Wild Trails Wales Guide: The best walks for wild swimming in South Wales

Other than for a few hardy souls who love to swim in cold water year round, for the rest of us, after a long, cold winter there is nothing more freeing than the arrival of swim walking! What is swim walking I hear you ask? Let me explain… You know those days when you’re out walking in the mountains or at the coast and it is HOT? The sweat is dripping off you and your legs are burning and achy. If you’re lucky, the most beautiful, paradisical wild swimming spot will appear, and you can get in and cool off those aching limbs, then emerge refreshed, ready to enjoy the last few miles of your walk. We’re lucky here in South Wales. We have so many wonderful places to swim, and the variety is staggering. As so many others have, I became enchanted with what we call wild swimming by stumbling upon a perfect swimming pool or quiet sandy cove during a walk, and soon I was planning my summer walks to ensure I would find somewhere to swim en route. This is what I mean by ‘swim walking’. I’ve been fortunate over the years to spend much time out exploring Wales, enjoying many wild dips and swims along the way. When the opportunity came up to create a guidebook full of wild swimming walks, I couldn’t resist. The result is my new book Wild Swimming Walks South Wales, with 28 beautiful and interesting walking routes, all revolving around water, with at least two places to swim per route. Here is a brief guide to some of the wild swimming walks, more details of which can be found in the book. The book also has lots of tips on water and walking safety, history, culture and environmental sensitivities of each area - so do give it a read in full!

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Pwll Du & Brandy Cove

Two sheltered, secluded coves joined by dramatic coast path and a walk through an enchanting woodland valley once renowned for smugglers.

Wild swimming walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons

Blaen y Glyn Waterfalls

A pretty chain of waterfalls with dipping pools, followed by a steep climb high up to follow a ridgeline with dramatic views, returning through the woods with more cascades to explore.

The Mellte Gorge

Go early in the morning if you want to have this place for yourself as it does get very busy. Spectacular gorge with several large waterfalls and great swimming. Can become treacherous in or shortly after poor weather.

River Wye at Penallt

A circular walk along flower-lined lanes to an ancient church, and lazy river swimming in the Wye, with a great pub en route.

Skenfrith & Monnow Valley

A peaceful, traditional valley, swim in the river Monnow next to the castle ruins, with further river dips along the valley. Romanticism at its best.

Hay on Wye

This walk is great for families, taking you alongside the Wye to the popular swimming area the Warren, plus further places to dip along the river before returning to explore the famous town of books.

Wild swimming walk on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Monknash & Nash Point

Spectacular golden cliffs, secluded tidal bays and wanders through wooded valleys alongside babbling brooks. Time your walk to coincide with the falling tide.

Wild swimming walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park

Llangynidr

A walk along the canal then across farmland and along lanes to the river Usk, where a pretty waterfall offers a lovely place to swim. Follow the river upstream to find further places to dip, and return to the village along the canal path.

Please note that this guide is intended for inspiration only - we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or issues arising from this content. Please Be Adventure Smart.