Our top 5 places to Wild Swim in Mid Wales
From quiet rivers winding through woodland to waterfalls hidden amongst the trees, there are plenty of spots within easy reach of Coety Bach where you can paddle, dip or brave a proper cold water swim.
Some are peaceful enough to sit with a coffee and listen to the water for an hour. Others are the sort of places that leave you absolutely freezing but grinning afterwards.
Here are a few of our favourite wild swimming and cold water dipping spots in Mid Wales.
Wild Swimming Near Elan Valley
Elan Valley is best known for its dramatic dams and huge open landscapes, but there are also several quieter spots nearby where you can paddle or take a cold water dip.
The rivers flowing through the valley create calmer sections during drier weather, especially in summer. After heavy rain, water levels can rise quickly, so it’s always worth checking conditions before getting in.
Even if you don’t fancy a full swim, combining a walk around the reservoirs with a paddle along the riverbank makes a brilliant day out.
The scenery around Elan Valley is hard to beat, especially early in morning.
Approximate drive from Coety Bach: around 30 minutes.
Pen-doll Rocks
Pen-doll Rocks is one of those quieter river spots that people often drive straight past without realising it’s there.
Located along the River Wye near Builth Wells, it has a mixture of calmer water, rocky riverbanks and deeper pools for swimming.
It’s a lovely place to spend a slow summer afternoon with a picnic, especially if you prefer quieter swimming spots away from busy tourist areas.
The smooth rocks beside the river make it easy to sit and paddle, and there’s usually enough space to find your own peaceful corner beside the water.
Approximate drive from Coety Bach: around 30 minutes.
The Wash Pool
The Wash Pool near Llangammarch Wells is one of those places that feels wonderfully tucked away without being difficult to reach.
Surrounded by trees and flowing river water, it’s a lovely spot for a proper swim on a warm day. There are shallower edges for paddling and deeper sections where you can fully swim, with large rocks nearby that warm up nicely in the sunshine.
It’s peaceful, scenic and usually much quieter than more well-known swimming spots.
Approximate drive from Coety Bach: around 35 minutes.
Hafren Forest
Hafren Forest is one of our favourite places for combining walking, waterfalls and cold water dipping.
The rivers running through the forest create shallow pools and peaceful spots to cool your feet after a long walk, particularly along the trails towards the source of the River Severn.
This is less about proper swimming and more about slowing down, exploring and finding quiet places beside the water.
Approximate drive from Coety Bach: around 1 hour.
Wolf’s Leap, Abergwesyn
This is probably the most dramatic proper wild swimming spot within reach of the cabin.
Hidden in the Abergwesyn Valley, Wolf’s Leap is a narrow rocky gorge with deep dark pools and fast flowing water surrounded by steep woodland and hills. It feels properly wild and remote.
It’s become more popular in recent years, but it still feels adventurous compared to many better-known Welsh swimming spots. Best suited to confident swimmers and definitely one for calm weather and sensible caution.
Approximate drive from Coety Bach: around 50 minutes.
Dog-Friendly Wild Swimming Spots
A lot of these places are lovely for dogs too, especially woodland streams and river walks where they can paddle alongside you.
If you’re bringing your dog, we’d recommend taking:
fresh drinking water
towels for muddy paws
and keeping dogs under control around livestock and wildlife
Jasper, our water loving Springer Spaniel, would happily spend most of the day in the river if we let him.
Things to Know Before Wild Swimming in Wales
Wild swimming is a brilliant way to experience Mid Wales, but rivers and reservoirs can change quickly depending on weather conditions.
A few things we’d always recommend:
Never swim alone
Avoid rivers after heavy rainfall
Enter cold water slowly
Wear footwear with grip around rocks and waterfalls
Take warm clothes for afterwards
Leave no trace and respect the countryside
Even during summer, the water in Wales can be surprisingly cold.
Relaxing by the River in Mid Wales
Wild swimming in Mid Wales isn’t always about deep water and waterfalls. Sometimes it’s simply finding a quiet stretch of river, sitting on the rocks with your feet in the water and slowing down for a while.
Some of the best wild swimming spots near Coety Bach are the peaceful little places where you can spend an afternoon beside the river with nothing but flowing water, fresh air and the hills around you.
Returning to Coety Bach Afterwards
After a day of walking, swimming and exploring, there’s something pretty special about heading back to the cabin, lighting the fire pit or sinking into the wood-fired hot tub while the hills start turning golden in the evening light.
Wild swimming and slow evenings seem to go hand in hand.
Whether you’re after a full outdoor adventure or simply somewhere peaceful to dip your feet in the water, Mid Wales is full of beautiful places waiting to be explored.
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FAQs About Wild Swimming in Mid Wales
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Wild swimming is common across Wales, although access rights can vary depending on location. Always respect private land, local signage and the surrounding environment.
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Yes, there are several quieter river spots around Elan Valley that are popular for paddling and cold water dipping.
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Late spring through to early autumn is usually the most comfortable time for swimming, although plenty of people enjoy cold water dipping throughout the year.
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We’d recommend:
swimwear
towel
warm layers
water shoes
drinking water
and a fully charged phone
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Rivers and waterfalls can become dangerous after heavy rainfall due to strong currents and changing water levels, so it’s always best to be cautious and avoid entering fast-moving water.
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