THE BEST PLACES IN THE UK TO GO WILD SWIMMING

Wild Swimming, deserves a night. That's how the song goes right? Either way I just love the sound of Wild Swimming. As kids we brought up to be fearful of the water. Every film was about killer sharks or Kong-sized Anacondas. I can still hear Brody ask Hooper 'Is it true that most people get attacked by sharks in three feet of water about ten feet from the beach?'

But as you grow older, you'll appreciate that the chances of dying from a Great White Shark or other apex predators in UK's most secluded waters are in fact, zero. 

Wild Swimming will certainly be something I'm looking to undertake in the next few months. I've always been inspired by the likes of David Walliams swimming the English Channel, and Russell Brand swimming with that crazy Wim Hof guy. The crucial health benefits of fighting anxiety is immeasurable to your mental health. 

No matter what demons you might be fighting right now, whether it's a loss of job, addiction, or worried that England will never win a footie tournament in your lifetime, trying new activities such as this is a step towards the light. PS - for more uplifting articles on self-improvement, avoiding binge addiction then do check out the Delamere Rehab Blog that cover a lot of uplifting content such 20 Best Quotes for Sobriety. 

The Top Wild Swimming Locations in the UK

Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales

If you can handle the icy waters, the Blue Lagoon situated on the northwest coastline of Pembrokeshire is just about the most picturesque spot to go wild swimming in the UK. Adventure seekers and swimming enthusiasts flock from all across the country for a dip in the lagoon, as the grey slate gives the quarry pool a brilliant turquoise blue colour. 

For years it has been a hidden gem for locals and tourists to visit and admire, but in recent years it has become an international arena for the modern sport of cliff diving. The Blue Lagoon is 25m deep and the ruins of the old quarry building make a great platform for jumping from. There is a wheelchair-accessible path, but no access to the pebble beach.

Location: Abereiddy, Haverfordwest SA62 6DT

Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall, England  

To Bude locals, the Bude Sea Pool is anything but a well-kept secret, and perhaps it’s a little tame for hardier wild swimmers. What it does have, however, is 88 m of calm sea waters that are suitable for all abilities and ages. The sea pool is also monitored by lifeguards during the summer months, making it perfect for little swimmers. 

Created in 1930, Bude Sea Pool is part natural, part man-made swimming pool in the rocks at Summerleaze Beach. It is one of the UK’s last remaining tidal swimming pools which still remains open and free for public use today. 

Location: Bude Sea Pool, Summerleaze Beach, Bude EX23 8LE 

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland 

With beautifully crystal clear blue water, the Fairy Pools are an idyllic spot for wild swimmers. Located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle on the Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools are rock pools of fresh spring water fed by a series of waterfalls from the Cuillin Mountains. 

Swimming is permitted anywhere along the river, and some of the more thrill-seeking visitors may even dare to leap off the waterfalls themselves. Taking a dip in the Fairy Pools is best done during the summer months when the weather is warmer, but it is advisable to bring a wetsuit as the rock pools can be bracing. 

Location: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA 

Llynnau Mymbyr, Snowdonia, Wales

Situated in the Snowdonia National Park, the Llynnau Mymbyr lake which boasts spectacular scenery is ideal for a refreshing summer swim. From the lakes, you can see the breathtaking views of the rugged mountain scenery across the water, to the Snowdon Horseshoe and the peaks of Grib Coch, Crib y Ddysgl, Snowdon and Lilwedd. 

With a maximum depth of 30 feet, swimmers of all abilities and ages can consider taking a dip into the depths of the Llynnau Mymbyr lake. But, ensure that all novice swimmers are wearing protective gear as the lakes don’t have lifeguard supervision. 

Location: Llynnau Mymbyr, Conway, Wales LL24 0ES

Stainforth Force, North Yorkshire, England 

 A popular walking spot on a warm summer's day, thanks to the magnificent waterfall, ancient packhorse bridge and picnic area, Stainforth is a favourite wild swimming spot for those in the know. The lake and waterfalls are relatively small and shallow, and even less confident swimmers should feel at ease taking a dip. 

During the autumn months, visitors come to watch salmon leap up the falls on their way to their spawning grounds. But during the water periods of summer, locals and tourists come to enjoy a splash in the water, so pack your bags early and head down before the crowds begin to appear. 

Location: Stainforth Force, Settle BD24 9LS

Linhope Spout, Northumberland, England

One of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in the North East of England, the Linhope spout appears like something out of a fairy tale. Nested in the heart of Northumberland National Park, the spectacular 60-foot waterfall lands into a 16ft plunge pool. 

The waterfall can only be reached on foot by way of a short walk, but if you’re feeling adventurous it’s worth walking the full trail of Breamish Valley, which is 3.1 miles. The trail is a favourite for families visiting the area, as visitors often catch a glimpse of Northumberlands red squirrels. 

Location: Ingram, Alnwick NE66 4LZ

GOOD ENOUGH FOR BOND?

If you're an avid reader of Fleming you'll also appreciate that James Bond is a progenitor of cold showers. Although he was mainly travelling to tropical climates so I'm sure it's not comparable to my cold wintered-pipes here in Clapham mid-January.

FEEL GOOD

Finally the benefits. I want to pass on some research by scientists in Prague discovered that when immersing yourself in cold water, your body produces high levels of dopamine. The study found that dopamine levels increase by 530% when in cold water temperatures. 

Dopamine is also known as a ‘feel-good hormone and is an important brain chemical that influences your mood and feeling of reward and motivation.

AND BOOT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

With everything going on right now we need our body's immune system to be as strong as possible. Cold water helps your body boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to respond to the change in temperature and conditions. Making wild swimming part of a monthly or weekly return will help your body become better at activating its defences.