Want to start your Wild Swimming adventure but don't know where to start? Have a look at our top 5 spots in the Brecon Beacons that give you the perfect opportunity to take a dip.
Little Canyon
The perfect place for some gorge swimming hides away in the village of Pontneddfechan (Pontneathvaughan in English). The pool is a popular wild swimming spot, flowing for about 30m with rocky hillsides that invite you to jump from or simply watch on the sidelines, taking in the beauty of it. Little Canyon can be dangerous after some heavy rainfall so look out for the right weather if you’re feeling enticed by this secluded spot.
Photo from: http://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/little-canyon/
Llyn y fan fach
A serene lake lying in the shadows of the Black Mountain, Llyn y Fan Fach dives 18m deep and at a 500m altitude it can get pretty chilly, but not as cold as it’s neighbouring lake of Llyn y Fan Fawr. This natural sanctuary is home to the Welsh legend lake nymph – ‘Lady of the Lake’, so whilst you’re taking in the fantastic views and stunning sunsets, keep an eye out for the fairy princess taking advantage of the ideal swimming spot.
Photo from: https://peterallen.photography/a-bloomin-hot-wild-camp-at-the-beautiful-llyn-y-fan-fach/
Sgwd Gwladys / Lady falls
Towering to 7m high, the Lady Falls waterfall plunges into a pool surrounded by the intimate woodlands. Easy to access, it is proven popular among visitors and is only about a 30 minute walk along the Elidi trail, with the entrance being behind The Angel pub and restaurant. Swim beneath the fall itself or climb up behind it and take in the natural beauty of Lady Falls.
Llyn cwm llwch
The best-preserved glacial lake in South Wales lies just below Pen Y Fan, as part of the Brecon Beacons Site of Special Scientific Interest. It carries a legend passed through generations, of an enchanted island home to fairies that play captivating music. You can combine your wild swim with a stimulating hike, accepting a moment of quiet in the secluded landscape.
Photo from: https://marklewis.co/2020/05/01/llyn-cwm-llwch-diving/
Pen-y-fan, Nant Sere
A shimmering stream with a string of magical, shallow waterfalls neighbouring Pen Y Fan. The pools of Nante Sere dive only 1m deep, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a pause during your hike and get your swimmers on for a refreshing dip and a snack before continuing with your adventure.
Photo from: https://surfnslide.wordpress.com/tag/nant-sere/