I started cold water dipping in December and it’s safe to say, we didn’t have much company. You could turn up anywhere, at any time and pretty much guarantee you’d have it to yourself. But as the weather gets warmer (and post lockdown) more people head out to these beautiful spots for a dip.
If, like me, you prefer the tranquility and isolation of somewhere with fewer people, then check out some of these tips to avoid the crowds.
1. Timing
Unsurprisingly, I don’t usually see a soul when going for an icy morning dip in December. But even in the summer months, timing can make a big difference. I’ve found that going early in the morning is usually the quietest time. I also get the most out of mornings swims and it’s such a great way to start your day. (you can check out my post on daily morning dips here).
Going in the evening is also usually quieter than the middle of the day, but often in summer you will be battling the bbqs in the more popular locations.
2. Do Your Research
One of the best ways to find hidden gems is to study a map. Following waterways and cross referencing with google earth can be a great way to discover some ‘secret’ spots. Look for footpaths that run along side a river for access points. If you’re after waterfalls and plunge pools, then heading into more hilly and mountainous areas will give you more chance of finding them.
Books can also be a really useful tool to find new spots. I absolutely love the Wild Swimming Guide. I used this to find some spots in Scotland when I went on a solo road trip in sunny August and I was absolutely delighted to have a dream of a spot all to myself. Yes it was a bit of a drive, but it was completely worth it.
I’ve also found some great spots through facebook groups. There are so many covering different local areas where people often share their favourite spots. Keep in mind though that if you’re heading somewhere that’s been shared on a public forum, or an instagram hotspot that was flooding your feed, the likelihood is a whole host of other people will have seen it to.
3. Make it an Adventure
The likelihood of finding a quiet spot right by a car park, is pretty slim. The majority of people aren’t going to be prepared to walk very far to find somewhere for a swim. Even on beaches, you’ll find the end of a beach closest to the car park is absolutely heaving, but as you start to walk further away..the beach gets quieter and quieter.
Ultimately, places that are harder to get to and require more effort, will usually be quieter. If you’re willing to hike and scramble, then you will often be rewarded with some beautiful, idyllic swim spots. Obviously this isn’t practical for your daily morning dips, but it’s worth bearing in mind for those days when you have a bit more time. Some of my favourite adventure days have been heading off the track, following rivers and streams and finding beautiful waterfalls and plunge pools. If you are going on more of an adventure though, make sure you don’t go alone, or at least tell somewhere exactly where you’re planning to go.
4. Head for Larger Spaces
If you head to a small beach, or a lake with limited access, then even if there are only a few people about it can soon start to feel crowded. You can often find a quiet spot around a larger lake or somewhere with a bit more open space. I often find this in the Lake District. If you try go for a dip on the lakeside, right by the car park then there is inevitably going to be lots of people around. Just head away from the car parks and follow the lakes around until you find a spot to yourself. This is usually the same for beaches too, just walking that bit further you can usually find yourself a private little cove (just make sure you check the tides to ensure you don’t get cut off!).
5. Be Prepared
Being prepared can help ensure that you don’t miss out on an idyllic swimspot that you may come across unexpectedly. Take swim things whenever you’re out walking or make sure you’ve got spares in your car. This means that if you come across the perfect pool unexpectedly then you can make the most of it. If I’m out hiking I’ll always pop a bikini or swimsuit in my bag (and a microfibre towel if I’ve got space). If you’re feeling brave and are somewhere a bit more secluded, then you can always go for a skinny dip.
If you’re not in a position to dip, then make sure you save the location for future. I have a whole set of pins saved on google maps for swim spots to go back to in the future. These are spots that either I’ve come across when out and about, or that other people have told me about.
6. Ask
Don’t be afraid to ask people for recommendations. It is becoming more common for people to no longer share exact locations on instagram (mainly due to huge influxes of people), but I’ve found most people are happy to share if you drop them a message. You can also ask locals if you’re visiting somewhere new as they are likely to know the less touristy spots.
At the end of the day, the outdoors is for everyone and there is never a guarantee you’ll have a space to yourself. Just enjoy the experience. I’ve met some lovely people through being in the same spot at the time. The likelihood is (especially if you’re away from the main tourist spots) that since you’re there for the same reason, you’ll have things in common, so why not just strike up a conversation.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you to mind some more secluded swim spots. I’d love for you to share pics of any spots you may find via instagram!
Happy adventuring x
*Before trying out a new spot, make sure it’s safe, especially if you’ve headed off the beaten track. Check out this blog from the Outdoor Swimming Society before taking the plunge.*
Lisa Outdoors 