Granchester Meadows, Cambridgeshire

The River Cam, Granchester  hasn’t changed little since Edwardian times. Made famous by Rupert Brooke and Virginia Woolfe others when they camped, picnicked and swam in the river. On a Summers day the Orchard Tea Gardens are fantastic and along the meadows is a particularly pleasant place to swim. Some spots deepen to 1.8 meters (6ft)

Snowdonia’s stunning tarns

Tarns – or llyns as they’re known to the locals! These are the lakes near the tops of the mountain. The Rhinog Range has more tarns per square meter than anywhere else in Wales.  If you get u early or go out of season they can be extremely isolated giving the feeling of being in another world. The back drops can be amazing.  There are a few that are that close to the edge they look like infinity pools.

Waterfall Woods in the Breacon Beacons, Wales

The name says it all. This section of river is packed with natural pools and small waterfalls. It can be found 20 minutes along the woodland trail from Pontneddfechan. When you reach a flat outcrop on the right, just above a mini canyon you will see the river below you. Further along the track is a large junction pool, just beneath the footbridge.  Sgwd Gwladys, or Lady Falls, occupies a giant amphitheatre rimmed with a lip of dark black gritstone.  This is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Wales!

River Avon, Claverton weir

Along the valley of the Avon is a stretch of approximately 100 metres of deep water patches and shallow paddling areas. The water is crystal clear in the Summer and its quite easy to get to. Follow the A36 for about 3km towards the Claverton Hamle and turn left down Ferry Lane.  Simply walk to the bottom and across the big field, the weir will be on your right.

The Cheviouts, Northumberland

This is very popular with walkers and families to col off in the Summer, it’s an easy location to get to.  It has the famous Linhope Spout which is high shoot that falls into a round and very deep plunge pool. There is a high jump into the pool, go careful as the water depths do change depending on the season.

River Ouse, Yorkshire

The River Ouse, which winds through the Sussex Downs is set in the most idliic location. It’s the perfect place for swimming, relaxing and having a picnic.  You can stop for lunch at Barcombe Mill or head a little further up river to the riverside Anchor Inn.  There are even some paddle boats that you can hire. The only building you will see on the entire journey will be the spire of Isfield Church.

.Skye’s faerie pools, Scotland

The Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye lays in a sheltered glade of red rowans and ancient rock. The Black Culin rise above the Gaudi Spires, the remains of a massive volcano. You may see a pink look about the water, this is from the quartz in the rock, it can seem to glow on occasions.

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Lough Shannagh, County Down, is a wide open loch surrounded by the magnificent Mourne Mountains. About 30 minutes walk from the road brings you to the edge of the lake. It is is framed by several peaks, including Slieve Doan and Slieve Loughshannagh. The water is crystal blue and refreshingly cold. There is also a small beach area for the children to play in.

River Dart, Devon

The River Dart, which runs through the Dartmoor National Park, Devon, is the setting for Charles Kingsley’s The Water Babies. This is one of the best spots in the UK for wild swimming. There are so many pools, rivers and small lakes (tarns) to find and explore. We will be  adding another blog soon just on our favourite Dartmoor spots. Some to get your started in the Dart, the East Dart and also the West Dart. If you do your research you may even find some natural water slides!