Whether you reside in Cardiff or are visiting for a vacation, discovering the finest locations for wild swimming in the waters of Wales is essential. Below, we have curated a comprehensive list of the prime spots for open water swimming in and around Cardiff, the capital of Wales.
When engaging in open water swimming, it is crucial to recognise the potential hazards associated with wild swimming and be knowledgeable about maintaining your safety while in the water. While safety equipment may not always be mandatory at these venues, we highly advise wearing a vividly coloured swim cap and utilising a tow float or dry bag at all times.
Radyr Weir
- Location: Radyr, Cardiff
- Price: Free
- Supervised?: No
Located on the outskirts of Cardiff, Penarth beach offers yet another swim location where you can choose to swim independently or join a local swim group. For those who enjoy an early morning dip before work, the Dawn Stalkers sea swimming club welcomes you. Every morning, just before dawn, the group gathers at Penarth beach to relish a swim while observing the captivating sunrise over the water.
The beach comprises a mix of sand and pebbles, and occasionally, reaching the water's edge may involve a short walk. To ensure a more convenient and comfortable experience entering and exiting the water, the Dawn Stalkers recommend wearing water shoes. If you opt to swim independently at Penarth, it's important to be mindful of the strong and rapidly changing currents. Whenever possible, it is advisable to avoid them.
Penarth
- Location: Penarth, Cardiff
- Price: Free
- Supervised?: No
Penarth beach, located on the outskirts of Cardiff, offers another fantastic swim location where you can either swim independently or join a local swim group. If you're an early riser and fancy a refreshing dip before work, you can become a part of the Dawn Stalkers sea swimming club. This dedicated group convenes every morning just before sunrise at Penarth beach, relishing the experience of swimming while witnessing the mesmerising sunrise over the water.
The beach itself consists of a combination of sand and pebbles, and occasionally, it may require a short walk to reach the water's edge. To facilitate a more comfortable entry and exit from the water, the Dawn Stalkers recommend wearing water shoes. If you choose to swim independently at Penarth, it is vital to be cautious of the strong and rapidly changing currents, avoiding them whenever possible.
Barry IslandA
- Location: Barry
- Price: Free (£11 for organised sessions)
- Supervised?: Sometimes
Located near Cardiff is the picturesque Barry Island, where you can enjoy swimming freely at the beach without any charges. However, what makes this beach particularly appealing is the availability of supervised wild swimming sessions.
All or Nothing Events organises regular open water swimming sessions during the summer months. These sessions cater to swimmers of various skill levels and focus on enhancing their abilities in cold open water swimming. Topics covered include sighting, handling currents and waves, coping with cold water immersion, and more. The cost to participate in these hour-long sessions is £11, and it is mandatory to wear a wetsuit, swim cap, and goggles.
Jackson's Bay
- Location: Barry
- Price: Free
- Supervised?: No
If Barry Island becomes too crowded, you have a quieter alternative just around the corner at Jackson's Bay. Jackson's Bay offers a more secluded and picturesque getaway for a peaceful open water swim. This sheltered sandy beach stretches 170 meters in length and boasts a gentle slope into the water, allowing swimmers of all ages and abilities to safely enter and exit the water.
Immerse yourself in the joy of swimming while enjoying the breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel, with Western-super-Mare on one side and the scenic cliffs and greenery of Jackson's Bay on the other. However, it's important to exercise caution due to the presence of submerged rocks and strong currents within the Bristol Channel when swimming in this area.
Four Waterfalls Walk
- Location: Ystradfellte
- Price: Free
- Supervised?: No
Included as the ultimate outdoor swimming spot on our list are the waterfalls and pools along the Four Waterfalls walk, located just over an hour's drive north of Cardiff. Although this destination requires a bit of a journey from Cardiff, its exceptional beauty demands our mention.
Embarking on a 9.3-mile hike through the captivating landscapes of the southern Brecon Beacons, you will encounter stunning scenery and discover remarkable swimming spots along the way. The pinnacle of this adventure awaits at Sgd Yr Eira, the final and most splendid waterfall and swimming location. Immerse yourself in the magical experience of walking behind the cascading waterfall and diving through its flowing water into the inviting pool below, creating an unforgettable wild swimming experience.