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Wild Swimming in South West Wales.

The closest site for wild swimming to Gilfach Wen Barn is a pool on the river Cothi which has the advantage of being easy to combine with a visit to the village pub. For the more adventurous, the walk to Llyn y Fan Fach, (Lake of the small Beacon hill) is often described as one of the most magical and breathtaking sights in all of Wales and enables you to swim at the site of one of the great folktales of Wales.

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Royal Visit Alert

Today, King Charles III paid a visit to Campbeltown Backpackers, a community-owned hostel in the Independent Hostels UK network. His Majesty met with Alan Milstead, Chair of the Kintyre Amenity Trust. Located in beautiful Campbeltown, Argyll, this hostel is housed in a beautifully restored Grade B listed Old Schoolhouse, this cosy hostel sleeps 16 and is run by the Kintyre Amenity Trust charity. It’s a popular stop on the Kintyre Way, with easy access to Campbeltown’s local gems—cinemas, distilleries, and sea views included. With handmade bunks, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a secure cycle store, it’s full of thoughtful touches for walkers, cyclists, and lovers of the great outdoors.

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HRH King Charles Outside Cambelltown Backpackers showing Independent Hostels Sign

Take a Dip While at the Ludlow Mascall Centre

Ludlow locals have enjoyed swimming in the River Teme for many years, and in 2024, a stretch of the river was awarded Bathing Water Status by DEFRA. Walk due west from the Mascall Centre, through the heart of the medieval market town and around the castle to arrive at Millennium Green beach.

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river teme ludlow ideal for wild swimming

Hathersage Heritage Heated Open Air Swimming Pool on the Doorstep!!!

Love wild swimming or relaxing in a lido? 🏊‍♀️☀️

Stay at Base Camp Hathersage and you’re just a 9-minute stroll through the village to the iconic Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool – a must for lido lovers!

But that’s just the beginning… The Derbyshire Dales is full of idyllic swim spots, including:

🌀 Chatsworth Weir
🌿 Bradford Dale near Youlgreave
🌊 The Mermaid’s Pool near Hayfield – steeped in local legend
💦 The unique thermal waters of New Bath Hotel Lido in Matlock Bath

Whether you’re after a refreshing dip or a scenic swim, you’ll be spoilt for choice! 💙

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Open air heatead swimming pool at hathersage

Family Holiday Heaven-in an eco shipping container hostel. With up to 25% discounts for longer stays and exclusive use.

It’s remote, wild and, off season, pretty much empty. But if you are prepared to make the journey here, the beauty of this corner of west Wales will captivate you. Whether you book the whole place or just a cabin we’re offering up to 25% discounts for longer stays and a price per person for exclusive use. That’s a saving of £234 if there are four of you and over £800 for 12 people staying for seven days.

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Wild Swimming your thing?

The reservoir at Cardingmill Valley is close to All Stretton Bunkhouse. Want to go wild swimming in a lovely setting after a short walk in the hills? From the door of All Stretton Bunkhouse, you can walk up the Batch Valley, straight over Haddon Hill and drop down in to Cardingmill Valley. From there, it’s a short walk up the hill to the reservoir.

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Wild Swimming in Hebden Water

Blakedean Hostel is just a few minutes walk from the National Trusts Hardcastle Crags with self guided walks, orienteering, cream teas and wild swimming in Hebden water. Hebden Water is a popular location for wild swimming, particularly at Lumb Falls. The falls offer a series of cascading waterfalls creating natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip.

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lumb falls in Hebden Water

Stay Longer, Save More – Discover This Hidden Welsh Gem!

Enjoy discounts on stays of 2+ or 5+ nights at this magical stone bunkhouse overlooking Cader Idris and Cardigan Bay.
Hike the mountains, paddle the rivers, roam the beaches — then rest easy in your own cosy 4-bed room or book both rooms for a private group escape.
Breathtaking views, unforgettable days, and peaceful nights await!

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Bunkorama hostel near Barmouth

Half-Price Stays for Under 12s at Gumber Bothy!

Ready for a real adventure? Just a 1.5-mile walk from the nearest car park, Gumber Bothy is your escape in rural Sussex.
Bunk up in the shared space. Sleep on platforms, bring your own bags — it’s all the fun of camping, minus the soggy tent! Adults just £20 per night, Children under 12 just £10 per night.

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Gumber Bothy Bunkhouse -

Wild Swim in the Yorkshire Dales

Chapel Gallery Bunkhouse is perfectly placed to have a swim-holiday……with waterfalls, rivers and a natural lake all within a 10 minute drive of us. A 20 minute drive away you have the well known Swaledale waterfalls – Kisdon, Wainwath & Catrigg, and options for Redmire Falls. With an excellent drying room, great showers and underfloor heating – multiple swims or winter swims are a possibility!

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🌊 Not just one, but a whole choice of amazing wild swimming spots — all within easy reach! 🌄

Book your stay at Great Langdale Bunkhouse in the beautiful Lake District and dive into some of the best wild swimming spots around. Whether you prefer the serene Blea Tarn, the stunning Loughrigg Tarn, or the refreshing Whorneyside Force, there’s something for every swimmer. For the more adventurous, Tongue Pot in Eskdale offers a scenic drive and walk for an unforgettable swim.

With so many incredible options nearby, why not book for a few days and explore them all? 🏞️💦

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Magical wild swimming spot a short walk from the hostel

A short stroll from Youlgreave Hostel will take you to Bradford Dale and an enchanting safe wild swimming spot. Looking like a purpose built swimming pool in this picturesque Derbyshire dale, it was built by the local farmers in former times to dip thier sheep in. No longer used for sheep, the clear waters within the stone surrounds provide a wonderfully safe place for wild swimmers. The water is normally around 70cm deep depending on rainfall.

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Wild swimming at Youlgreave close to Youlgreave Hostel

Wild swiming near The Roaches

There is a great place for wild swimming near the Roaches Bunkhouse. Three Shires Head has several pools joined by small waterfalls and surrounded by amazing landscape and views. This setting is at the point where Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire meet. Nearby Roaches Bunkhouse provides group accommodation in 2 self contained lodges, sleeping 9 & 25. These can be booked separately or interconnected for sole use bookings.

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three shires head near the roaches

Comfortabable bunkhouse with wild swimming at nearby Lanacre bridge

Landacre Bridge on the River Barle in Exmoor is a popular spot for wild swimming. The historic medieval bridge offers a picturesque location for a refreshing dip in the river. You can find deeper pools and small beaches nearby, making it suitable for swimming and enjoying the natural surroundings. The nearby Blindwell Bunkhouse is perfect for nature lovers, families and groups of friends.

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wild swimming at Lanacre bridge

Iconic Wild Swimming Spot a Short Drive Away.

Thornbridge Outdoors makes your perfect base for a some river swimming. A scenic 10 min drive will take  you to Chatsworth Park. Here the river Derwent meaders through the parkland in front of one of the most famous stately homes in the country.  Swim between the two weirs where there is very little current and picnic on the gentle  grassy slopes.  Plenty of sheep, deer, ducks and herons. Techniccally swimming is prohibited, but it is very popular with wild swimmers. 

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Chatsworth house adn the river derwent. great for wild swimming

Family Holidays on the shores of Loch Long, with wild swimming right on your doorstep.

This group accommodation also welcomes individuals and families during the summer months. Perfectly situated on the banks of Loch Long, it offers easy access to wild swimming in the loch. A great base for a few days away with a range of other outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, walking, and mountain biking, with opportunities to hire equipment or book an instructor.

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bench on beach at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre