Georgie Duckworth is a writer and nature-lover from Somerset. An avid swimmer, walker, biker and camper, she can normally be found running wild in the outdoors with her husband, two sons and disreputable dog, Goose. She shares her passion for family adventure on her blog Go Wild Go West and has navigated myriad hidden waterways to track down the best secret beaches, rivers and lakes in the region for her new book, Wild Swimming Walks Bristol and Bath. Here are five of her favourite spots for wild swimming, and the best foot trails along which to approach them (more details of which are included in the book).
FARLEIGH & IFORD MANOR
On a summer’s day, there are few places I’d rather be than the sunny lawns of Farleigh & District Swim Club, the oldest river swimming club in the UK. At almost 100 years old, the club is one of only a handful across the country that has survived the tests of time and is still thriving today. It’s long been credited as the home of wild swimming, where swim campaigner and all-round legend, Rob Fryer, was chairman for many years. Walk out from here to enjoy the River Frome, castles, gardens, cream teas, and everything else this delightful little corner along the Somerset/Wiltshire border has to offer then spend the afternoon picnicking and swimming back at the swim club.
LACOCK & AROUND
Lacock village, with its 13th-century Abbey, is owned by the National Trust. It’s also a favourite for film and TV producers, having appeared in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice. As such, it attracts many tourists and can be busy, especially on summer days. Walk 10 minutes out of the village, however, and you’re away from the crowds and out into open countryside. Carry on and you’ll find some magnificent swims along the way, culminating with arguably the most picturesque dip of all in the book –everything a wild swim-walk should be.
LANGPORT & MUCHELNEY
Stroll out along the River Parrett between quirky Langport town and the tiny village of Muchelney, home to ancient abbey ruins and chocolate-box cottages, and you’ll discover some of the best river access in the area for relaxing long swims. The Somerset Levels are notoriously flat, so this is a gentle walk with plentiful swim opportunities along the way. You can loop back on a circular route but there’s also the option to walk the first half to Muchelney and then swim 1.5 miles back downstream. Likewise, you could bring a kayak or SUP to explore the river, or even hire a bike to discover the numerous cycle paths in the area; one of these leads to Burrow Hill Cider Farm, one of the best in the county.
STANTON DREWE
For a scenic walk around the Chew Valley start at the ancient stone circles at Stanton Drew and loop around a towering viaduct, and some of the prettiest wild swimming spots in the area, before returning to these eerily beautiful prehistoric stones. You’ll soon join the banks of the River Chew, a gentle, meandering stream that was once strong enough to power numerous mills and wide enough for horse-drawn barges to travel along its length. The water flow has since reduced significantly, and silt has gradually built up but there are some lovely dipping pools to enjoy along the length of the route.
THE RIVER WYE
The thing I love most about the wonderful stretch of the River Wye between Kerne Bridge and Welsh Bicknor is its overwhelming sense of bonhomie. We met kayakers, paddle boarders, anglers, ramblers and fellow swimmers – all remarkably jolly, all out to have a good time. Walk out along the river’s banks and you’ll capture that same spirit. The path and river intertwine, allowing you to hop in and out of the water as you choose… walk, swim, paddle, wallow, float or launch yourself off on a rope swing; there’s a freedom here that’s simply great fun.
Taken from Wild Swimming Walks Bristol and Bath: 28 river, lake & waterfall days out by Georgie Duckworth
