While the health benefits of swimming are well-known, a noisy and crowded public baths is not always the most enjoyable way to experience them. Imagine instead immersing yourself in crystal-clear water, surrounded only by wildlife, while looking out over a stunning landscape. Dartmoor offers endless opportunities for wild swimming, with its fast-flowing rivers, sparkling waterfalls and still, secluded pools. While some spots are very popular, particularly with locals in the know, and can get surprisingly busy, often you’ll be the only person there. Wild swimming is perfect for unwinding, relaxing and just enjoying the sensation of really getting back in touch with nature. Usually the only equipment you’ll need is a swimsuit and a towel, but as the water can be rather cold, even in summer, do make sure you have plenty of warm clothes to change back into and resist the temptation to stay in the water for too long!
If you fancy giving wild swimming a try, here are five great locations near to Acorn Cottage:
Shilley Pool
South Zeal 2km
This small dammed plunge pool is a great place for a first go at wild swimming, as it’s fully enclosed and only about one metre deep. There are also shallower areas suitable for younger children to paddle. There are rock rapids you can slide down and although they’re not particularly steep, you can get up a surprising turn of speed! There are also plenty of picnicking locations surrounding the pool. This is a popular spot with locals, so on a hot summer’s day, it’s likely to be busy.
Salmon Pool Leaps
Whiddon Down 3km
This site lies in the woods below Castle Drogo and is about a 30-minute walk from the NT car park – from the castle, take the woodland walk down to the river, then follow it downstream and the Salmon Pool Leaps are just after the bridge (access is from the left hand side of the river, so don’t cross the bridge). At this point, the river Teign cascades into three Victorian stone-lined pools, which were originally built for keeping salmon in. The river is fast-flowing, and although the walls keep you contained, the current can be very strong after heavy rain, so isn’t suitable for young children at these times. The Salmon Pool Leaps is widely considered to be one of the best wild swimming locations on Dartmoor, and certainly one of the most invigorating, as the waterfalls provide a great massage!
Cullever Steps
Okehampton 7km
If you want solitude and reviving waters, this is the place for you! This plunge pool, which is mostly waist-deep, lies in a rocky valley below Scarey Tor. It’s a fairly remote and very beautiful location and as it’s not particularly well-known, you’re likely to have the place to yourself. There is a small waterfall at the top of the pool, and several spots for picnicking or sunbathing around it.
Taw Marsh
Belstone 1km
To find this stretch of water, just follow official footpath out of Belstone, which heads towards Belstone Common and the River Taw. After Bernard’s Acre and the sheepfold, you’ll need to scramble over the rocks at the side of the river. There are numerous spots for swimming along this section of the river, some of which are quite deep and long, so you can get a proper swim in. It is said that quarry workers on the moors removed some of the larger boulders from the river so that they could have a refreshing dip on hot days. The ford river crossing creates a shallower pool and is a popular spot for a picnic.
Haytor Quarry
Bovey Tracey 6km
While most visitors head straight for Haytor Rocks, swimmers in the know make a diversion to Haytor Quarry. This disused quarry is surrounded by high rocks (which help to shelter you from the Dartmoor winds!) and is located among some spectacular scenery. It’s a good place for those with children, as it’s an easy walk from the car parks at Hay Tor and the water is still and calm. Although most of the pool is fairly shallow, watch out for some deeper areas, which can be rather cold. This beautiful spot is rarely very busy, even in summer and if you visit in spring or autumn, you’ll probably have the place to yourself.
