The Best UK Waterfall Swim Spots
Finding new waterfall swim spots has become a passion of mine. As a wild swimmer I dreamed about swimming in waterfalls, and have spent ages lusting over pictures I’d find on social media. In February 2022, my dream came true and I swam in my first waterfall. It was everything I thought it would be, and I became instantly hooked. A combination of the mesmerizing beauty that waterfalls possess, the sound of the powerful water cascading down and the feeling of swimming in the cold water below was truly magical.
Now going on Swim Hikes to find some of these magical swim spots has become one of my favorite past times. I wanted to write a post to show you the best waterfall swim spots the UK has to offer, from what I have discovered so far. I’ll be constantly updating it as I find more hidden gems, as it’s a hobby I have no intention of giving up!
Waterfall Swim Spots in Wales
Sgwd yr Eira, near Ystradfellte, Powys, South Wales
Sgwd yr Eira is one of the four waterfalls on the famous Four Waterfalls Walk set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This waterfall will always have a place in my heart as the first every waterfall I swam in back in February 2022. It’s the largest waterfall on the trail, and you can actually walk behind the cascading curtain of water as well as swim in the pool below.
Watkin Path Waterfalls, Caernarfon
The Watkin Path is one of the six main route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Starting at Nant Gwynant it’s not long before you come across the Rhaeadrau Waterfalls. There are numerous small waterfalls and fairy pools perfect for taking a dip. They are easily accessible and no more than a 20 minute walk from where you can park your car. However that does mean that they tend to get busy all year round. There are also a few little hidden gems if you take a slight detour from the main path, but only do this if you are confident in your navigating skills.
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn, Llanfairfechan
A dramatic 120 foot high waterfall cascading down into a shallow rocky pool is one of Snowdonia’s most dramatic waterfall. It’s more of a dip than a swim, as the pool below is extremely shallow and rocky, and not advisable when the river is in fall flow. Even at the height of Summer the swaterfallstill extremely powerful.
Waterfall Swim Spots in England
Thornton Force, Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
One of the many waterfalls on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk, but possible the most stunning, and easily accessible.
Coppermines Valley, Coniston, Lake District
This area is great for waterfall hunting and exploring. Theres a stretch of river where you can find many beautiful waterfalls and little plunge pools. If you are prepared for a little bit of a scramble then you might just discover the illusive turquoise waterfall lagoon that seems to be an instagram favourite. It also happens to be my favorite swim spot to date, hard to believe it is in the UK!
Three Shires Head, Peak District
Three Shires Head is on Axe Edge Moor and is where the three counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire ad Cheshire meet. Theres a picturesque bridge with a small nwaterfall d shallow pool underneath, and a smaller pool and waterfall the side. The views across the valley down the stream are pretty stunning to.
