By Owen Hughes
A list has been released of the UK’s top 10 ‘picture perfect’ wild swimming spots. The research took a dive into social media data to reveal the most picturesque swimming spots in the UK.
It comes as no surprise that Wales is featured quite heavily with three places in the top ten. The highest placed is Nant Sere on the side of Pen-y-Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), which came in third.
When the comes to North Wales the highest rated spot according www.livefootballtickets.com – and fifth in the UK overall – was a stunning gorge that is a hit on social media apps like Instagram and TikTok.
This is Fairy Glen (Ffos Anoddun) in Betws-y-Coed, in the Eryri National Park. It is wooded sheer gorge with incredible rock formations and tumbling cascades of water. The thewholeworldornothing.com travel blog described it as “dramatic and serene and sensationally atmospheric all at the same time”.
They added: “Photographs just don’t do it justice, the magic of the place has to be seen to be believed. And as you descend into the emerald green realm of the Fairy Glen Gorge, it truly feels like you’re entering another dimension.”
But there are a couple of things any potential visitors should know – as well as also being aware of the possible dangers of any wild swim trip.
The first thing is that this is not a free dip. Entrance to the Fairy Glen is £1 per adult and 50p per child – paid in an honesty box. Money is used to assist with the upkeep of the beauty spot and for most a very small price to pay for this wonderful slice of nature. There is a further charge if people want to park there. It is cash only so many do get caught out – prompting the occasional negative review on TripAdvisor.
The other thing to be aware of is that although it is an honesty box system those not paying can sometimes be caught out by the owners who can refuse entry. There have been some unkind reviews on the owners but most say they are “perfectly pleasant and helpful”.
One recent Tripadvisor reviewer said: “Absolutely stunning place, so glad we decided to visit. I guess we were lucky as it was a beautiful day and really quiet too. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
“Important to note if you are reading this, it’s £1 in cash per adult to enter which is paid into an honesty box at the point of entry and £2 cash for the car park. The owner came over as we arrived and was a lovely lady and very friendly.”
Another added: “The glen is beautiful and thanks to some rain earlier the river was fast flowing over the rocks. At the end are a series of steep steps down to the water which can be slippery. Definitely worth a visit.”
But you can’t please everyone and not all reviews were as glowing. One person said: “There was nothing fairy, enchanting or whatever about that glen. Two stones with some water rushing between them — you can see that set up anywhere in Snowdonia for free.”
The other body of water in North Wales on the top ten list was Llyn Padarn at Llanberis. This is one of the most popular places to swim and do watersports in the whole of Wales.
There is also no surprise it meets the criteria for ‘picture perfect’ with Yr Wyddfa in the distance as well as multiple other Eryri peaks. The lake is designated as a ‘Bathing Water’, meaning its quality is monitored, and it’s easily accessible from the centre of Llanberis.
While there is no charge for going on Llyn Padarn anyone coming by car will likely have to pay to park.
Full list of the UK’s best wild swimming spots.