We’re in the grips of a wild swimming revolution. Swimming has long been one of the most popular participation sports in the UK, which is great, but it does mean local lidos and pools are often overcrowded. If you’re looking for a quieter swim, hungry for space and time to reconnect with nature, why not take a trip off the beaten track and leap into less known, wilder waters?
1. Low Force, Northumberland, England
The Low Force and High Force waterfalls are by no means a secret. However, the River Tees does wind down through a narrow gorge and opens up into a leafy sanctuary, offering lots of opportunities for you to swim alone. There are entry ramps in the form of smooth rock shelvings, surrounded by tall screens of foliage. If you don't mind a shot of cold, shaded river you'll also be treated to serene greenish waters of varying depths – the perfect spot to chill-out.
Find it: When you arrive at Low Force you’ll spot the waterfalls where kayakers take turns bombing down the cascades. If you follow the footpath downriver you’ll soon find yourself walking alongside the river with plenty of opportunities to hop off the track and wade into the water.
2. The Skellig Islands, Iveragh Peninsula, Ireland
As dramatic and imposing as they are inviting, you might recognise these rough, rocky islands from the closing scenes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They belong to the Ring of Kerry, a string of islands huddled around Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula.
In the southern-most reaches of this cluster, 13km west of Bolus Head, there are two small, serrated islands, called the Skellig Islands. They look like ancient monuments from another world. In fact, the spiked crags of Skellig Beag cradle a lone monastery you can visit after your swim. Just remember that this is swimming at its wildest and it's essential you have a support kayaker or RIB boat with you while you're in the water.
Find it: It's likely you'll need to hire a boat captain. Try going through the local boat tours. Go out on a day when the weather is calm enough for you to attempt an open water swim around or between the two islands.
3. Lacy's Caves, Cumbria, England
Lacy’s Caves is popular with the local village kids, but it also offers a long stretch of deep, open river that's perfect for secluded swimming. If you're feeling brave you can enter the water by jumping from a rock stack, known locally as the Tower. You can even use an empty mine shaft for a run-up and leap out from amongst the trees, flailing over the slow-moving River Eden. Don't worry – it's plenty deep enough. Rumour has it that no one, not even the local scuba divers, has ever found the bottom.
Find it: Park in the village of Little Salkeld and walk down the footpath that leads towards the river. When you enter the forest make sure that you turn right towards the water and look out for a wooden fence with a place for storing bikes. Be careful as you make your way down towards the river. Use the old concrete and dirt steps that have been left there for decades. Or, if you have a kayak, you could push off from the bridge in Langwathby and spend several hours winding downriver before you reach the tiered waterfalls that spill down towards Lacy’s Caves.
4. Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, England
The emerald Isles of Scilly belong to an archipelago flung from the spear-tip of the Cornish peninsula. The waters close to Tresco and Porthcressa are popular for calmer wild swims. There you can take it easy and edge along the coastlines, through sheltered stretches of lucid blue water.
Just be sure to avoid the quays and ferry routes. And don't venture too far out without kayak or boat support. The tides can be very strong around the exposed headlands.
Find it: Discover spots where swimmers have been by using the Swim Map provided by the Outdoor Swimming Society. There's also a company called Adventure Scilly who offer sea swimming for beginners.
5. Orkney Islands, Kirkwall to Stromness, Scotland
The Orkney Islands belong to a beautiful archipelago on the northeastern coast of Scotland. Expect towering sandstone cliffs, rotund seal colonies and maybe a jellyfish or two. This spot is hard to beat for island-hopping swims! There are so many options for bracing point-to-points, accompanied by spectacular scenery. Check out Skara Brae with its ancient stone burial tomb, the interior of which is decorated with Viking carvings.
If you don't mind the company, it might be a good idea to contact the Orkney Polar Bears – a brave bunch who head out every Saturday morning to swim amongst these stormy islands. If you decide to go it alone, bring a support kayaker along in case the winds pick up and you suddenly need to bail!
Find it: The Outdoor Swimming Society’s Wild Swim map is great for finding good coastal spots, most of which are scattered across the mainland from Kirkwall to Stromness.