Adventure starts here with our guide to wild swimming in Cornwall
Cornwall, featuring its rugged shoreline, secluded bays, and pristine seas, is a haven for adventurous wild swimmers. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a novice eager to discover the wonders of the outdoors, wild swimming in Cornwall provides a unique experience for anyone looking for a new adventure or just to enjoy the health benefits of cold water. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best wild swimming spots in Cornwall, discuss the essential gear you'll need for a refreshing experience, and share important safety tips to help you choose the perfect time for your wild adventure, let’s jump right into some amazing spots in Cornwall for swimming in the wild!
What is wild swimming?
Swimming in the wild involves taking a dip in natural water sources like rivers, lakes, seas, and waterfalls instead of man-made swimming pools. It's a method to bond with the natural world and soak in the tranquillity and calmness of the outdoors. People often engage in wild swimming for the thrill, the physical exertion, and the serene break from the routine. Compared to swimming in a regulated setting, wild swimming demands an understanding of natural factors like tides, climate, and water temperature, which brings a sense of thrill and unpredictability to the activity.
Top spots for wild swimming in Cornwall
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Porthcurno beach
Known for its white sand and clear blue waters, Porthcurno Beach is a popular spot for sea swimming. The water here is calm, making it a great location for a leisurely swim or a snorkel. The surrounding cliffs offer some protection from the wind, and the beach is often quieter than some of Cornwall's other famous spots. Click for directions: Take me here! |
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Trebah Gardens
Trebah Garden, a lesser-known gem, presents a unique open-water swimming spot nestled within a sub-tropical garden. The private beach at Trebah extends into the Helford River, offering calm and sheltered waters ideal for family adventures wild swimming in Cornwall. It's the perfect destination for those seeking to blend a visit to the garden with a dip in the water. Click for directions: Take me here! |
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St Nectans Glen
This enchanting location near Tintagel boasts a breathtaking waterfall and river swim. The glen is rich in folklore and natural splendour, creating a tranquil atmosphere ideal for an adventurous swim. The waterfall pool is refreshingly cold and invigorating, making it the perfect spot for a quick dip on a scorching summer day…if you’re lucky enough with our Cornish weather that is! Given its sacred status, swimmers are urged to show respect for the environment. Click for directions: Take me here! |
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Golitha Falls
For a refreshing freshwater swimming experience, consider visiting Golitha Falls on the River Fowey. This location is enveloped by ancient woodlands, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for a cool swim. The river is shallow in certain areas, making it an ideal spot for families and those who may not be as confident in their swimming abilities. However, it's important to be mindful of the strong currents near the falls. Click for directions: Take me here! |
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Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth is a secluded beach boasting dramatic cliffs and a captivating history. At low tide, you can dive into the sheltered tidal pools, encircled by towering cliffs. This spot provides an adventurous experience as you explore the pools and swim in the wild Atlantic waters. Be mindful of the tides, as the beach may vanish at high tide. Click for directions: Take me here! |
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Wild swimming essentials
When embarking on a wild swim adventure, it's crucial to be fully prepared. Here's a list of essential wild swimming gear to ensure both safety and an enjoyable experience:
Wetsuit
Even during the summer, the waters around Cornwall can be surprisingly cool (freezing!) Wearing a wetsuit is vital for maintaining warmth and buoyancy, particularly if you plan to swim for an extended period or venture into deeper waters. For colder months, we recommend full-length wetsuits, while a shorty wetsuit might suffice in the warmer seasons.
Swim Cap
A brightly coloured swim cap is essential for visibility, especially in open water where it's important to be easily seen by boats or other water users. It also helps keep your head warm in cooler water temperatures.
Goggles
Goggles are a must-have for underwater visibility and safeguarding your eyes from the discomfort of saltwater. Polarised lenses are a great addition, reducing glare on bright days, thereby enhancing your swimming experience.
Waterproof Bag or Dry Bag
A waterproof bag or dry bag is indispensable for keeping your belongings dry while you swim. Some prefer a tow float, a dry bag designed to be attached to your waist and trailed behind you in the water, ensuring your items remain secure and offering increased visibility underwater.
Swim Shoes
Swim shoes or aqua socks are essential for protecting your feet from sharp rocks, pebbles, and slippery surfaces. They are particularly beneficial for river swimming or navigating beaches with rocky entries.
Towel and Warm Clothes
After your swim, it's crucial to warm up promptly, particularly if you've been in chilly water. Pack a towel and warm clothing, including a hat and gloves, to change into right after your swim. A changing robe can be incredibly useful for changing on the beach.
Changing robe
A great choice for wild swims or beach days! A changing robe allows you to change clothes and get ready for a dip without needing to find changing rooms or hide behind a rock somewhere struggling to hold up a towel to cover yourself up! We always recommend bringing along a changing robe for your wild adventures.
Snacks and Hot Drinks
Wild swimming in Cornwall’s cold water can deplete your energy significantly, making it a smart move to bring along snacks and a thermos filled with hot drinks. These will help replenish your energy and warm you up post-swim.
Wetsuit
Even during the summer, the waters around Cornwall can be surprisingly cool (freezing!) Wearing a wetsuit is vital for maintaining warmth and buoyancy, particularly if you plan to swim for an extended period or venture into deeper waters. For colder months, we recommend full-length wetsuits, while a shorty wetsuit might suffice in the warmer seasons.
Swim Cap
A brightly coloured swim cap is essential for visibility, especially in open water where it's important to be easily seen by boats or other water users. It also helps keep your head warm in cooler water temperatures.
Goggles
Goggles are a must-have for underwater visibility and safeguarding your eyes from the discomfort of saltwater. Polarised lenses are a great addition, reducing glare on bright days, thereby enhancing your swimming experience.
Waterproof Bag or Dry Bag
A waterproof bag or dry bag is indispensable for keeping your belongings dry while you swim. Some prefer a tow float, a dry bag designed to be attached to your waist and trailed behind you in the water, ensuring your items remain secure and offering increased visibility underwater.
Swim Shoes
Swim shoes or aqua socks are essential for protecting your feet from sharp rocks, pebbles, and slippery surfaces. They are particularly beneficial for river swimming or navigating beaches with rocky entries.
Towel and Warm Clothes
After your swim, it's crucial to warm up promptly, particularly if you've been in chilly water. Pack a towel and warm clothing, including a hat and gloves, to change into right after your swim. A changing robe can be incredibly useful for changing on the beach.
Changing robe
A great choice for wild swims or beach days! A changing robe allows you to change clothes and get ready for a dip without needing to find changing rooms or hide behind a rock somewhere struggling to hold up a towel to cover yourself up! We always recommend bringing along a changing robe for your wild adventures.
Snacks and Hot Drinks
Wild swimming in Cornwall’s cold water can deplete your energy significantly, making it a smart move to bring along snacks and a thermos filled with hot drinks. These will help replenish your energy and warm you up post-swim.
Wild swimming safety tips
Before you jump in the deep end on a sea swimming adventure, it's crucial to be fully prepared and know what to expect. Here's a list everything you need to know to stay safe before going sea swimming!
Safety gear
For those new to wild swimming or venturing into more challenging waters, it's advisable to bring a swimming buddy, a whistle, and a flotation device. It's always a good idea to inform someone of your swimming location and estimated duration.
Monitor Tides and Forecasts
It's crucial to respect the sea, review the current tide schedules and weather forecasts prior to embarking on your sea swim. The coastlines of Cornwall are known for their powerful currents and unpredictable weather shifts. Check Cornwall tide times here.
Be Aware of Your Capabilities
Engaging in wild swimming requires more stamina than swimming in a pool. Be truthful about your swimming skills and don't overexert yourself, particularly in open or chilly waters, this can be extremely dangerous.
Honour the Environment
Ensure you leave the area cleaner than you found it. Carry your trash back with you, avoid interfering with the local wildlife, and show respect for the natural surroundings.
Stay Updated
Knowing the area well is extremely beneficial. Talk to the locals or browse online communities for tips on the optimal times and secure locations for wild swimming. Find a local wild swimming group to join here.
Safety gear
For those new to wild swimming or venturing into more challenging waters, it's advisable to bring a swimming buddy, a whistle, and a flotation device. It's always a good idea to inform someone of your swimming location and estimated duration.
Monitor Tides and Forecasts
It's crucial to respect the sea, review the current tide schedules and weather forecasts prior to embarking on your sea swim. The coastlines of Cornwall are known for their powerful currents and unpredictable weather shifts. Check Cornwall tide times here.
Be Aware of Your Capabilities
Engaging in wild swimming requires more stamina than swimming in a pool. Be truthful about your swimming skills and don't overexert yourself, particularly in open or chilly waters, this can be extremely dangerous.
Honour the Environment
Ensure you leave the area cleaner than you found it. Carry your trash back with you, avoid interfering with the local wildlife, and show respect for the natural surroundings.
Stay Updated
Knowing the area well is extremely beneficial. Talk to the locals or browse online communities for tips on the optimal times and secure locations for wild swimming. Find a local wild swimming group to join here.
Where in Cornwall are you wild swimming?
Health benefits from swimming in cold water
Besides a refreshingly cool dip, we're exploring the extra health benefits that swimming in natural cold waters can offer. We're digging into some key health perks linked to swimming in chilly waters, and we think wild swimming is a total-body wellness boost. Find out how it can help you by checking out all the bonus physical and mental benefits you can get.
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Immune Boost
Immersing yourself in cold waters is believed to strengthen the body's defence system by increasing the number of white blood cells, which may lower the chances of developing cancer or heart disease. Effective Weight Control Extremely cold water stimulates the activation of brown fat, which assists in the burning of calories to produce heat, potentially supporting weight loss and overall metabolic health. Improved Restful Sleep Recent studies show consistent dips in cold water may lead to better sleep patterns, as the decrease in body temperature following a swim can induce a feeling of calm and promote restful sleep. Read the full study here. Enhanced Lung Function Being exposed to cold water can boost lung capacity and the overall efficiency of the respiratory system, leading to improved oxygen intake and respiratory health. Sharpened Mental state The sudden shock of cold water stimulates the release of adrenaline, which can enhance mental focus and clarity both during and after swimming in cold water. Better Physical Condition Consistent cold water swimming can lead to enhanced endurance as the body adjusts to the cold conditions, resulting in greater stamina over time. This improved fitness level is a significant advantage of engaging in wild swimming. A higher level of fitness will lead to faster recover times after physical activity. |
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Use our guide to enjoy wild swimming in Cornwall
Wild swimming in Cornwall presents a distinctive opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature and witness the region's breathtaking landscapes from an entirely fresh viewpoint. By selecting the appropriate locations and ensuring you're equipped with the necessary gear, you can embark on a safe and thrilling journey through Cornwall's untamed waters. So, gather your equipment, monitor the tides, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that Cornwall has to offer!
For further insights into specific spots and safety guidelines, it's advisable to consult local guides and websites that specialise in wild swimming in Cornwall.
For further insights into specific spots and safety guidelines, it's advisable to consult local guides and websites that specialise in wild swimming in Cornwall.
