Wild Swimming: Cornwall
Latest News
Top 5 Wild Swimming Spots In Cornwall
When we think about life by the sea in Cornwall it’s likely that surfing will be one of the first things that springs to mind. But it’s not all about riding gnarly waves, there’s another more serene way to enjoy the water, both on the Cornish coastline and in land too
Wild swimming can take you anywhere, from the beautiful golden beaches of Pedn Vounder to hidden pools that lurk deep within jungle-like forests like Golitha Falls. Wherever you choose it’s likely to be an experience that’s sure to leave you wanting more. The question is, where will you go next?
A top 100 wild swimming spots in Cornwall could be written with ease, there are so many stunning locations to choose from. But for now we want to bring you a selection of our favourite places to enjoy wild swimming, with each spot offering something a little different to the other.
We begin with Golitha Falls near Liskeard, set deep within the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood. The Falls are a series of tranquil cascades and waterfalls which run along the River Fowey, ending with a plunge pool at the bottom which is perfect for swimming as you find yourself surrounded by magical wooded glades and steep craggy gorges. This is a place not to miss.
Next we head to the far west and one of the jewels in the Cornwall crown, Pedn Vounder. What glamping is to camping, Pedn Vounder is to wild swimming, on UK shores you are unlikely to find a more idyllic, tropical-like beach setting. At low tide a sandband is revealed, creating a shallow lagoon pool, perfect for cooling off in. There are coves to explore too, but take caution when venturing beyond the sandbank because it can get treacherous.
A little further along the coast stands Kynance Cove, regarded as one of the most beautiful wild swimming locations in Cornwall. And it’s easy to see why with turquoise waters and golden sands against the dramatic backdrop of black rock. It’s truly a sight to behold and for the wild swimmer you can enjoy swimming from beach to beach, or you can explore Mermaids Pool, a secluded spot in the cliff wall on the north side of the beach, with clear blue waters to swim in – while it’s deep enough to dive into!
Have you ever swam with elephants? Then you’ve never been to Bossiney Cove near Tintagel. Not real elephants of course, but the wonderful Elephant Rock on the north Cornwall coast. The sheer magnitude and placement of this extraordinary cliff means you’re shielded from the prevailing south-westerly winds and at high tide you can swim through the narrow trunk of rock from the mainland. When you’re not swimming, and when the tide’s out, you can explore the many caves along this beautiful stretch of beach.
One of Cornwall’s most popular wild swimming spots is Goldiggins Quarry, located high up on Bodmin Moor. Surrounded by farmland, the remarkable landscape of this spring-fed quarry is not what you would expect to stumble across on your travels across the Moor, but it’s the perfect spot for wild swimming. The more adventurous thrill-seekers can take a jump from one of the many cliff edges.