I LOVE WATER! I think in another life I was either a crazy Labrador or a mermaid; to be honest, I'm happy with either!!
With lockdown having been in full force, exploring local has been big on my agenda and what better time to discover and enjoy the joyous pools of clear water, tumbling falls and chilly fresh rivers scattered across Dartmoor.
I've always enjoyed a dip whilst out on a walk and I can't help but get in the sea at any opportunity, but over the past four months I've really enjoyed seeking out new places to freshen up in my local area.
Week Ford with my fabulous chum Lorna and her Beagle, Molly
What is Wild Swimming?
There have been many blogs, articles and books written on wild swimming (in fact, just after writing this; I saw an awesome BBC4 show about it), but what exactly is it? Well, it's pretty simple... it's going for a dip in a natural body of water; that may be the sea, river, moorland pool or a lovely fresh water lake, and just embracing that sheer joy of being part of nature.
Do you need any special kit for wild swimming?
Well, no! I would advise a swim suit or shorts and t-shirt, plus a pair of wet shoes, as many places can have sharp stones under foot, and the feeling of squishy mud I find quite gross! But it's up to you; many people like to go au naturel (totally great experience and definitely something to try at least once)... just be safe, don't offend anyone by running around starkers and make sure you have a towel and some warm clothes to get in to after your swim.
Crazy Well Pool (bit chilly!) with Laura, and another time with Abi and the doggies
Safety first...
If you are swimming in the sea, it is advisable to have an open water buoy with you to both alert others to your presence but also for you to use should you become exhausted or injured. Again, it is advisable to wear a brightly coloured swim cap to make you more visible.
Regardless of where you are swimming, always check the weather (you don't want to be in the water if there's a lightening storm or end up getting stranded in poor weather on the moors!), ensure you know the tide times if in an estuary or sea, and ensure the depth of the water in pools and rivers is deep enough and that there are no obstacles or hazards before you jump on in. Finally, always let someone know where you are going.
The little infinity pool at Cullever Steps
Where to swim?
There are sooooo many awesome pools and rivers to swim in across Dartmoor, and honestly my top tip is just to always be prepared, so if you find a spot you can jump on in!
But here are my 10 favourite places (shhh don't tell anyone!):
Cullever Steps, Belstone
Shilley Pool, Throwleigh
Emma's Pool (I know I named it after me!), Fartherford Woods
Black Rock Falls, near Doe Tor
Tavy Cleave, Willsworthy
Crazy Well Pool, Princetown
Week Ford, Hexworthy
River Dart (lots of pools between the car park and Babeny), Badger's Holt
Vellake Corner, near Meldon
Horseshoe Falls, Holne
Emma's Pool - my own little slice of heaven
There are so many lovely spots to swim across Devon, but here are 10 of the other top spots on (or very very near) Dartmoor, highlighted by wild swimming chums:
Cadover Bridge, near Yelverton
Salmon Leaps, Chagford
Sharrah Pool, Holne
River Dart, Staverton
Watersmeet, Tavistock
Denham Bridge, Bere Alston
East Dart River Waterfall, near Postbridge (great wild camping spot)
Foggintor Quarry, Princetown
Venford Falls, Venford
Mel Pool, Holne
Beautiful Tavy Cleave - there are two great pools here and a waterfall
Want to know more?
My top tips for finding spots for a swim are:
- Join a Wild Swimming Facebook group... they are full of top tips and great locations to swim
- Use an OS map... look for pools of water and bends in the rivers which may provide good swimming spots
- Get exploring... By getting out walking, you are most likely to discover your own special spots for a picnic and swim
- Chat to locals... they know the area best and may be happy to share their secret spots!
- Get reading... there are so many great books about wild swimming, sea swimming and exploring our amazing rivers, seas and lakes on this little island, called Britain.
Black Rock Falls with Abi and the doggies... awesome spot and the water is so clear
So... let me know how you get on and please do share your own favourite swimming spots around the country for us all to enjoy. Happy swimming!
Chilling by Shilley Pool, dip with the dogs at Badger's Holt, a very full flowing Horseshoe Falls, freshening up at Vellake Corner
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