Why do people go wild swimming?
There are many reasons why people have formed a great love of wild swimming. The connection with nature, the sense of adventure, the mental health benefits and the physical health boosts. Everyone seems to get something different from wild swimming, be it in lakes, rivers or on the coast, with great communities being born from this chilly pastime that seems to have people hooked!
‘The Bluetits Chill Swimmers’ are a free, social and inclusive swim community that now has more than 150 groups worldwide, run entirely by a network of volunteers. Their website has a fantastic array of safety resources that swimmers and wannabe wild swimmers can access, from how to check the wind and weather to how to call for help should you need it.
“I can’t explain the post-dip feeling – it gives you such a buzz and awakens the soul. It’s like a reset button – especially if you’re having a bad day or you’re feeling a bit stressed. But I think it’s really important to know your limits, not to go in for too long, and always go with someone.
Being surrounded by the mountains, that’s my favourite, it is just so special. I feel very lucky to be able to live here and enjoy these lakes and beaches in such a beautiful place.”
– Max, local wild swimmer
How to stay safe wild swimming?
Before you even dip a toe in any body of water, you ought to have considered how you can keep yourself safe. Starting out is difficult and there are lots of things to consider, so it’s important to take responsibility for your safety.
There’s plenty of advice out there advising people to be prepared with the right kit, like a swim buoy, for example, highlighting the importance of knowing about the body of water you’re planning on swimming in, which means checking the weather and water conditions beforehand; understanding the risks associated with cold water, many experienced chilly-dippers advise that you buddy up, or join a friendly local group, because swimming alone can be dangerous, and it’s important to know your own abilities and limitations.
Good wild swimming places North Wales?
For anyone visiting a new area during a short break away and looking for good wild swim spots it’s important to note that locals and local swim groups love and cherish these special, beautiful places and welcome new wild swimmers to join in, but always kindly ask that everyone is respectful when they visit.
There are some truly spectacular wild swim spots near our Llandudno hotel, as well as plenty a little further afield that could be paired with a day out in the mountains during your North Wales break.
Some top places to wild swim in North Wales?
Llandudno North Shore, Llandudno
Llandudno is Wales’ largest resort; the closest opportunity to wild swim near your North Wales accommodation is right in front of our hotel – North Shore beach or Llandudno beach, is a lovely sheltered area with a designated bathing zone, it’s a wonderful spot for paddling or a relaxing swim.
West Shore, Llandudno
West Shore in Llandudno is a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk from our seafront hotel, and is generally quieter than the popular North Shore. It’s a beautiful sandy beach that faces Conwy Bay, which at low tide reveals a large stretch of sand, a popular spot for kite-flyers, kite-surfers and a great place to watch the sunset.
Porth Eirias beach, Colwyn Bay
A welcoming man-made beach just 15-minutes away from our Llandudno hotel, with expansive golden sands, it’s a popular swimming spot for dippers of all abilities. Click here to find out more.
Rhos-on-sea, Colwyn Bay
Continue around the coast from our hotel and you’ll come across another popular wild swim location that never gets too busy. Rhos-on-Sea is a 12-minute drive away and offers a large, 3-mile bay that begins at the harbour and leads to a sand and shingle crescent beach.
Llyn Padarn, Llanberis
Whilst on your activity break, you may plan a visit to the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). Just a 40-minute drive from our North Wales hotel you can discover the village of Llanberis; considered the gateway to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) due to being the starting point of the Llanberis Path, the most popular trail up the highest mountain in Wales.
Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake that lies within the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in Llanberis, and is a popular location for water sports and wild swimming alike.
You could even book a delightful post-swim sauna with Sawna Bach. Click here to find out more.
Newborough Beach/ Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Under an hour from Llandudno, set out for the day during your weekend break and discover the beautiful Newborough Beach/Traeth Llanddwyn, on Anglesey. A gently sloping shore on the south coast of Anglesey; backed by dunes and protected forest, it’s a large sweeping bay offers generally safe conditions for swimming but swimmers should be aware of potential currents, particularly near Abermenai Point.
Visitors can enjoy the walk over to Llanddwyn Island at low tide where they’ll find stunning secluded coves and tidal pools for more wild dips. (Keen-eyed fans of the House of the Dragon may recognise Llanddwyn beach, used as a location for filming season two.)
Llyn Gwynant, Nant Gwynant
In the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park lies Llyn Gwynant, a lake at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in the area of Nant Gwynant.
Under an hour drive away from our hotel, it’s a popular lake for swimming and water sports. The peacefulness of the spot is only enhanced by the surrounded mountains and forest, a beautiful natural lake for keen swimmers or quick dippers.
Make it a day out; it’s a tranquil spot for the perfect picnic, then plan a visit to the picturesque Welsh village of Beddgelert just an 8-minute drive away from the lake for a riverside walk and a delicious ice cream.
There are endless opportunities for adventurous dips and wild swims in beautiful North Wales, so be sure to go prepared, stay safe and respect these scenic destinations, many of which lie in the protected Eryri National Park.