Fancy open water swimming with your dog? Whilst swimming is great for your dog, especially on their joints and to strengthen muscle, taking a dip in the water, even if it's just to have a little float around is proven to have health benefits for you too. There's loads of amazing spots in the UK to go for a swim however this time we've identified our top spots where you'll be able to go with your dog in tow, too.
Word of caution: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SH₂OUT (a partnership between British Triathlon, Swim England and RLSS UK), advise those who are new to open water swimming not to go open water swimming outside of an operated and supervised venue which has a safety crew (many of these are not open currently). Before swimming in any of the below spots, you should read the guidance here for open water swimmers in England, Scotland and Wales, and ensure appropriate safety precautions are taken.
Mermaids Pool, Staffordshire
High up on Kinder Scout, Mermaid’s Pool is the ultimate spot for a drizzly mid–hike dip. To add to its allure outside of summer, anyone who sees the mermaid in the water at Easter is apparently guaranteed attain immortality. More likely you’ll get a hefty endorphin rush by tacking out to its deep centre, which some more spurious historical records reckon stretches all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to find it:
The Mermaid’s Pool can be found just off the main path towards the summit of Kinder Scout. The quickest route to follow heads west out of Hayfield past Kinder reservoir, following the path to the north. Make the swim part of a longer circuit via Kinder Low Trig Point and Jacob’s Ladder.
Lyn Cau, Snowdonia
It’s quite a hike to this crystal clear lake on Cadair Idris. Park your car at Minffordd and walk up to the lake. It’s a straight route, but it’s steep so you might want to bring walking poles. There are also several falls and pools along the way if you need to cool off on your way up.
Blakemere Pond, Satfforshire
Like Mermaid’s Pool on Kinder Scout, Black Mere Pool is steeped in legend. It’s said to be bottomless and haunted by the ghost of a young woman drowned as a witch. Others say she was brought back from the sea by a local sailor. When you slide into its murky depths, it’s hard to suspend your disbelief. Keep your eye on the horizon and your mind will soon settle down.
Where to find it:
Drive north through Leek on the A53 and take a right onto Thorncliffe Road. Follow for around five miles until you see the pool, also known as Blake Mere, on your left. You can park here or make the swim part of a hike to the nearby Staffordshire Roaches.
Wastwater, Lake District
Wastwater is really not for the weaker swimmer. It’s England’s deepest lake at 964 feet. It got an impressive backdrop, too. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, overlooks the glistening water. There’s a campsite at the Wasdale end of the lake and you’ll find a carpark at Overbeck, which has an honesty box rather than an official meter.
Easedale Island, Argyll
Easdale, on Scotland's west coast, is an unusual place for a swim but more of a challenge to reach. The trip involves a ferry on foot (the island is car-free) from Ellenabeich on Seil island, but it's worth the fuss. The L-shaped quarry has the bluest, brightest water that’ll make you think you’re swimming off the coast of Italy. The rest of the sea is oddly murky which only adds to the unique experience.
Lyn y Fan Fach, Brecon Beacons
Those easily spooked might want to give Llyn y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons a miss – supposedly it’s one of the most haunted bodies of water in Wales! Local legend says that at 2pm on the first Sunday in August, the ‘Lady of the Lake’ – rumoured to be a woman killed by her violent husband – emerges from the water. Hmmm...we’re thinking: Sunday in August in Wales – it’s probably just the dayglow white body of one of the local swimmers!
Wastwater, Cumbria
This open space of water has an impressive backdrop. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, overlooks the glistening water. There’s a campsite at the Wasdale end of the lake and you’ll find a carpark at Overbeck, which has an honesty box rather than an official meter.
Unst, Shetland Isles
The Isle of Unst is so remote that you’re not going to be hard pushed to find somewhere secluded for a dip. This is as far north as you can swim in the UK and a wetsuit is a must. Skaw is the northernmost beach on the island and getting there is pretty simple – regular boats head over to Unst from the mainland. Then just follow the road north – you’re at Skaw when the road stops.
