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. As so many others have, I became enchanted with what we call wild swimming by stumbling upon a perfect river 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 West 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 in the area, 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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Wild swimming walk at Dale, Pembrokeshire

St Ann’s Head, Dale

The ultimate coastal swim-walk with five swim spots - a tranquil harbour, three sheltered bays, and an exhilirating wave-washed beach. Walk in the steps of Henry Tudor and encounter lighthouses, a shipwreck and a geological wonder.

Cwm Rheidol

Wander through woodland and climb high up onto the hillside for far-reaching views over Cwm Rheidol, surely one of the most beautiful valleys in the region. Swim in the river accompanied by birdsong and the echoes of the steam train.

Wild swimming walk at St Davids in Pembrokeshire

St Non’s and St Davids

St Davids is a city of religious and natural reverence, where people are drawn either to pray, or play in the wild blue waters encompassing the peninsula. This walk offers some adventurous swims and explorations of the rocky coves in the birthplace of coasteering, with an insight into the fascinating spiritual history of this place of pilgrimage along the way.

Drygarn Fawr

Get well and truly off the beaten path on this circular walk in the Cambrian Mountains, taking in two valleys with mountain streams and gorges to explore, and climb to the wild, windswept summit of Drygarn Fawr.

Wild swimming walk including the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy

Abereiddy & Trefin

Walk one of the most spectacular stretches of coast path in Wales. This has a wide variety of swimming options, from exciting jumps to sandy coves with crystal water. Uncover historic coastal industries and wander through classic countryside to coastal hamlets with traditional sailors’ pubs.

Aberporth & Mwnt

Enjoy the relaxed, holiday atmosphere at Aberporth, before following a quiet route through woodland and farmland with expansive views over the sweep of Cardigan Bay. Swim in remote coves and spot dolphins from the coast path.

Teifi Pools & Claerddu

Explore the expanse of the Elenydd uplands at the Teifi Pools, lakes galore glittering at the source of the River Teifi, and the geographical centre of Wales. Learn about the monks and shepherds that once roamed this land, and a giant too!

Wild swimming walk at Tenby, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Tenby’s Wilder Side

Discover Tenby’s wilder side on a walk that is breathtaking, both literally and figuratively, with a challenging section of coast path, peaceful wooded valleys and quiet sandy coves, to find a world-class open water swimming destination.

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.

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