By Lilja Nassar, Comment Subeditor
The weather’s getting warmer (or so we tell ourselves), and unless you’re an avid cold-water-dip enthusiast, you’re probably starting to wonder about the best swimming spots to visit with friends. Fortunately, Bristol and the surrounding area has wonderful options for those who prefer the authenticity of nature’s murky waters over sterilised pools. I have therefore compiled a non-exhaustive, but certainly superior list of the best wild swimming spots in and just outside Bristol:
- Warleigh Weir
An unsurprising opener, Warleigh Weir still reigns the hotshot of swimming spots in my eyes. I have experienced Warleigh Weir in its full sunny glory and in stormy weather, yet I regret none of these times. A beautiful spot, even just to set up a picnic next to, Warleigh Weir is a wonderful spot for swimming in the spring and summer. The only thing to bear in mind is that this spot is regrettably no secret, so on a hot summer’s day you may find some trouble finding a space to haul your bags, but the weir itself will always find space to accommodate you. Offering luxurious amenities such as a swing rope (which may be very difficult to reach if you are on the shorter side) and an occasional sauna-hut, depending on the mercifulness of the weather, you will be completely enthralled by Warleigh Weir. In terms of transport, you can take the short train to Bath and grab the D1 bus from just outside the station at the Bath Bus Station, getting off at the Village stop. From thereon it’s only a short few minutes’ walk to the celebrated spot of natural beauty and flowing waters. Alternatively, if you have a car (you inconceivably lucky thing), you can opt for a much more straightforward drive of approximately 40-45 minutes.
- Clevedon Marine Lake
Clevedon Marine Lake is perhaps the initial port-of-call for many of those interested in wild swimming, and rightly so. The tidal pool sits on the edge of the Bristol Channel and is refilled by seawater, providing a safe and controlled environment for a swim. The waters are calm, albeit it is worth mentioning, comparatively cold on occasion (so if you’re committed enough to have one, bring your wetsuit!) But if you don’t mind a refreshing dip, Clevedon may be the place for you. This spot is iconic for its stunning sunset-views, catering for a memorable dip on a summer’s eve. Moreover, if you’re in a position to splurge, Clevedon Marine Lake also has a wonderful sauna right by the tidal pool if you’re in the mood to intrepidly expose your body to extremities of temperature for a test of endurance. For transport options, Clevedon Marine Lake lies just under half an hour’s driving distance from Bristol, but on weekdays the X6 runs directly to Clevedon from the Bristol Bus and Coach station.
- Saltford Weir
Located just off the cycle-path from Bristol to Bath (another great plan for a day out in the summer), Saltford Weir is as authentic as wild swimming spots go. Additional information on the cycle-route and a map is available on Walk Wheel Cycle Trust website (Bristol and Bath Railway Path - Walk Wheel Cycle Trust). Less over-populated, it is an ideal choice for a more tranquil nature get-away, perfect for those who might feel overwhelmed in more crowded swim-spots. The grassy areas are particularly hospitable for picnics with friends, and if you’re brave enough, it could be the perfect pit-stop between either a leisurely walk or cycle from Bristol to Bath. As always with rivers, however, discretion should be exercised when it comes to currents and varying depths.
- Beeses
Perhaps less charmingly quaint as the others, Beeses is not exactly a spot for solitude, being ironically the most ‘wild’ of these wild swimming spots, in the sense that it harbours a lively pub and often an almost festival-like atmosphere over the summer. Still, it is a swim in the river Avon and certainly the closest spot to Bristol city-centre. Transport options include a short 20-minute cycle, or alternatively a trip on the 1 bus to Broomhill, getting off at the Fermaine Avenue stop. Beeses also hosts the eponymous Beeses pub, a venue designed to quench the thirst of courageous wild-swimmers with a well-deserved drink (after you’ve swam!) All in all, considering its close proximity, Beeses is a solid option for a casual wild-swim with non-exertive transport options.
- Abbot’s Pool
Now comes the honourable mention – or cop-out – as swimming in Abbot’s Pool is technically prohibited to preserve its fragile ecosystem, despite being developed by medieval monks for the purpose of farming fish. It is however still an idyllic spot to laze in the sun and to enjoy its beautiful scenery. Enshrouded by oak and beech trees, and rich in wildlife, Abbot’s Pool has managed to preserve a magical quality no other waters have quite managed to come close to. The spot is still a prime one for relaxation and conducive for hobbies such as reading or drawing, or alternatively, a simple resting and gazing at the abundance of tadpoles and other creatures in the picturesque lake. The easiest way to get there for me would be boarding the X4 bus to Portishead and getting off at The George stop, from there it’s about 10-15 minutes by foot.
Ellie Barnes
Maud Humphries
In terms of all the possible wellness activities we’ve all undoubtedly heard of, wild swimming is one that Bristol and its surrounding areas have particularly rich opportunities for. However, if you’re hesitant to immediately plunge yourself into the world of wild swimming, there are some great options adjacent to it; Bristol has many saunas you can visit for a more sheltered dip – The Pickle Factory Suvi Sauna, Bristol Sauna Yard, and Bristol Community Sauna all feature cold-water tubs to cool you down and to enjoy a more low-key plunge.
Featured image: Epigram / Lilja Nassar
What's your favourite wild swimming spot?
