From top to bottom: Photo credit: Blue Lagoon, David Stanfield; Lake Annecy, Capricorn Sound; Koh Rong Samloem, Trip Advosor; Loch Duntelchaig, Clement Proust; Crater Lake, Kevin Bidwell; Nelson Lakes, Tom Fisk; Lake Bled, Jeremy Glineur; Horseshoe Lake, Sergey Pesterev; Lake Como, Yannick Bera; and Lake Tahoe, Stephen Leonardi
Wild swimming is a new craze that has taken off in the last few years post pandemic in the UK and many other countries around the world.
Put bluntly, it is open-water swimming, which means swimming in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes the open sea instead of man-made swimming pools and without lifeguard supervision, so you have to be a competent swimmer. It also gives swimmers the opportunity to take a dip in different environments from cold water to surrounding wilderness.
It’s a way of getting as close to nature as possible and it’s a cost-effective hobby. All you need is a pair of swimming trunks or a swimming costume, goggles and a dry bag, and to download the best wild swimming destinations in the world. The last bit we have saved you some time, by finding 10 best places in the world for wild swimming, but let me assure you, there are many more. Hop on a cheap flight, don’t forget travel insurance, and see you there.
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Go swimming in this glorious geothermal spa located in Grindavik, Iceland. The BLUE LAGOON is famous worldwide for its stunning blue waters set against a volcanic landscape. The water (roughly between 37-40 degrees Celsius) is rich in minerals such as algae, silica and mineral salt, and is the perfect place for a therapeutic dip. Those coming are urged to swim slowly, bathe and relax in these beautiful waters, allowing the water to pamper both body and mind.
LAKE ANNECY can be found in Haute-Savoie. It is the third-largest lake in France, after the Lac du Bourget and Lac de Grand-Lieu. Lake Annecy is regarded as one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. It is surrounded by mountains and picturesque villages, and offers wild swimmers breath-taking views. During the summer months, the water around Lake Annecy is around 23 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasurable and not too cold. Its clear waters make it a haven for local wildlife, and is also great for diving and snorkelling.
Want to do some wild swimming with the infamous Scottish Loch Ness Monster? Not far is LOCH DUNTELCHAIG, one of the best locations to swim in near Inverness. The unique clear fresh waters stretching five kilometres are made possible by a lack of peat (that makes the water a more murky colour), making it perfect for some wild swimming and even snorkelling! As with all lochs in Scotland, expect cooler water that doesn’t warm up too much, even in the summer. That shouldn’t deter you from entering this incredible spot for wild swimming in Scotland.
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, HORSESHOE LAKE in Jasper National Park of Alberta, offers cold, crystal-clear waters and stunning views for the wild swimmer. As you can imagine, this lake gets its name from its unique horseshoe shape and so gives the swimmer a wrap-around view of these stunning peaks in Alberta. This hidden gem also offers cliff diving and various types of water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.
LAKE COMO has been described as “the most beautiful lake in the world”. Not only is it home to the rich and famous like George Clooney and Donatella Versace, it provides an amazing wild swimming experience. It has beautiful mountains and villas and is a perfect place to sunbathe after a swim.
