Five wild swimming spots to set the tone for your wild camping adventure!

Back to blog list  May 23, 2018

There's nothing shallow about wild swimming! Who wouldn't like to stumble across a secluded river or isolated bay for a refreshing dip? We've tried to include the best, unspoiled spots that cover everything! _ enjoy exhilarating watersport activities ranging from cliff to surfing or explore sheltered bodies and azure oceans. Wild swimming is excellent for the body and the mind and provides kids with the gleeful opportunity to lark around by the beach and discover secret waterfalls. Take a read, and later, a swim, perhaps!

1. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

What to expect

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Formerly utilized as a quarry, the outer wall facing the sea was demolished by locals who in turn created a stunning amphitheatre that has been a hotspot for cliff divers. The Red Bull Cliff Divers' World Series was held here in the year 2012 & 2013, and it's no real surprise as the aquamarine waters, and towering cliffs make for an impressive backdrop and secure cliff-diving conditions. The water below is estimated to be around 25 meters or so downwards has daring cliff divers and adrenaline addicts gleefully plummeting into the waters below!

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It's going to be near impossible to take your vehicle up the quarry, so leave your motorhome or campervan at the scenic Celtic Camping & Bunkhouse Accommodation site while enjoying the day hiking and swimming in this breathtaking quarry. Set a smooth ten minutes distance from Blue Lagoon, the Celtic Camping site rests amid stunning landscapes, and provides glorious views out towards the sea. The spacious campsite extends across 250 acres of rolling farmland and offers direct access to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path plus a wealth of local activities. The owners welcome traditional campers, campervans, touring caravans, and well-behaved pets. Campers have access to a large, spotless shower and toilet block, the indoor dining hall, and a laundry with washer and dryer. A communal barn allows vacationers to cook, wash up and eat in rainy weather. You can choose where to pitch, and electric pitches are available at an additional fee. Spend the day exploring St David's and the wealth of beaches enclosing the campsite, or savour delicious, award-winning fish and chips at The Shed in Porthgain harbour. Return to the Celtic Camping site to toast marshmallows over a crackling campfire as the stars twinkle above and the waves beat against the rocks below. Keep an eye out for basking seals and amazing local wildlife.

2. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

What to expect

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We can't guarantee you'll see fairies but who needs those when you have these magical pools of freshwater for a refreshing dip? Undoubtedly your swim will be somewhat chilly, but boy, will it be worth a mild bout of the shivers! Take a quick hike through Glen Brittle forest or access these pristine pools is through the village of Carbost. The less adventurous can opt for the fairy pools walk or whip out a camera for some fantastic Instagram-worthy snaps!

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The Glenbrittle Campsite & Café lies on foot of the rugged Cuillin Mountains and brims with views of the enclosing crags, and undulating countryside. The prizewinning campsite walked away with the award for Gold Campsite of the Year 2019 by the Great Outdoors Magazine Awards and is the perfect base for outdoor adventurers, hikers, and walkers. Sit back and admire the views, explore the surrounding countryside, or experience an afternoon of living history at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Pitches spread out across the field and in the direction of Loch Brittle beach. An onsite shop and café sell fresh bread, lovely hot chocolate, croissants, and speciality coffee. Dogs are welcome; however, Fido must remain on a leash at all times. Alternatively, you can drive up to Coral Beach, and wild camp right by the sea! Leave your campervan or motorhome hire at the Claigan Carpark and take a relaxed 20-minute walk to the beach to set up your tent. Wake up to the glorious sunrise, marvel at the scenic views, and, if you're lucky, you might have the entire strand to yourself. A Coastal beach is an easy hours distance from the pools and Glenbrittle Campsite & Café, so wild camp for a few days by the beach before driving into the campgrounds to visit the fairy pools after a refreshing hot shower. Remember to camp responsibly and adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

3. Linhope Spout, Northumberland, England

What to expect

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Compromising of a 60-foot waterfall dropping into a bottomless plunge pool below, Linhope Spout is a picturesque spot for a dip and the enclosing meadow is perfect for picnics. Located in Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park, the walk up to the falls is appreciably mild and requires a wee bit of scrambling to reach the falls. If you'd rather stay dry, take the Linhope Spout walk, which is a mere 3 miles starting from Hartside to Linhope. Be on alert for furry red squirrels in spring and autumn!

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The River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is a half hours driving distance from the majestic Linhope Waterfall. Set amid the lush Cheviot Hills, the campsite stretches out over 10 acres and provides facilities like a toilet block, hot showers, chemical disposal, and laundry on site. Caravans, motorhomes, and tents are welcome. Hedges partition off each grass or hard standing pitches which are sheltered by trees. A lovely walk leads down to a nature reserve and the adjacent river. Drive into the town of Alnwick, lounge by the coast or explore charming villages and lively cities. A garage shop within walking distance of the site provides grocery items and camping equipment. If you'd rather be out under big skies and endless landscapes, leave your motorhome or campervan hire on a grass layby at Hartside farm and find a secluded spot to set up your tent. You can try your luck at the Threestoneburn forest plantation, or wander into the plantations beyond Linhope village. The fells enclosing Linhope are ideal for walks and hikes, so feel free to stroll across green landscapes sprinkled with grazing sheep, trek up Dunmoor Hill or cycle past meandering rivers.

4. Achmelvich Bay, Scotland

What to expect

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Merely looking at this gorgeous bay helps soothe the soul. Located in the village of Lochinver, stunning aquamarine waters lazily roll up on the white sands. You're bound to forget you're in Britain and not lounging on a Caribbean island! If you're put off by the slightly taxing walk there, we're not going to try very hard to persuade you to reach Achmelvich Bay. Idyllic, yet stunning locations are less magical with the crowds! While Achmelvich village is relatively small and offers a caravan park and a campsite, it's the selection of beaches that will send your heart soaring! Tae your field glasses to observe playful dolphins and basking whales!

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Escape from the rat race and enjoy a vacation by to the sparkling beauty of the Achmelvich Bay. Park your motorhome or campervan rental at The Shore Caravan Site and explore the exceptional fishing, walking, mountain climbing, and water activities around the grounds. Onsite facilities are basic yet plentiful. There are showers, toilets, chemical disposal toilet, electric hookups, and an onsite launderette. Kick back and unwind on the stunning white sand or venture into the inviting waters. Explore the walking trails crisscrossing the area or take a twenty-minute walk along the coast to Port Alltan na Bradhan where you're free to get away from the holidaymakers, cast inhibition to the wind and have great fun skinny dipping!

5. Tongue pot, Upper Eskdale, Lake District West, England

What to expect

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Tongue Pot is by far one of our top favourites. Located at Lake District National Park, the part of river Esk known as Tongue pot is a famed secret pool that glistens under an old packhorse bridge while a river starting way up from Scafell Pike thunders into it. The refreshing pool is about an hour's walk from the road and formed when two rivers meet. High jumps of 05 meters are possible, and the water is quite clear. There is a private, shallow-watered natural pool further below. Additionally, you could hike onward to Scafell Pike where the trail is not too tiring and walk down via Broad Strand for some breathtaking views.

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Get ready to enjoy the nothing but the rolling hills, big skies and open landscapes of the Great Langdale Valley when you camp at Eskdale Campsite. Tucked in a secluded pocket in the Lake District, Eskdale spreads out over eight acres of grassland, bordered by towering trees, with a burbling stream meandering through the site. The campgrounds are an ideal base for nature lovers who can hike among the Wasdale fells or trek up Scafell Pike- the highest mountain in England. Hop on the historic Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway for a forty-minute ride of jaw-dropping scenery or discover a cosy pub within easy walking distance. Pitches are generous; there is a fully-stocked shop on the grounds and facilities are well-maintained. If you'd rather skip the crowds and enjoy the magnificent natural scenery, pack in your camping gear and wild camp on Eskdale Moor. Hike past the Eskdale Valley, and find flat ground by running water at the foot of Illgill Head. Make sure to tent above walled farmland and leave nothing but footprints behind.

Spend a few days in the wild, and wander across the landscape on a remote camping adventure. If you're not keen on campsite camaraderie, sit back and enjoy the spectacular views from your cosy campground. Wild swimming, isolated camping, fantastic views, and cheery, uncrowded campsites – what more could you want on a wild swimming escapade?