There’s a particular kind of UK adventure that’s becoming hugely popular: combining a scenic hike with a refreshing wild swim. It makes perfect sense. The British landscape offers rugged hills, peaceful lakes, dramatic coastlines, and hidden river pools all within relatively short travel distances. Add the post-walk sense of achievement, the brave step into cold water, and the unforgettable photos, and it’s easy to see why more outdoor travellers are planning this type of trip.
If you’re searching for the best locations in the UK to try this experience, here are five destinations that balance great walking routes with safe and memorable swimming spots.
1. Lake District: Mountain Hikes and Crystal-Clear Tarns
The Lake District remains the classic choice for walkers and swimmers alike. Iconic routes such as Helvellyn or Catbells offer dramatic views, while gentler valley trails around Great Langdale offer rewarding scenery without tackling steep summits.
For swimming, the options are exceptional.
- Buttermere offers calm, scenic waters perfect for a post-hike dip
- Rydal Water is easily reached from shorter walking routes
- Blea Tarn provides a peaceful high-level swim surrounded by fells
The weather can change quickly here, even in summer. Layering properly is essential, and jackets for men built for unpredictable UK mountains or similar weather-ready outerwear are worth packing for sudden wind or rain.
Helpful tip: Early morning or weekday visits often mean quieter trails and safer parking options.
2. Snowdonia: Summit Walks and Ice-Fresh Mountain Lakes
Snowdonia delivers some of the most dramatic scenery in Wales. While Snowdon attracts thousands of hikers, quieter adventures can be found in the Ogwen Valley or along lesser-used ridge walks.
After the hike, wild swimming spots provide the perfect cool-down.
- Llyn Idwal sits beneath towering cliffs and offers a classic mountain-lake setting
- Llyn Llydaw lies below Snowdon’s slopes and works well for a short dip before heading down
Conditions here are famously changeable. Sunshine can quickly turn to mist or heavy showers.
Helpful tip: Always check visibility forecasts before attempting ridge routes, and allow extra descent time if clouds roll in.
3. Scottish Highlands: Rugged Trails and Wild Loch Dips
For travellers seeking scale and wilderness, the Scottish Highlands are unmatched. The Cairngorms offer expansive hiking terrain, Glencoe provides unforgettable ridgelines, and countless lochs offer peaceful swimming locations.
Highlights include:
- Loch an Eilein in the Cairngorms for a scenic forest-and-loch combination
- Glencoe valley routes with dramatic mountain backdrops
- The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are famous for clear water and volcanic rock formations
Swimming here feels genuinely wild, but temperatures remain cold even in summer.
Helpful tip: Bring a dry robe or insulated layer for after your swim. Rapid rewarming is essential in Highland conditions.
4. Peak District: Accessible Walks and Scenic River Pools
If you want the full hike-swim combo without travelling deep into remote mountains, the Peak District is an excellent choice. Its central location makes it ideal for weekend trips, and the terrain offers plenty of rewarding but manageable walks.
Popular swim-friendly locations include:
- Three Shires Head, known for its natural river pools and stone bridges
- The Youlgreave area, where calmer rivers and countryside walks combine beautifully
The Peak District works particularly well for beginners trying their first hike-and-swim adventure.
Helpful tip: Check local access guidance before swimming, as some reservoirs restrict water entry.
5. Cornwall: Cliff-Top Trails and Turquoise Sea Coves
For dramatic coastal scenery, Cornwall delivers unforgettable walking and swimming opportunities. The South West Coast Path offers constant ocean views, especially around St Agnes, Tintagel, and other historic coastal stretches.
Swimming options include:
- Kynance Cove, famous for its turquoise water and dramatic rock formations
- Sheltered coves along quieter coastal sections
- Natural tidal pools that warm slightly in the sun
Sea swimming requires extra caution compared to lake dips.
Helpful tip: Always check tide times, avoid strong swell conditions, and choose lifeguarded beaches where possible.
Essential Tips for Planning a Safe UK SwimHike Adventure
To enjoy the perfect SwimHike, preparation matters as much as destination.
Choose the right route for your ability.
Start with shorter walks that leave enough energy for the swim and a safe return journey.
Pack for cold water recovery.
Bring:
- Warm layers
- Towel or changing robe
- Dry socks and hat
- Hot drink in a flask, if possible
Respect water temperatures
UK lakes and seas remain cold year-round. Enter slowly and avoid diving into unknown water.
Check the weather and daylight hours.
UK conditions can change rapidly. Always allow extra time for the descent and the return trip.
Never swim completely alone in remote areas.
Even experienced swimmers benefit from having someone nearby.
Final Thoughts
From mountain tarns and Highland lochs to Peak District rivers and Cornish sea coves, the UK is full of places where a rewarding walk can end with a refreshing dip. The key to success is simple: match your route to your experience level, check conditions carefully, pack properly, and treat cold water with respect.
Follow these basics, and you’ll discover that combining hiking with swimming isn’t just an outdoor trend. It’s one of the most memorable ways to explore the British landscape and create the kind of adventure stories that stay with you long after the journey ends.
