If you fancy cooling off in the warmer weather with some wild swimming, there are plenty of options here in central Somerset.
Here are a selection of places for an open water dip within a one hour drive of Glastonbury:
- West Lydford (18 minutes by car – 10 miles) – plenty of spots for a dip from the footpath which runs for 3.5 km along the river (Brue) – slip into the river via St Peter’s churchyard (or jump off the bridge!). You can also become one with nature as the river is surrounded by calming weeping willows and water lilies. The locals have been plagued by litter, over-crowding, and bad behaviour so please be respectful when you visit.
Head for St Peter’s church, TA11 7DB
https://what3words.com/tearfully.shade.quitter – by the bridge
https://what3words.com/amounting.saying.raced – above the weir
https://what3words.com/auctioned.crispy.bugs – below the weir
- Vobster Quay (34 minutes – 17 miles) – 36 acres of fresh water and a 750m swimming course. Vobster Quay is members only with a member then able to sign a guest in using an online app and all swimmers have to be 16 years+
A: Upper Vobster, RADSTOCK, BA3 5SD
WWW: Vobster Quay – Swim Vobster
- Fussell’s Iron Works, Mells (34 minutes – 18 miles) – great paddling spots and even a few deeper areas for a (shallow) dip!
Use postcode BA11 3PA for Sat Nav directions.
- Woollard (43 minutes – 21 miles) – a short walk and a river (Chew) swim in the area between Publow and Woollard – Park next to the Church in Publow and pick up one of the footpaths heading East and South East to the location found via link below.
Head for the Church of All Saints, Publow, BS39 4HP
- Clevedon Marine Lake (48 minutes – 35 miles) – OK this is not wild swimming but worthy of a mention…15,000 square metre tidal pool that gets filled with seawater from the Bristol Channel every spring tide. Clevedon Marine Lake has a floating platform which you can dive off. If you stay till the sunset after your swim, you will be able to see a picturesque phenomenon of the water turning pink and red!
A: off Old Church Road, CLEVEDON, BS21 7TU
WWW: Clevedon Marine Lake
- Farleigh Hungerford (48 minutes – 30 miles) – open from 1st May to 30th September and home to what is believed to be the oldest river swimming club in the country (the original “wild swimming club”). For those who like to be adventurous, then you will be glad to hear that they have a diving board and two rope swings over the stream.
A: Farleigh Hungerford, BATH, BA2 7RS
WWW: Farleigh & District Swimming Club
- Saltford Weir (52 minutes – 25 miles) – off the Bristol to Bath cycle path (about 10 miles from the start of the path in Bristol) or by car – although be warned that parking is extremely limited. There are many easy access points into the water from both sides of the river. Has a number of rope swings and plenty of surrounding secluded grassed land where you can enjoy a picnic whilst soaking up the sun.
A: Mead Lane, Saltford, BRISTOL, BS31 3ER
- Dundas Aqueduct (52 minutes – 33 miles) – swimming underneath an aqueduct. Getting in and out of the water is easy and there are shallower and deeper parts meaning that it is suitable for all ages. Limited (paid for) parking so arrive early if visiting in the Summer. Bring some cash as on sunny days there a canal boat selling delicious Cornish ice-cream.
A: Brassknocker Basin, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, BATH, BA2 7JD
- Warleigh Weir (Claverton) (56 minutes – 34 miles) – waterfall across the River Avon on the outskirts of Bath with shallow paddling areas and some long deep stretches for those that would like a good swim. Walking along the waterfall, you will be greeted by peaceful meadows and colourful canal boats.
A: Ferry Lane, Bath, BA2 7BH
- Bitton (57 minutes – 28 miles) – river (Avon) surrounded by wildflowers and steam trains accessible from the Bristol to Bath cycle path. Just before you come across the railway bridge in Bitton that goes over the river, there is a turn right which takes you down a hill and to the riverside. It also has a wooden pontoon to jump off into the water.
A: Bitton Picnic Area, Church Road, Bitton, BRISTOL, BS30 6LL or The Oak House, Bath Road, Swineford, Bitton, BRISTOL, BS30 6LW
- Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve and Conham River Park (60 minutes – 29 miles) – located on the River Avon, Conham River Park is a quieter swimming spot where you can surround yourself with picture-perfect wildlife. It also has steps to access the river, perfect for those who do not fancy jumping in. As well as this, Conham River Park has a path running beside it which you can walk in 45-minutes, a great additional activity to consider.
A: Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve (on the Brislington side) and Conham River Park (on the Conham side – Conham Hill, Hanham, BRISTOL, BS15 3AW)
If it is swimming outdoors you want, try Greenbank outdoor heated pool in nearby Street.
If it is swimming in the sea you fancy, try Weston Super Mare.
Do you have a favourite place near Glastonbury for wild swimming?
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