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

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.Two Lancashire boilers have deteriorated and the boiler house roof is very largely gone at the old quarry (Image: Chris Allen (Creative Commons))

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. The walk to this wild swimming in Wales spot can be a challenge, but the peaceful, crystal clear water that awaits you is well worth it! There are a number of paths that take you to the summit of Cadair Idris and Llyn Cau. Llanddwyn Island is a glorious spot for wild swims, with an east and west coast meaning you can find sheltered water on either side.Tania Pascoe is a naturalist, foodie and photographer. She is the author of Wild Garden Weekends, as well as several Wild Guides. Featuring stunning photography, detailed maps and engaging travel writing, this is the perfect guide for wild adventures and ultimate weekend escapes. Perch on the larger bounders in the glen or swim into the deeper sections of the River Conwy, as seen in the image above. A larger pool rests at the river’s confluence, where it meets the River Machno. Here, you will find picnic benches and grassy banks to refuel after a refreshing swim. 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! 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.

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. during his rule). Beware, the water is freezing – legend has it the saint’s penance was to stand in it! 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. 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.

About the Wild Guide to Wales book

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.

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. Photography Littered with shimmering rivers and colossal cascades, find no shortage of Brecon Beacons’ wild swimming opportunities in Waterfall Country! After a tiring descent, dip into the pool, arguably one of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in Wales. Enjoy the crisp turquoise gorge, boasting grassy edges that you can use to slide into the water.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. Feeling inspired by our wild swimming in Wales guide? If so, use our guide complete guide to wild swimming in the UK to uncover all you need to know. Alternatively, secure your Welsh cottage break or perhaps a cottage with a swimming pool is more on your wavelength! 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. If you’re looking for wild swimming in Pembrokeshire, look no further than Barafundle Bay. This beach in Wales could easily be mistaken for a far-flung destination with its turquoise green-blue waters and warm sands.