The best wild swimming spots in North Wales
Discover some of North and Mid Wales best wild swimming spots from plunge pool waterfalls to mountain lakes.
Plunge pools at Watkin Path, Snowdonia (Image by Emily Santoro)
01. Llynnau Cerrig-y-Myllt
Good for:
Open water swim or a quick dip
Day hike with a swim
Golden hour
Mountain views
About: This stunning lake offers a secluded spot for a golden hour dip. Off the beaten track but accessible via a short uphill walk, it promises tranquility and natural beauty, making it the perfect mountain dip.
How to get to Llynnau Cerrig-y-Myllt: While many start from the small village of Beddgelert, we chose a shorter route beginning at Nantmor Mountain Centre. Just past the centre, there is a small, free parking area. The walk to the lake took us about an hour, and along the way, you'll pass another beautiful lake (Llyn yr Arddu). Despite having to fend off a few midges, the effort was well worth it for the golden glow of the setting sun!
Wild swimming in Llynnau Cerrig-Y-Myllt
The first lake en route (Llyn yr Arddu)
Evening golden hour dip
02. Llyn Geirionydd
Good for:
Open water swim or a quick dip
Lake swim
Family friendly area
Stones throw from carpark or circular walk
Paddle board / Kayak friendly
About: Llyn Geirionydd is a hidden gem within Snowdonia National Park and is the perfect place to for a quick dip or open water swim. The shoreline is very accessible and close to the parking – you can swim, kayak and paddle board on the lake and there is a circular walk around the lake where you will find a couple of more secluded swim spots over the other side.
How to get to Llyn Geirionydd: There is car park at the southeastern end of the lake. It’s free to park and there are picnic areas, toilets and baby changing facilities. From the car park, you can set off in either direction around the lake. The trail is wide and way-marked all the way through. On the eastern side of the lake, it’s a broad country lane; on the western side, a public footpath. We chose to do our swim round the other side of the lake where it was very quiet (we only saw one other couple whilst walking).
Circular walk round Llyn Geirionydd
Crossing over to the Western side of Llyn Geirionydd
Swimming on the Western side of the Lake (carpark over the other side in the background)
Things to note: The road to get there is pretty narrow in places and very windy and steep. We were in our Vauxhaul Vivaro van and found it manageable but you might want to double check if you have a motorhome before you go. Overnight parking is not permitted.
03. Afon Gain
Good for:
Quick dip
Roadside
Easy accessible entry
About: This small roadside pool on the River Gain is perfect for a quick dip to cool off while you're on the road. Located close to Cynfal waterfall, a popular destination for nature walks and scenic views (see number 13 on this list), it's an ideal spot for a refreshing stop.
How to get to Afon Gain: Located in Snowdonia National Park, near the village of Llan Ffestiniog in North Wales, this spot is easily accessible from the A470. There's parking directly in front, with a few additional spaces nearby. For precise directions, check it out on Google Maps.
Easy gravel entry point
10 mins later in the rain!
04. Afon Rheidol Aberystwyth
Good for:
Quick dip
Tree swing & shade
Close to parking
About: This lovely stretch of river features a shady bank and a shingle beach and a deep pool complete with a tree swing. Its easy entry makes it an ideal spot for a family picnic and swim.
How to get to Afon Rheidol: Turn off the A44 at Capel Bangor, 3 miles east of Aberystwyth, following signs for Cwmrheidol. After 1 1/4 miles, you'll reach a right bend where there is a layby for parking - the swim spot is less than 50 meters away down some steps and easy to find.
Tree swing into the deep pool
Accessible entry via the gravel beach
05. Watkin Path waterfalls & plunge pools
Good for:
Plunge pools
Quick dip
Day hike with a swim
Mountain views
About: The Watkin Path is one of the routes you can take to reach the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. It’s typically one of the tougher and therefore less crowded ways to hike up Snowdon however it’s stunning waterfalls and blue plunge pools do attract the crowds in good weather so if you want them to yourself, like us, be sure to get up early!
How to get to Watkin Path Waterfalls: Park at Pont Bethania car park (£6 per day or £3 for up to four hours and also has toilets). There is also a free parking option in a spacious layby nearby, though it's worth noting that these spots tend to fill up quickly, particularly on a nice day. The Watkin path starts across the road at the stone staircase. Simply follow the Watkin Path up the hill through the woods and, after about 20 to 30 minutes walking, you'll see the waterfalls in front of you.
Wild Swimming in Watkin Path pools
One of many waterfalls and plunge pools along the Watkin path
Things to note: We had no phone signal in the area, which on previous trips has made it challenging to meet friends in the area. So be sure to communicate your plans of meeting up before you get to the area! If you are going to the summit, always plan ahead, check the weather, wear appropriate footwear and take a map.
06. Aberglaslyn
Good for:
Quick dip
Plunge pools
Short walk with a picnic
About: The picturesque Glaslyn river flows through the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park, including the serene Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas, before emptying into Tremadog Bay. There are beautiful wooded walks along the gorge if you wish to spend more time in the area.
How to get to Aberglaslyn: There’s a small National Trust car park about a 5-minute drive from the centre of Beddgelert. The river runs alongside the road, and there is a bridge nearby. The parking fee is about £5, or free for National Trust members, though the machine was broken when we visited. There are also toilets available in the car park.
Several swim spots can be found in the area. The first one is accessible by turning right out of the car park and looking for a steep path down to the river just over the stone wall. Since this spot already had a few people enjoying it, we decided to head back up to the road, cross the bridge, and go down the other side. Here, we discovered a more secluded spot with a small shingle beach and a plunge pool. Both swim spots are about a 5-minute walk from the car park.
Aberglaslyn National Trust car park
Swimming upstream like a treadmill
Flo enjoying a swim and throwing rocks in the water
07. Croesor waterfalls dip
Good for:
Quick dip
Small waterfalls
Short walk with a picnic
About: This is a lovely, short trail (about 30mins) taking you along the river Croesor as it rushes through the woodland in Snowdonia National Park. It’s an out and back walk so ideal for a quick dip or picnic to break up a journey.
How to get to the Croesor Waterfalls: The trail starts at Pont Garreg-Hyldrem, there is limited space for parking (2-3 cars) along the side of the A4085 road. Follow the path through the woodland, taking in wonderful scenery and the Croesor waterfalls.
Shallow cool pool
Splash about for Flo
08. Porth Iago beach
Good for:
Open water swim or a quick dip
Campsite on the cliffs
Stones throw from carpark
Sandy beach
Sunsets
About: Porth Iago is a beautiful beach and campsite located on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, which is part of the Snowdonia National Park. The beach is relatively secluded and less crowded compared to some of the more popular beaches in Wales, providing a peaceful environment for a swim in the sea. There is a small tidal pool that’s perfect for little ones to have a splash about in too.
How to get to Porth Iago beach and where to stay: You can only access the beach via the water (if you are paddling from elsewhere) or through the small campsite located on the cliff above the beach. It offers basic facilities for campers, including toilets and showers and has a small kiosk offering drinks and ice creams. In June 2023 it cost us £21 per night (plus £2.50 for a dog), you pay machine at the farm on the way to carpark. You don’t have to stay at the campsite to visit the beach but you will have to pay a parking fee for the day. We’ve been a couple of times and it’s always been nice and relaxed!
View of Porth Iago beach from the campsite above
Gorgeous evening swim in the clear waters
Shallow tidal pool ideal for toddlers to splash in
Things to note: The beach has 2 paths going down to it, they are sandy and fairly steep so good footwear is ideal and something to carry little ones down in would be handy!
09. Ceunant Llennyrch
Good for:
Waterfall swim
Short walk
Easy entry point
Picnic spot
About: Ceunant Llennyrch is a stunning and secluded gorge located near Maentwrog in North Wales, within the Snowdonia National Park. This area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, ancient woodland, and cascading waterfalls. Due to its relatively remote location, Ceunant Llennyrch remains a peaceful retreat, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist destinations.
How to get to Afon Prysor: From Maentwrog, take the A496 road to Harlech. After you pass the Maentwrog power station entrance on your left, look for the main woodland entrance on the same side of the road just after crossing a bridge. Alternatively, approach Llennyrch from the dam at Trawsfynydd.
The main entrance is at the lower end of the woodland where there is a free small parking. From here you go through the gate and the footpath loop follows the valley of the Ceunant Llennyrch, starting fairly wide and level but becoming steeper as it rises towards the waterfall at the eastern end of the wood.
Shallow entry point before it gets deeper
Flo watching Daddy
Things to note: This area is prone to flash floods due to a dam further up the river, so be aware and do your research before embarking on the walk.
10. Cadair Idris / Lyn Cau
Good for:
Open water swim or a quick dip
Day hike with a swim
Mountain views
About: A firm favourite of ours, Cadair Idris and the surrounding area is a must go. It is located in Snowdonia National Park in the southern part of Gwynedd, a county in northwest Wales. Lyn Cau is one of the highlights of hiking Cadair Idris. The glacial lake is situated in a dramatic hollow on the eastern side of the mountain. The lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and is great for a swim in!
How to get to Cadair Idris / Lyn Cau: There are several hiking routes that lead to the summit of Cadair Idris, catering to hikers of different experience levels. The most popular routes include the Minffordd Path, the Pony Path, and the Fox's Path. Each route offers its own challenges and rewards, and all of them provide breathtaking views along the way. We parked at the Dôl Idris Car Park (£4 for 3 hours, or £6 for all-day parking).
Swimming at the far end of the lake where there are a few ledges to jump off
Minffordd Path / Lyn Cau from above
Wild swimming in Lyn Cau
Things to note: The Dôl Idris car park closes at midnight and no overnight parking allowed. Watch out for ticks if you have a dog - Ember picked up quite a few so be prepared with a kit to remove them while you are out.
11. Llyn Y Gadair
Good for:
Open water swim or a quick dip
Day hike with a swim
Mountain views
Sunset swim
About: This stunning wild swimming spot is below the great mountain wall of Cadair Idris and has stunning sunset views. There are two lakes, one at 410m (Llyn Gafr) and the other at 560m (Llyn Y Gadair). You take the Minffordd path up which is fairly easy under foot to the lake but there are several forks off which if you carry on go to the top of Cadair Idris so be sure to take a map and have the route planned out before you go. The lake is clear and perfect for an evening dip while the sun goes down.
How to get to Llyn Y Gadair: You can set off on the Minffordd path by parking at the Ty Nant car park which is a pay and display and also has toilets. Overnight parking is not permitted. Just over the road from the carpark you will see a footpath sign where you follow the path through a small wooded area and up a ‘stone staircase’ before it turns into a smaller track.
Evening walk up to Llyn Gadair
Golden glow on the mountains
Evening wild swim in Llyn Gadair
12. Rheidol Vale Waterfalls
Good for:
Quick dip with a picnic
Shallow entry points
Small waterfalls
Stones throw from parking
About: This quiet spot by the river with a shingle beach is a great place to have a picnic and paddle in the water. The Afon Rheidol is a river located in Ceredigion, Wales. It flows through the Rheidol Valley, which is part of the larger region known as Mid Wales.
How to get to Rheidol Falls: The closest landmark is The Magic of Butterfly House next to Cwm Rheidol Reservoir. Follow the small lane for about 4 miles past the butterfly house and the Rheidol Hydropower Plant until it eventually reaches a dead end where there is a small parking area right by this lovely spot. Whilst the parking is so close to the beach, trees shield it so you only see nature when you look around!
View from the waterfalls with shingle beach ideal for a picnic
Splash about for Flo
Fairly shallow in July but enough water to paddle and cool off in
13. Cynfal Waterfalls
Good for:
Quick dip
Plunge pools
Waterfalls
Bluebells (Early May)
Semi circular walk
About: Cynfal waterfall is located near the village of Ffestiniog in North Wales, is a beautiful and serene spot. It is nestled in a wooded gorge, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. The waterfall cascades over rocks into a clear pool below.
How to get to Cynfal Waterfalls: There are 2 small layby’s for parking. The first is at the start of the trail here and the second is here, on the A470 which is about 5 minutes from the start of the walk. The Cynfal waterfall walk typically starts from the village of Llan Ffestiniog. From here, you can follow the signposted trail that leads through the picturesque woodland and along the gorge to the stunning waterfall. The starting point is easily accessible and provides a convenient entry to this beautiful natural attraction.
A few pools down from the waterfalls
Gorgeous bluebell carpeted woods
Small plunge pool below the falls
Things to note: Much of this walk is along a steep gorge and not suitable for little ones outside of the safety of a carrier. Be prepared with good footwear and something to carry little ones in.
14. Afon Dwyfor, Llanystumdwy
Good for:
Quick dip
Plunge pool
Bluebells (Early May)
Family friendly shallow areas
Short walk & picnic
About: This wild swimming spot is located on the Afon Dwyfor. The scenic walk takes you through tranquil river woodlands and opens up to a large meadow, ideal for a picnic and a refreshing swim.
How to get to Afon Dwyfor: Start your journey in the village of Llanystumdwy. You can park along the roadside near David Lloyd George’s Grave, which also serves as the starting point for the path leading to the wild swimming spot. As you follow the river, you'll encounter several inviting spots for a dip. The best place is just after a bend, marked by a large tree and the remnants of a tree swing backed with a meadow. There is also free parking in the village 130m E of the Museum LL52 0SH.
Begin your journey in the village of Llanystumdwy where there is a free car park. Then head to David Lloyd George’s Grave, which serves as the starting point for the path leading to the wild swimming spot. As you follow the river, you'll come across several inviting spots for a dip. The best place is just after a bend, marked by a large tree and the remnants of a tree swing, backed by a meadow.
Shallow pools along the walk perfect for kids
Deep pool with remains of tree swing
More shallow pools for paddling in with some deeper areas
