On a hot summer’s day, few things are more refreshing than slipping into the cool, clear waters of a secret lake or plunging into a hidden waterfall. Britain’s rivers, lakes, and waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the world, and the health benefits of a natural dip are increasingly well known. To celebrate, award-winning author and photographer Daniel Start, and a team of local experts, present this updated and much expanded edition of the best-selling guide to Britain’s swimming holes, now in its 18th year. The all-new bumper edition of Wild Swimming has been revised and hugely expanded to include all the practical information you’ll need to enjoy well over 1,000 magical swims in some of the least discovered parts of our stunning freshwater landscape. In this great British tour, you’ll find infinity pools and mountain jacuzzis, river beaches and rope swings, spring-fed lakes and blue lagoons, chalk streams and natural springs. In each chapter, you’ll discover famous wild swimmers of the past and read stories of heroes, artists, and ordinary folk who have long enjoyed bathing under the willows. With detailed information on how to get started and stay safe, find local groups, and check water quality, this extensive compendium guide means you’ll never be far from a beautiful place to dip. NEW for this third edition: Over 500 new wild swimming locations Encyclopaedic coverage of Britain 25 large scale wild swimming maps The best and most beautiful places for your bucket list Information on pubs, campsites, boating and things to do Child and family friendly swims Lakes and quarries with Open Water Swimming sessions The water’s lovely. So strip off and jump in! About the authors Daniel Start is an award-winning writer and photographer, author of Wild Swimming, Hidden Beaches and many Wild Guides. He has spent 30 years exploring and photographing Britain’s best wild swims. He is married with a daughter and lives at the confluence of two rivers in rural Somerset. This edition has been expanded, compiled and revised with a team of local experts and authors. Table of Contents Map of the region 6 Introduction 8 Getting started 14 What are my rights? 15 Safety & water quality 16 best for Paddling 18 Literay swims 18 Skinny-dipping 18 Picnics 20 Train access 20 Cycling 20 Canoes & SUPs 22 Waterside pubs 22 Camping 22 Jumping 24 Tubing & chutes 24 Waterfalls 24 West Country Cornwall 26 Dartmoor & South Devon 38 Exmoor & North Devon 54 Dorset, Wilts & South Somerset 66 Wye Valley & Somerset Avon 80 Southern & Central England Hampshire, Surrey & Sussex 96 London & South East England 106 Cotswolds & Thames Valley 120 East & Central England East Anglia 134 Southern Midlands 148 Peak District & East Midlands 162 Wales & Marches West Wales to Brecon Beacons 178 Cambrians to the Marches 194 North Wales & Cheshire 210 North Eryri / Snowdonia 226 Northern England Wharfedale & Bowland 240 Yorkshire Dales 254 South Lake District 268 North Lake District 284 Pennines & York Moors 298 Scotland & Northumbria Borders & Northumberland 314 Highlands & Perthshire 328 Cairngorms & River Dee 340 North West Highlands 352 Acknowledgements 364
