The Best Walks With Wild Swims in the UK
Don’t forget to check out Swim England’s advice for open-water swimming before you go and be extra careful in excessive heat, following the Met Office's guidance.
If there’s one thing that instantly improves a country walk, it’s a wild swim to cool off at the end. Luckily, we are spoiled for choice with scenic walking routes in the UK that incorporate invigorating wild swimming spots, from hidden beach coves to secret lagoons and icy cascading falls. Not only is wild swimming refreshing, but it also has incredible benefits on our mental health and immune system. Immersing ourselves in cold water soothes muscle aches—perfect after a long hike—and the natural endorphins from the thrill of taking the plunge uplift our mood and elate the senses.
We’ve collated our favourite walks throughout the UK that follow the blue winding lines on the map to discover the best wild swims this summer, and the rest of the year for those who dare. Grab your outdoor essentials: a picnic, SPF, plenty of water, sturdy walking shoes and of course, your D-Robe to warm up after your wild dip.
Loch Morlich, Highlands, Scotland
Loch Morlich is located under the foothills of Scotland’s largest mountain range, the Cairngorms, and is fringed by wild forests and sandy beaches, making it one of the best places in Scotland for wild swimming. First, you can enjoy an easy 4-mile circular woodland trail that skirts around the banks of Loch Morlich, before you cool off on Scotland’s only freshwater award-winning beach. Extend your walk in Glenmore Forest Park with miles of walking paths and cycle routes to enjoy that swerve through the pine trees and is home to a variety of wildlife. For water sports enthusiasts, you can hire paddle boards, kayaks and canoes from the activity centre at the Loch or simply launch yourself into the revitalising water. Walking trails around Loch Morlich are also dog-friendly!
River Derwent, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
For a wild swimming experience with one of the most majestic backdrops of England, head to Chatsworth House. Just outside this stately house, you can take a dip in the River Derwent and still enjoy the surrounding panoramic views of the Peak District. You can either walk around Chatsworth's beautiful grounds and gardens before cooling off or head straight to this fantastic open-water swimming spot. Along the river is a small cascade for paddling and one side is deep enough for swimming. These chilly waters are perfect for freshening up after walking round the peaks or historic house and enjoy a picnic with the family on the river bank afterwards. Don’t forget your versatile and oversized Robe—perfect for a post-swim cuddle and can double up as a picnic blanket.
Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre, London, England
You don’t need to even leave the capital for your open water swimming fix—West Reservoir Centre in Stoke Newington allows members and non-members to access an array of water sports activities and wild swimming. Located in a 30-acre site in a hidden part of the Borough of Hackney, the reservoir is a safe haven to dip your toe in the outdoor swimming world before you venture further afield. To earn your wild dip, why not take a stroll around nearby Finsbury Park or walk from your house to the water—for example, Alexandra Palace is 1 hour away on foot, or just over 2 hours from Notting Hill. Amble through London in your Robe before and after a wild swim with the confidence that you won’t be forfeiting style for warmth and comfort. Our outdoor Robes are not only effortlessly stylish but also 100% waterproof and windproof, fitted with an irresistibly soft fleece lining ready to dry you in an instant.
Soar Mill Cove, Devon, England
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding swim than at the secluded Soar Mill Cove just off the South West Coast Path in Devon. Accessed only by a steep, narrow footpath, this tiny inlet is the perfect place for a wild swim and is surrounded by challenging walking trails. One of the best walking routes in Devon is Salcombe’s North Sand 6.6-mile circular loop that passes the remote Soar Mill Cove for a well-deserved halfway cool-off. This loop journeys through woods and picturesque thatched-roof villages, following ancient stone walls and boasts breathtaking sea views along the way. This is a dog-friendly walk and you can even take your furry friend down to Soar Mill Cove—one of the best beaches in Devon and certainly the most isolated.
Linhope Spout, Northumberland, England
To reach the iconic Linhope Spout in Northumberland National Park, it’s a 3-mile moderate walk from Hartside through wooded glades and stony tracks. Once you’ve got a little sweat on from the uphill climb you’ll be ready to take the plunge. The circular pool is 6-foot wide so not the best option for swimming lengths, instead, you are treated to a fairytale setting with an 18-metre waterfall crashing down. If you aren’t as brave as the locals to submerge completely into the chilly water, there are shallower paddling areas in a nearby beck to refresh. Whatever the notoriously unpredictable North East weather throws your way, our full-length waterproof, all-season Robes are ready to keep you dry and comfortable, even when you step out of your comfort zone.
Wast Water, Cumbria, England
Wast Water is a lesser-known, quieter part of the Lake District, with jaw-dropping scenery and is home to more advanced open-water swimming options. Surrounded by an abundance of mountains, like Red Pike, Kirk Fell and Scafell Pike—England’s highest mountain—it’s hiker’s galore! Wast Water is England’s deepest lake and for confident swimmers or deep divers only, but there is no stopping people from paddling in the glistening shoreline. If you don’t fancy scaling any of the surrounding mountains, you can traverse the perimeter of the lake in a couple of hours.
Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Forget Iceland, get yourself to the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon in Wales for one of the most enchanting wild swims in the UK. This once old slate quarry area, flooded by the sea, is now a world-class swimming destination and water sports enthusiast hot spot. The Blue Lagoon is situated just north of Abereiddy Beach and continues to mesmerise visitors with its electric-blue waters and awe-inspiring scenery. The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has taken place here several times and kayaking and coasteering are other popular activities at the lagoon. The 4-mile Porthgain to Abereiddi coastal walk is one of the most impressive walks in Wales as you skirt along grassy cliff-tops and zigzag down to sandy beaches. Will you dare to dive into the seemingly bottomless Blue Lagoon? D-Robe is there to catch you with open arms as you get back on dry land!
Opt for the outdoors this summer, and all year round, with D-Robe and never feel underprepared for whatever nature throws your way. Our outdoor Robes are timeless, genderless and designed to keep the whole family protected, comfortable and dry on all of your adventures.