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West Country Water Park
About: West Country Water Park provides fantastic open-water swim sessions. They set out a circular swim course that is approximately 600m. A swim is priced at £5.00, which gives you a 2-hour window.
How Far From Cardiff: Approx.48 minutes
Address: Trench Lane, Bradley Stoke, BS36 1RY
Radyr Weir
About: This is a beautiful part of the River Taff. The river here is clean and gentle flowing. Above the weir the water is about 30cm deep, but upstream the depth reaches around three metres. However those of you who are venturing in should be careful because the Taff is one of the steepest mainland major rivers in the UK and prone to flash flooding. You shouldn’t swim in the basin immediately after heavy rain!
How far from Cardiff: 14 minutes by car (5.1 miles) via the A470
Address: Radyr Weir, Cardiff CF14 7YS
Skenfrith Castle
About: The River Monnow may be a river but it also forms a wide pool just outside the ruined walls of Skenfrith Castle. There’s an easy walk into the water from under the shady trees, making this spot perfect for big and little swimmers like, and this is the perfect spot in which families with inflatables comes splashing about or jumping off the rope swing. Swimming next to the 13th century castle is an experience in itself, and is a firm favourite wild swimming spots for a picnic and a dip on a sunny day.
How far from Cardiff: 58 minutes by car (45.0 miles) via the A449
Address: Skenfrith Castle, Skenfrith, Abergavenny, NP7 8UH
LLYN Y FAN FACH
About: This is a little further afield but another perfect swimming spot for lovers of the wild. Llyn y Fan Fach in the heart of the green mountains of the Brecon Beacons is easily reached on a short steep hike. There are a few shingly beaches that are easy accessible. It is worth swimming even in chilly water for the breath-taking mountain views all around you.
How far from Cardiff: 1 hour and 39 minutes by car (57.0 miles) via the A470
Address: Llyn y Fan Fach, Llangadog, SA19 9UN
Blue Pool
About: Another great spot for those who love a spot of wild swimming, Blue Pool Bay, is home to its namesake swimming spot, a gem-like tidal pool surrounded by tall rocks and perfect for a plunge. The pool is deep enough that you can jump in from the rocks but ensure that you’re careful. You can then walk to the other end of the beach to explore the stunning Three Chimneys cliff arches if you love a spot of sightseeing!
How far from Cardiff: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car (61.4 miles) via the M4
Address: Broughton Bay, Blue Pool, Swansea
Ystradfellte Waterfalls
About: Situated in the stunningly, breath-taking Brecon Beacons National Park, is the 9.3 mile Four Waterfalls hike through glorious woodland to the Ystradfellte waterfalls. The last waterfall, Sgwd Yr Eira, is a vast waterfall that you can stand behind, before diving through the waterfall into a tempting pool which is perfect for cooling off after a hot hike!
How far from Cardiff: 56 minutes by car (35.9 miles) via the A470
Address: Ystradfellte, CF44 9JE
The River Ewenny
About: This is another great place if you love fresh, open waters, however it is more of a family paddling area, but those determined to enjoy the freedom of a leisurely swim can venture to a nearby site on the River Ogmore. Once you’ve finished getting your feet wet you can always enjoy a stroll around the grounds of the ruined 11th century castle and walk to a nearby pub to hydrate!
How far from Cardiff: 36 minutes by car (21.4 miles) via the M4
Address: Ewenny River, Brigend