Clear rivers, fresh lakes and waterfalls — British wild swim spots by bike

Nothing quite compares to stripping down to your bib shorts (or even less for some) on a hot, sunny ride and first dipping in your toes, before wading into the fresh and clear water of a gorgeous wild swimming spot. Whether you’re keen to front crawl for lengths of mile-long lochs or just want a bit of a splash about, the refreshing cold water of a wild swim, truly immersed in nature, is one of the best parts of summer riding.

Here I’ve collated just a few spots from across the UK, from the mineral-rich bright green waters of Meldon Pool on Dartmoor to Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms, and many in between! Would you opt for high mountain reservoirs with far-reaching coastal views like Llyn Anafon in North Wales or the secluded gorges and pools of Wolf’s Leap on the Abergwesyn Common? The expansive shores of Derwentwater in the Lake District or the tiny corner of paradise on the River Thames at the National Trust’s historic Cheese Wharf?

You’ll notice that as a general rule these tend to be in the west; thanks to the greater rainfall on this side of the country and therefore more extensive river and reservoir networks. Thankfully that also means bigger hills and even mountains, an off-road rider’s favourite place for rocky singletrack trails, sublime dirt roads and big, open views.

As well as these glorious wild swimming spots, you’ll find a range of routes here to help you find them, each taking in brilliant off-road riding. You’ll need a mountain bike for most of these routes, as they include some technical riding where you’ll benefit from wider tyres and even some suspension. Some of them also go to really quite remote areas, so make sure you have all the tools, spares and snacks you need before you set off.

All of these wild swimming spots are best enjoyed in the hotter, drier and sunnier months of the summer, where the river levels will be lower and more safe, as well as making the experience more enjoyable than ice-cold water!

Wild swimming is something that you should practice with caution and respect; I’d really recommend reading the Outdoor Swimmer’s Code from the Outdoor Swimming Society here before you go. It essentially covers points on how to keep yourself and others around you safe, consideration for others including landowners and other waterway users and the environment, including the leave no trace principles. Read more at
outdoorswimmingsociety.com/outdoor-swimmers-code