Wild swimming in Cornwall

Here we are in 2023 and wild swimming has never been more popular. The exhilaration of stepping into a natural pool, river or the sea, the freedom and challenge of sinking below the waters…

And we’re not the only ones who love wild swimming. Membership of the Outdoor Swimming Society has jumped from just 300 in 2006 to over 100,000 today, with more people taking to the water every year.

But why? Just getting to the wild swimming location is an adventure.

Climbing sand dunes to discover beautiful beaches with natural pools or walking through historic woodland to reach ancient waterfalls, it’s all part of the experience.  In Cornwall we are blessed with an abundance of wild places to swim, places where you are surrounded by nature and all that she has to offer.

Below are some of the best wild swimming locations in Cornwall:

Treyarnon Bay natural pool

Situated on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Treyarnon Bay is one of the county’s hidden gems. And it’s not just the turquoise waters and white sands that make it so perfect – at low tide, the sea reveals a large rock pool, deep enough for swimming, or if you don’t fancy a swim, why not just dip your toes in.

Loe Beach, Feock, nr Truro 

Not far from our cottages.  Head over towards Falmouth and head out on the Trelissick road.  Loe beach is a lovely little beach for a dip, south coast so not too choppy either.  Wear your beach shoes, as there are small pebbles that are not great for walking on.  After your bracing dip, enjoy a drink and some yummy cake in the on-site cafe, (summer opening hours).

Pedn Vounder, Penzance

Access to this beach isn’t easy, but its soft white sands and clear blue waters mean you’ll be glad you made the effort. Get to it by boat, by clambering down the coast path or, if you’re lucky, at low tide.

A quick warning: currents on the far side of the sand bar off Pedn Vounder are very strong so take extra care and don’t go out too far.

NB This beach is reportedly popular with nudists, so if you want to take a dip in the altogether, you’ll be in good company….

Jubilee pool

This year is the year of the Lido, with many being brought back into use.  Nick and I are regular swimmers down at Jubilee and back before Christmas my friend Sal and I headed down for a dip in the geothermal pool.  Wow it was amazing…the air temperature wasn’t good, but with the water being 30 degrees, it really didn’t matter.  It was just such a lovely feeling getting into the deliciously warm water.  

I really can’t wait to go again, so if any of you want to jon me, let me know.

Perranporth natural pool

If swimming in open water sounds a bit extreme, try this deep seawater swimming pool at Perranporth Beach instead. Revealed at low tide amongst the rocks, it’s particularly popular in the Summer, so visit early in the morning to make the most of the stunning location.  If you go early in the morning you may even bump into one of the Perranporth Bluetits, they are a group who love to swim together, some of them all year round.

So there are a few ideas if you want to try wild swimming next time you’re in Cornwall. Whichever location you choose, always stay safe.

Here are a few tips from the Wild Swimming website:

• natural pools can get deep very quickly so don’t take risks if you’re not a strong swimmer
• slippery rocks are another big hazzard so don’t run
• you can get very cold, very quickly in natural pools and the sea, so if you start shivering, or get chattering teeth, get out immediately and warm up (star jumps are a good shortcut to getting the blood flowing!)
• don’t swim alone – getting into difficulties or getting cramp are risks that are amplified when you’re on your own