Wild Guide Wales and the Marches (Wild Guides)

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Sgwd Gwladys is arguably one of the best wild swimming in Wales spots there is, set amidst enchanting scenery. It is located near the village of Pontneddfechan and is an impressive 7-meter high waterfall. Concluding our guide to wild swimming in Wales is the River Conwy, in Betws-y-Coed. This is a great spot for a dip while admiring the Fairy Glen, a secluded gorge located on the river itself. Littered with shimmering rivers and colossal cascades, find no shortage of Brecon Beacons’ wild swimming opportunities in Waterfall Country! For those swimming, look forward to sharing the waters with torgoch, which is a rare type of Arctic char fish that has survived since the ice age. Bala Lake is four miles long and a mile wide at its widest point, making it the largest natural lake in Wales. The lake is famously deep and clear, perfect for wild swimming in Wales.

Some of the largest and most productive slate quarries in the world were situated along this belt. The region was known to have "roofed the 19th century world", which in its turn had a significant effect on the lives of the region's people and communities as well as the landscape with its traces still found today. After a cooling dip, be sure to explore the ‘ Roman Fort Project‘. The creation of a Roman and Iron Age Realm featuring a full-scale size Roman Fort and Celtic is the main objective of the park. They hope to make history by building the first authentic Roman fort in almost 2,000 years, using natural materials and construction techniques. After a refreshing dip, be sure to visit the National Slate Museum before exploring the impressive Dinorwig quarry.Find the glacially formed Llyn Padarn in the Snowdonia National Park, home to the famous Lone Tree. The lake is approximately two miles long and at its deepest point is 94 feet deep. This makes it one of the largest natural lakes in Wales. Featuring stunning photography, detailed maps and engaging travel writing, this is the perfect guide for wild adventures and ultimate weekend escapes. The Park in the Past is an exciting and innovative heritage and conversation project, comprising 120 acres of outstanding natural beauty. This ancient Welsh landscape includes acres of woodland and wetlands, as well as wonderful walking paths and fields. The hardest of all is the Minffordd Path, where good fitness and navigation skills are required. It is recommended that you complete the hike to the peak and dip into the lake on your return. Promising a refreshing end to a strenuous walk. This exotic beach makes for the perfect alternative to wild swimming in Wales’ countryside. With welcoming waves and golden dunes making it a scenic spot for a dip.

This Brecon Beacon waterfall is another superb location for wild swimming in Wales. Located on the majestic River Mellete is the secluded waterfall and pool of Sgwd y Pannwr. Shortly after, the lake is revealed. From here, take the walking trail that runs around the lake to find the pebble beach at the northern end. Find several high and thin waterfalls that feed the lake, making for superb photo opportunities. Nikki Squires is an avid camper, photographer and English teacher who runs her school’s bushcraft programme. Richard Clifford is a wild swimmer, triathlete, PE teacher and adventure leader. John Webster grew up sea swimming and surfing and now raises his two children on a diet of wild adventures. They all live and work in the Midlands near Leicester and have spent the last decade wild camping, swimming, climbing and exploring Central England. PhotographyAs well as legends, this wild swimming spot is home to a host of Welsh wildlife that you can admire while taking a dip! You are likely to see red kites, buzzards, carrion crows, and kestrels here! In the northwest of Wales you'll find a long belt of Cambrian slate which was formed about 500m years ago. The line stretches from the Nant Ffrancon valley in the east to Nantlle Valley in the west.

If you are feeling more adventurous, why not try the swimrun route here? Combine running through the open clifftops, and dashing through the forest trails before heading straight into the sea, boasting crystal clear waters.

PEMBROKESHIRE & CEREDIGION

At one time, the Welsh village of Talysarn was home to workers and industrial buildings from the old Cambrian slate mines, mines which put roofs over the heads of countless thousands of people in the 19th century and which still last to this day. At the Plas Talysarn, or Talysarn Hall, the roof is now missing from the three stories high building, which was built in the 19th century, and later modified and extended. In 1884 several men were drowned when the pit was engulfed. In 1895 the Afon Llyfni, which flowed through the valley, was realigned and deepened to flow to the south of the slate workings. This cured the flooding problems to some extent but, as the workings deepened, the need to continually pump out water became a constant drain on the quarry's profits.