...
The prestigious Relais & Châteaux status was slapped on Grantley Hall in Ripon in North Yorkshire i...
Chances are, by the time we emerge from lockdown and are allowed to travel freely around the country...
There’s really no surprise that St. Albans is frequently cited as one of the best places to live i...
Horses for courses, but I'm not one for booking with travel agents and tour operators. I've pretty m...
There’s no better place to start my Travel Truths Series than with the star rating system used by ...
Liverpool is a vibrant and fun European destination and a brilliant place to spend time in. This sco...
There are the ‘usual’ places to visit when you’re in London. The tourist traps, the things to ...
Book a stay at one of these glamorous glamping sites and you’ll experience all the wellbeing benef...
Say hello to Veganuary! Here are ten amazing vegan places to eat across Yorkshire! Whether you’re ...
When three of my absolute favourite things in life are rolled together into one glorious experience ...
Bolton Abbey itself is a wonderful 12th-century Augustinian monastery which sits beside the River Wh...
There’s something to be said for the simple things in life – family, friends, sleeping under can...
Why I loved The Kitchen at Manor House at Lindley in Huddersfield A really decadent ‘ladies wot l...
Grays Court in York is perfect for romantic, special occasion dining – leave your gaggle of girlfr...
We loved that we could see our city through new eyes and had a chance to explore places old and new ...
A truly unique “day date†experience that we’ll remember for a long time. It was very well org...
Because Kelham Island Food Tour showcases Sheffield at its best. It captures the city’s love of fo...
Thursday night a couple of weeks ago and my Dad was in town. My step-mum had gone to an ABBA event a...
I am a pub girl through and through and a glutton for a good, hearty menu. Forever hunting out new ...
The saying goes ‘Life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be,’ and being a busy mother with a mil...
And it wasn’t just any old shoe, it was a bespoke, hand-made kitten heel she had decoupaged using ...
A passionate family run business that serves up the tastiest tiramisu I’ve ever had. Throw in the ...
West Midlands Safari Park is a great day out for any age. There is a huge range of things to see an...
The Peacock at Rowsley offers fine dining done properly. The historic building houses an elegant, re...
Thyme Café is the perfect balance between eating in a nice establishment, without feeling awkward f...
I love the fact that it’s a smokehouse first, restaurant second. The smokehouse has been around fo...
Husband and Wife ran, LA-Pop is situated in the up and coming Edgbaston village. Upon walking throug...
I’ve pitched up our tent and camped at Catgill Farm campsite just a stone’s throw from Bolton Ab...
I signed up to become a StrongHER ‘Warrior’ for four weeks. After the second week, I signed up f...
Nestled in the heart of gorgeous Dedham (also known as ‘Constable Country’ after the work of the...
Exploring the different heat and ice experiences with various aromas and a calming atmosphere worked...
The real ‘behind-the-scenes’ of small-batch gin production, whilst sampling (lots of) very nice ...
It’s a fun-filled day out for the whole family. There are stacks of outdoor play areas, which the ...
I love a spa. I love everything about it: the unashamed decadence of spending time doing very little...
Hidden in the heart of the East Village, part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and just a stones ...
I decided on Billy Bob’s Diner in Skipton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales as the venue for Fern...
We’ve been coming to the Tickled Trout fairly regularly ever since moving to Chesterfield three ye...
If having to care for a tiny baby with no prior knowledge and no handbook for the first time wasn’...
As I sat on the sprawling lawn, my one-year-old daughter squealing with delight as she rolled down t...
The last few weeks in London have been GLORIOUS sunshine. Even me, the most unlikely woman to ever g...
We had such high expectations of The Deep. So many people have given us glowing reviews, I did wonde...
Daisy at Camp Katur in North Yorkshire reeled off the list of accommodation options to me over the p...
The vibe, the diversity, the enthusiasm of the owners and of course, the food. It helps that the own...
Found yourself with an hour or two to wile away? Head to Dice & A Slice in Colchester – home to a ...
Elegant dining with flavour combinations you will not have eaten elsewhere. Stunning attention to d...
The last few weeks in London has been GLORIOUS sunshine. Even me, the most unlikely woman to ever ge...
Soak up the seaside atmosphere at one of Yorkshire’s outdoor pools, reservoirs, freshwater beaches...
I chose the captivating little country of Sri Lanka as the destination where would celebrate our 10t...
A weekend at Casa Turnilla Yoga Retreat in the picture-perfect Spanish town of Estepona on the Costa...
It’s an afternoon treat that’s smack bang on my doorstep. Being able to walk to such a lovely pl...
I don’t think it’s too dramatic to declare that coffee flows in my veins. Okay, maybe it’s a b...
Why I Love The Mount Royale Hotel. The Mount Royale Hotel is just a stone’s throw from York city c...
I love that the Manor House in Lindley is near enough for a quick overnight getaway but that as you ...
A floral archway leading to shabby chic décor. Wooden floors and lots of fake foliage and street ar...
I’ve been coming to Darleys for well over a decade and have NEVER had so much as a disappointing c...
Being somewhat incompetent with maps myself, what appeals to me most about this big, circular walk i...
With the school holiday’s approaching, we have rounded up our top ten favourite child-friendly wal...
When you think of Manchester you don’t tend to associate it with botanical gardens. It’s always ...
What I like best about Odyssey Greek restaurant is that it genuinely feels like you’re holiday! No...
I love it because I may be a grown-up but I felt like I could be a big kid in there, but with a cock...
When my friend asked me and my family to come along to one of the GRUB food fairs at Fairfield Socia...
If you live in Halifax you’ve probably driven past Wainhouse Tower and not realised that for a few...
An atmospheric, if slightly bachelor pad-style interior, a huge selection of steaks, attentive waiti...
It starts in the much loved Endcliffe Park, so a great meeting point if doing the walk with others. ...
The Devonshire Arms at picture-perfect Bolton Abbey on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is one of Yor...
I love that The Devonshire Arms Inn is only a 30-minute drive from Sheffield, yet we felt like we we...
Why I love it: Since becoming dog owners we’ve tried to find places that keep children and four-le...
Why I love it: Well, firstly Fountains Abbey a UNESCO World Heritage Site so expect to be totally in...
My eyes darted back and forth as I stood on the edge of the most easterly point in North America. Sc...
Public transport and I haven’t always been best friends. Catching the “571†bus service to Bri...
That click-click of knitting needles was a familiar sound to me growing up. My mum’s a knitter. Sh...
Ye Olde Bell must have been listening to my prayers because it felt like I had literally won the gol...
My love for making things started when I was about 9 years old and friendship bracelets were a big t...
Ecclesall Road has been my stomping ground for over a decade, and although my years of whittling mos...
Afternoon Tea. It’s an iconic British tradition dating back to 1840. Anna Maria Russell, the seven...
It’s one of the places I recall people mentioning when I was a child. We holidayed every year on t...
TRAVELLING TO THE EDGE OF THE WILD NORTH ATLANTIC. There is an energy about this place that is indes...
With February half-term here, we’ve sought out the best child-friendly ice skating rinks across Yo...
Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, a mere 15 mins from my front door, is a hidden gem â...
The Fox pub in Ilkley is my local. I can practically see it from my front door, but, I’ll be hones...
Tuesday is apparently the most depressing day of the week. The previous weekend feels like it never ...
We are, happily, very spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Leeds. The recent trend for street ...
Since I met Matt back in 2009 he’s been desperate to get me to go to Temujin up in Sowerby Bridge....
I peeled my teenager off my limb and avoided answering my husband’s concerns of who is doing the 3...
I visited the brand new Ivy cafe in the centre of Leeds last Tuesday – briefly and blissfully todd...
Celebrating 10 years of marriage at The Gilpin Lake House in Windermere Mr T and I loll lazily on t...
Diagnosed by the doctor as “too fat to flyâ€, my husband and daughter jetted off for a week with ...
Tucked away in the Grand Arcade of Leeds city centre there’s basically a time machine masquerading...
I’ve learnt two things today… 1) To always ensure that I have play-doh in my bag whenever I take...
It’s perfect for lunch with or without little ones, or worth a sitter if combining with a cinema d...
When my stepdad announced that he’d hired a barge for the entire family to celebrate my mum’s bi...
Now THIS is a great gift for the man in your life. If you want to be flavour of the month this Sund...
I needed some proper R&R. My aching body was crying out for a long luxurious massage. My mental hea...
It would certainly be swallowed up in London – hidden in the shadows of Le Gavroche, Alain Duccass...
...
Helmsley is the Knightsbridge of Yorkshire Market towns, not least because it’s home to two of Yor...
When the female bartender at an elegant country boutique hotel in a picture-perfect North Yorkshire ...
If you like to hike, then you’re in the right place. There are a plethora of walks for all, whethe...
A proper posh Yorkshire Dales treat in a setting straight out of Mary Poppins High Tea comes with a...
I swore last May when I returned from our first family camping trip in Keswick in the Lake District ...
Two weeks ago I purchased the final plane ticket of three so that Mr T could join me on a work trip ...
Celebrating 10 years of marriage at The Gilpin Lake House in Windermere Mr T and I loll lazily on th...
I still get the occasional wobble of uncertainty – was it the right move? Should we have stayed in...
The quaint cobbled Dickensian streets of The Old Town with alleyways, yards and passages by all sort...
We couldn’t contain ourselves as we laughed hysterically at probably the most fitting of all the r...
A trip to the North Pole on The Train To Christmas Town There’s a lot of really rubbish Santas ar...
The Chevin Forest in Otley is just moments from our house in Menston, West Yorkshire and is one of t...
My girlfriends and I thought nothing of throwing sixty quid each at several bottles of Veuve on a Th...
Now imagine being strapped to that chair, on the coldest, wettest August day on record, whilst not o...
I’ll be honest, when I was invited to spend a night in a hotel in Newcastle – this was not what ...
Aside from the horrific journey from Leeds to Cornwall (and worse still, the return journey which th...
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were rocking up at a sushi bar with a name like a Wapentake; th...
You can’t miss the Victoria Hotel; it’s perched proudly on the cliff tops of Robin Hood’s Bay ...
And the Cow & Calf – Ilkley, West Yorkshire. When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do is take a l...
Well short of John Travolta and Olivia Newton John making an appearance, the owners of Billy Bob’s...