What’s wild swimming exactly?

Wild swimming is, well, swimming.

It doesn’t have to involve not wearing any clothes (phew!) but it does have to involve swimming outdoors, in what one travel writer called “a natural pool of water”.

That’s it.

One member of our fantastic Facebook group (which you can join here) said wild swimming was her “new favourite thing to do”, adding that it “really helps to reset everything come rain or shine.”

We quite agree. And like everything, wild swimming is best done in Wales. Obviously.

Lake Geirionydd

Lake Geirionydd is a perfect place to start your wild swimming adventure. It’s a 15-minute drive from Trefriw, about the same from Llanrwst and a 20-minute drive from Capel Curig.

According to Wikipedia, the lake is almost a mile long and covers an area of 45 acres (180,000 m2), but is never any deeper than 50 ft (15 m). There’s no fish in it either. 

There’s plenty of room for parking and it’s also a perfect place for enjoying a picnic with the family

Two words of warning!

The water does tend to be cold whatever time of year you visit and it’s a hugely popular place so we would recommend getting there in plenty of time if you’re planning to spend the whole day.

Unlike Llyn Crafnant, which is an hour’s pleasant walk away, all manner of activity is allowed at Lake Geirionydd.

It’s the only lake in Snowdonia to allow power boats and water skiing, so if wild swimming doesn’t take your fancy or you’d rather be on a kayak or a paddle boarding that’s allowed too. Don’t forget your wetsuit though!