Wild swimming in the Shropshire Hills

Wild swimming is becoming increasingly popular across the UK, and even worldwide. Those who have always swum would just call it swimming – the act of getting into rivers, the sea or a lake and enjoying being fully immersed in nature.

Now it is trendy, but it is still the same activity – and it is one of the most enjoyable, cheap and accessible pastimes around. You need very little equipment – just a swimsuit and towel, and some cheap water shoes or old sandals to protect your feet.

If you want suggestions or company while you are in the Shropshire Hills, the Shropshire Wild Swimmers and Dippers are based in South Shropshire and will be happy to accompany you or give suggestions – just ask to join the group on Facebook.

The Shropshire Hills provide a whole host of locations which are perfect for swimming, with clear, reed-edged lakes, cool reservoirs and a plethora of beautiful meandering rivers, from the majestic Severn to the chilly River Clun and River Onny.

Remember, please BE SAFE!

The swimming sites on our page, Wild swimming in the Shropshire Hills, have been chosen because they are great places to swim and they have also been well tried and tested by wild swimmers from the Shropshire Hills. However, your personal safety when swimming is YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY and there are a number of basic rules you should always follow to keep safe.

  • Treat water with respect, and only swim when you have a clear exit point. Water is easy to get into, but with flow and the cold, you can find it is much harder to get out of.
  • However hot the weather may be, you should NEVER jump into a lake or river. Water stays cold, even when the air has heated up, and the shock of the sudden cold can be very dangerous. You should always take enough time entering the water for your body to acclimatise at its own pace, remembering that it will automatically adjust so as to protect your core organs.
  • If there is a flow, for example in a river, make sure you know you can easily swim against it, and ALWAYS SWIM UPSTREAM FIRST. That way, if you get tired, the river will bring you back to your clothes.
  • Never, ever swim after drinking alcohol.
  • If you have a known heart condition, wild swimming may not be for you.
  • Warm up thoroughly afterwards, with a hot drink, plenty of warm clothes, and a piece of cake!

All Wild Swimming in Bishop’s Castle

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