Outdoor swimming has surged in recent years with millions seeking out lakes, lidos, rivers and seas for a refreshing dip. Monique Gadella reveals some of the top spots for a swim, plus a few tips if you’re getting your feet wet for the first time.
Wearing a swimsuit, swim socks, swim shoes and swim gloves – and of course always a tow float – I walk into water until my legs are in. Then I pause for a minute or two to let my body acclimatise. Winter or summer, the water always feels cold up North. Living close to the Lake District with its scenic lakes, tarns (mountain pools) and rivers, I swim regularly. It gives me both a mental and physical lift, as well as friendships with my fellow “sunset skinnies”, as we’re known.
In England alone, there are 451 designated bathing sites, which means at these locations regular water quality testing takes place. One of the latest additions is Derwentwater in Keswick. Most of the official locations are along the coast, with only 18 lakes and 14 rivers making the designated list.
If you haven’t been wild swimming before, April onwards is a good time to start, when the waters warm up a bit, but hardened swimmers are out year-round.
Always take a companion, and a swim coach is also a good idea for newbie swimmers. Remember, it’s your own responsibility to make sure it’s safe, so be careful, and don’t go after heavy rain. I swim mostly in Bassenthwaite Lake with a view of Skiddaw but here are a few of my other favourites, both home and away. Given the remote nature of some, locations are given in what3words, which will be a useful app for finding your swim spot.
In freely accessible Chatsworth Park, there’s a deep pool in the river Derwent with a mini waterfall. It’s a very popular spot for a dip and a picnic, especially on warm days. This is quintessential English countryside near Chatsworth House – where the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie was filmed.
Getting there: Park at Calton Lees and walk down the grassy bank to the River Derwent.
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A grassy slope gives access from the path to this deep tarn that offers a truly wild place to swim, and which quickly freezes over when cold enough. Sheltered by conifers on the west side, it has great views over the Langdale Pikes.
Getting there: Drive or cycle the 2.5km from Ambleside. You can also take the 516 bus to the stop by the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, a great spot for food – especially on the terrace in summer.
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Enjoy an exhilarating dip just below Low Force in a deep pool. Always freezing cold, it’s surrounded by the majestic uplands covered in heather, juniper and sphagnum mosses. A word of caution: don’t swim when water levels are high and when going in, be careful of the many submerged rocks. Note also that swimming isn’t permitted at the High Force Waterfall further upstream, as the sheer power of the water makes it dangerous.
Getting there: Park at Bowlees Visitor Centre and walk down the path, crossing the Wynch Bridge before turning right on the Pennine Way past the Stone Sheep Sculpture.
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This wide,slow-flowing river with wooded banks is a little tricky to get to. Walk until you see a clear path to the river and enjoy the scenic viewof the Roman bridge.
Getting there: You’ll find limited parking in a lay-by, then walk toward the bridge to a path with steps along the River North Tyne. Or get the 680 bus to Chollerford.
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In the summer you’ll find lifeguards at this wide expanse of sandy beach, so a good one for newcomers. The water is shallow at first, but check the timing of the tides, as high tide comes in fast, as I’ve learned!
Getting there: Parking is limited so it’s better to take the half- hourly X4 bus from Whitby orMiddlesborough. Alight at Runswick Bay Hotel and walk down a steep hill. The 10-minute walk back up will warm you after the swim.
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Want to go further afield? Here are some of my favourite spots away from home.
Offering wide sandy beaches, this is a warm spot for a swim all year round, with water temperatures above 10C even in January. Cycle the smooth path along the coast of Abruzzo and through pine woodlands, then eat great ice creams in the village. This is the place I want to retire to!
Getting there: Fly to Pescara or travel by train. Then hire a bike and cycle the coastal path to Pineto, past the intriguing Torre del Cerrano. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking too.
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This quiet lake with grassy edges and plenty of shelter is an official swimming location, so the water quality gets tested. Shallow at first, it soon gets deep. Warm yourself up afterwards with a 5km walk around the lake.
Getting there: Travel by ferry, train or plane. Maarsseveense Plassen is a 30 minute drive from Amsterdam or 50 minutes from Rotterdam. When you arrive, there’s free car parking at Thermen Maarssen. Or take the train to Utrecht Centraal Station and cycle.
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In winter you can view snow-capped Alps from this clean, expansive lake, although other than special events most swim spots with cafes and showers – known as badis – open for the summer months only. I recommend the lido at Seebad Enge.
Another option is to take out a sauna boat, giving you four hours for a group of two to six people. Relax in the sauna then cool off with a dip in the lake and repeat. No skipper’s licence required.
Getting there: Fly to Zurich or go by train. Buy a Zurich card for all public transport (including train from airport to city centre) and lots of great attractions. Take tram 7 to Bahnhof Enge and walk to the lake shore.
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For image credits see Portal North Issue 1
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