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You are here: Backpacker Resources > Travel Tips > Wild Swimming

Wild Swimming

Scorching temps have been a distant memory for the last few drizzly summers, but this year it feels like Mother Nature has finally decided to bring on the heat. After a few days, the novelty of warm weather wears off and life revolves around keeping cool. And once you’ve had your fill of ice cream and fanned yourself in front of an open freezer door (not very ethical by the way) you feel doomed to eternal discomfort. But I’m here to put you out of your muggy misery because this month, the ethical travel column makes a splash for the great summertime activity that ‐ is wild swimming.

Wild Swimming

Wild swimming is simple. Find a lake, river, stream, pond, tidal pool, waterfall, a stretch of coast or any body of water that takes your fancy, dip in and enjoy. If you’ve only ever swum in chlorinated pools or at crowded beaches, you’re missing out. Having done a bit of wild swimming myself recently in the River Thames, I can tell you that this is something special. It’s free, fun and a great way for the itinerant backpacker to cool off, and literally immerse yourself in nature.

Access and Etiquette

Wild swimming sounds simple and idyllic but before you strip and dip, here are a few pointers to keep you legal. Looking for your spot is fun, but when choosing your swim it’s important to know your access rights. For swimmers in England and Wales, if there’s a public footpath around, you’re generally ok. But also know that access is sometimes based on longstanding custom or granted with the permission of a friendly farmer or landowner. Swimmers in Scotland and in Europe have an easier time as they can pretty much swim anywhere at their own risk. If swimming’s not allowed, a notice should be posted.

Here’s some wild swimming etiquette for you: If there are anglers nearby, give them some space. If you choose a spot that’s more or less right on a public footpath, keep it clear for walkers and cyclists by hanging your towel and clothes on a tree or fence post. Let others enjoy the water and land just as you did ‐ by leaving nothing behind.

Water Quality Worries

One of the things I was worried about before I took the plunge was water quality. Chemical and some naturally occurring nasties can make you sick. Swimming in urban rivers or canals ups your risk of Weill’s disease, which is caused by (gross alert) rat urine, while swimmer’s itch is caused by snails living in reedy, stagnant water. Avoid blue‐green algae and if in doubt about water quality, wild swimming champions The Outdoor Swimming Society have been nice enough to let me include this link to their health and safety advice. The general rule of thumb is this ‐ if the water looks clean, it most likely is.

Swim Savvy

Wild swimming is done at your own risk and most swimming spots won’t have lifeguards. Although stumbling upon your perfect swimming hole is part of the experience, have a general idea of where you’re going and tell people. Take a friend, your mobile, a map and a change of dry clothes. And if you mind yourself and the pointers above, you’ll not only keep your swimming spot pristine for the enjoyment of others, but also for local flora, and fauna. If you’d like to know more about wild swimming, check out The Outdoor Swimming Society.

‐ Jackie Reddy