wild swimming

In 1927, Brighton-born Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel – and a star was born 

Walk to a wild swimming spot – just a train ride away from central London. Here is our guide to a selection of the best wild swimming spots near London.

Explore the UK's most beautiful waters with our guide to the best places to go for a wild swim

We turn to Helen Webster, editor of 220 Triathlon, for advice on what to choose for your wild swimming kit

Throughout the year, wild swimmers are able to share their rivers and lakes with some of the UK's most impressive wildlife, from salmon and kingfishers to curlews and peregrine falcons. We share some of the best places to go wild swimming – and the birds, fish and wildlife you might see there

With the surge in popularity of wild swimming, many are calling for open access to England's 2,000 reservoirs. But is it a good idea to swim in a reservoir? Find out the arguments for and against, plus which reservoirs allow swimming, in our expert guide.

Dive into our essential guide to wild swimming with our pick of the best places to swim in the UK, water safety and tips on how to get started.

Discovered two fabulous Yorkshire swimming spots, perfect for whiling away a hot August day

This figure-of-eight walk through the uplands of the Peak District National Park pauses for a paddle and picnic at a series of magical cascades

Climb to the summit of South Wales’ highest peak and cool off in the deep, dark waters of its neighbouring llyn

Take an aquatic adventure down the River Cam, from Lord Byron’s old bathing grounds to Cambridge’s punt-filled waters

Discover a quiet Cornish cove where opportunities for snorkelling, rock-pooling, paddles and swims abound

Boost your fitness and try something new with our guide to the best active and adventurous ways to experience the great outdoors.

How swimming outdoors can improve physical and mental wellbeing

Wild swimming provide the perfect antidote to anxiety for writer Joe Minihane, who sets out to retrace the route of environmentalist Roger Deakin's nature writing classicWaterlog' by embarking on a swimming journey across the UK for his own book 'Floating'.

On his 60th birthday, John Mather took on the challenge of a lifetime – to swim the length of all 17 lakes within the Lake District National Park 

Swimmers took to the chilly waters of the River Avon estuary in Devon last weekend to take part in the Bantham Swoosh -a 6km wild swim to the sea organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society. Carys Matthews takes on the challenge...