Wild Guide Wales and the Marches (Wild Guides)

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Littered with shimmering rivers and colossal cascades, find no shortage of Brecon Beacons’ wild swimming opportunities in Waterfall Country! The managers of Enville & Stalybridge Estates have asked that we calrify that Shenstone Chapel is not accessible to the public.

Our final wild swimming spot in South Wales is Llyn y Fan Fach, meaning the lake of the small Beacon Hill.

Located in the historic market town of Bala and surrounded by the rural region of Penllyn is Llyn Tegid. Also known as Bala Lake, this spot has a strong and vibrant Welsh identity, surrounded by high mountains, forests and lush green valleys. After a refreshing dip, be sure to visit the National Slate Museum before exploring the impressive Dinorwig quarry. 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. Two Lancashire boilers have deteriorated and the boiler house roof is very largely gone at the old quarry (Image: Chris Allen (Creative Commons)) Featuring stunning photography, detailed maps and engaging travel writing, this is the perfect guide for wild adventures and ultimate weekend escapes.

As 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! 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. Our next swimming in Wales spot is the remote tidal island off the coast of the Isle of Anglesey. Llanddwyn Island can only be accessed on foot; you can either go through Newborough Warren or along the sands. Whichever you choose, you are promised sublime views. The original name of the quarry was Cloddfa Turner but it was renamed as Dorothea after Garnons' wife. The workings grew out of a series of smaller workings with names such as Hen Dwll, Twll Bach, Twll y Weirglodd, Twll Coch, and Twll Fire. Over the years these pits were deepened and amalgamated into the large flooded pits that we see today. Discover secret sandy beaches lapped by turquoise seas, and dramatic limestone cliffs honeycombed with sea caves; watch the sunrise from inside an ancient cromlech, and conquer ruined castles and snow-covered peaks; wander through enchanted woods and dive into crystal-clear waterfalls; descend into tunnels and caverns, or swim in a pure mountain tarn overflowing with legend. Then feast by the fire of a cosy inn and stargaze from your tent or sheepskin-strewn hideaway.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. If you’re looking for wild swimming in Wrexham, look no further than the Park in the Past in Caergwrle. From river swims to serene lagoons and cascading waters, there are so many wild swimming in Wales opportunities. Wild swimming in Wales is perfect for a refreshing dip on a summer’s afternoon but has also been proven to make a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Llyn Idwal is a favourite amongst many for wild swimming in Wales. It’s easy to get to, making it accessible for families and those with dogs. Wild swim at a secret river beach dappled by willows, seek out a lost castle hidden within an enchanted forest, then watch the sun set from an ancient hillfort with a picnic of local cheese, sourdough and cider. 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. Llanddwyn Island is a glorious spot for wild swims, with an east and west coast meaning you can find sheltered water on either side.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. 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.

There was a large number of very small quarries in Dyffryn Nantlle – a situation which was brought about by numerous landowners. Over time amalgamations and takeovers would create larger units such as Dorothea quarry. In 1820 Dorothea was opened and remained in production until 1970. The land the quarry stands on was owned by a man called Richard Garnons but the main driving force for quarrying in the valley was William Turner from Lancaster. 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. 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. This inspiring travel compendium reveals the most exciting hidden places in Wales, and the Herefordshire and Shropshire Marches. 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.during his rule). Beware, the water is freezing – legend has it the saint’s penance was to stand in it!