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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. Most have heard of the ‘lady of the lake’ who gave the sword Excalibur to King Arthur. But did you know about the lady who inhabits the watery lakes of Wales?
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. This man-made pond was built in the early 19th century to provide water for the Garnddyrys Forge, which was later dismantled in the 1860s. Since then, it has become a beauty spot, perfect for swimmers, walkers and those alike! 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. 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.Built by a local farmer, Wyn Mostyn Jones, this wild swimming in Wales spot is a tranquil location that has become one of Snowdonia’s key attractions. While we do not want to be the ones who give the location away, we can give a couple of clues to ease your search! 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. 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. First on our guide to wild swimming in Wales is Pen-ffordd-goch Pond, also known as The Keeper’s Pond. Located on the hill above Blaenavon, this spot is ideal for a scenic swim as the sun sets over Monmouthshire. 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.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. New from the award-winning Wild Guide series, with 600 secret adventures and 450 wilder places to eat and sleep. Taking you to places no other guidebook reaches 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. 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.
After a refreshing dip, be sure to visit the National Slate Museum before exploring the impressive Dinorwig quarry. 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. After dipping into the emerald green pool, it’ll be no surprise that this wild swimming in North Wales spot is steeped in folklore. This spot has been the subject of many a poem, telling tales of faeries and sprites, concealed behind toadstools under the moonlight.
About the Wild Guide to Wales book
Tania Pascoe is a naturalist, foodie and photographer. She is the author of Wild Garden Weekends, as well as several Wild Guides.
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