If you are planning on going wild swimming in North Wales, then you will find that there are plenty of idyllic spots across the region which are perfect for the activity. Made up of lakes, rivers and seaside resorts, there are plenty of great places to choose from.

Ahead of your next visit to the region, we’ve put together a collection of great places to go wild swimming in North Wales and provided a series of practical tips to make the experience safe and memorable. Let’s start off with a recommended destination for wild swimming in North Wales which is located right near the foot of the country's tallest mountain…

Llyn Padarn (Llanberis)

If you are looking to make the most of North Wales beauty spots, then there is nowhere better to visit than Llanberis. Situated right at the foot of the county’s largest mountain, this stunning glacial lake offers amazing views of Snowdon and access to Padarn Country Park with its mesmerising oak woodlands. 

Llyn Padarn offers calm waters which are perfect for newcomers to wild swimming, and easy access points including the lagoons on the south side of the lake. One word of warning though is that the waters here do tend to be rather chilly, so we would advise wearing a wetsuit irrespective of the time of year in which you are visiting.

Being located close to the village of Llanberis, there are plenty of parking opportunities available close to the lake and also plenty of facilities. This includes a number of excellent cafes and restaurants which are the perfect place to head to if you are looking for a warming brew. The closest of these is the Eryri Bar & Lounge which is located in The Royal Victoria Hotel and open from 3pm each day. Here you can choose from a wide selection of hot bites made up of Pizzas, burgers and gastro pub classics. 

Fairy Glen (Betws-y-Coed)

Fairy Glen is a picturesque narrow ravine surrounded by trees which is accompanied by small pools and scenic waterfalls. It looks almost as enchanting as the name suggests, with the region having inspired numerous tales and poems telling of faeries and sprites. 

The water which flows into this region can become quite intense after a period of heavy rain, so we would strongly recommend caution if you are looking to partake in wild swimming here. Another handicap is that parking opportunities nearby are limited, making it more likely that you will have to face a short walk before arriving at the river gorge. This includes a much larger car park which is to be found near Conwy Falls.

Also located close to Conwy Falls is the Conwy Falls Cafe in a building which was designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, the architectural mastermind who was behind Portmeirion. Here you can choose from warming all day breakfasts, smaller breakfast baps or lunch time treats made up of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes.

Llyn Geirionydd (Betws-y-Coed)

Another beautiful water feature to be found near Betws-y-Coed is Llyn Geirionydd which is a serene mountain lake which is almost a mile long and covers a total area of 45 acres. 

It is believed to have been the home of 6th century poet Taliesin who was no doubt inspired by the stunning scenery on offer here. The calm waters make it ideal for wild swimmers of all abilities, even beginners. However, the lake is a popular water sports destination, so make sure that you watchout for power boats and paddle boarders. 

There is parking available close to the lake in addition to numerous scenic walking routes. If you do go for a wander on foot, then you may wish to take in the Taliesin memorial which pays homage to the Welsh poet who is believed to have sung at the courts of at least three different Welsh kings. 

Llyn Gwynant (Nant Gwynant Valley)

Another lake which is situated close to the foot of Snowdon is Llyn Gwynant which lies on the River Glaslyn. This picturesque location has been used as a filming location for a number of films, the most famous of which is the 2003 Lara Croft movie starring Angelina Jolie. 

You can access the lake easily from lay-bys along the A498. We would again advise wearing a wetsuit if you are looking to go wild swimming here with the waters being fed by the mountain streams flowing from Afon Glaslyn river at the summit of Snowdon. This naturally brings very cold currents. 

If you are planning to go wild swimming in North Wales with children, then you may want to consider an alternative destination. There is a hydro electric power station situated roughly one mile upstream which can cause sudden and significant turbulence. 

Wild Swimming Safety Tips

Irrespective of which of these locations for wild swimming in North Wales that you choose to frequent, we would still always advise keeping safety at the very top of your mind. Wild Swimming can be very dangerous, but there are things you can do to reduce the risks. Our top safety tips are:

• Check the Weather Forecast - avoid wild swimming during storms or heavy rain, both of which can cause water levels to rise quickly and unpredictably. 
• Check the Water Quality - Avoid wild swimming in areas with murky water or algae blooms. The four recommended spots for wild swimming in North Wales noted above are all considered to offer good water quality.
• Wear a Wetsuit - We’ve already recommended this in particularly cold bodies or water, but it is generally good practice to wear a wetsuit in all locations as it reduces the body's cold shock response. 
• Never Swim Alone - Make sure that you never go wild swimming by yourself. You should always take a companion just in case you get into a dangerous situation. 
• Be Aware - Always be aware that depths of water can vary significantly in certain bodies of water and take appropriate precautions. 
• Increase Your Visibility - Consider using a tow float to improve your visibility to others.
• Be Mindful of Others - Make sure that you keep an eye out for water sports participants, particular if you are going wild swimming in North Wales in popular water sporting destinations such as Llyn Geirionydd