Georgie Duckworth, author of new book ‘Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath’, shares her favourite walks and wild swims close to Bristol.

This book shares 28 unique and enticing wild swimming walks, all within one hour’s journey time from the city. Each walk differs in length and complexity level, revealing great swim spots along the way. It’s an ideal companion for summer adventures. Take it away, Georgie...

Researching and writing this book has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity and subtle beauty of walking and wild swimming on my home turf, near Bristol. I’ve been swimming here for many years but had limited myself to just a few regular spots, completely unaware of how much wonderful swimming there is to be enjoyed locally.

Viewpoint at Sand Point in North Somerset - credit Georgie Duckworth
Image - Sand Point in North Somerset. Credit Georgie Duckworth

Conham River Park

Ambling through peaceful woodlands beneath vast oak trees that reverberate with birdsong, it’s hard to believe that Central Bristol is just a stone’s throw away. Here at Conham River Park, the Avon meanders ever closer to the sea. Tree-lined paths, popular with cyclists and walkers, follow the riverbank.

You can swim from the famous Beese’s steps, a popular place for Bristol’s wild swimming community. You’ll find a bench, a picnic table and even a towel hanging post. The current here can be strong, making a long swim upstream a real challenge! Some like to enter the water further up the path and then float back down to the steps.

Conham River Park in Bristol - credit Georgie Duckworth
Image - Conham River Park. Credit Georgie Duckworth

Saltford, Swineford and Kelston Roundhill

Spectacular hilltop views, a pub, a cheese shop, and two wonderful swims in the River Avon – this is a walk with something for everyone.

The stretch of the Avon between Saltford and Swineford is deep and wide, and you’ll likely see swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders all enjoying the river. In Saltford, the easiest place to access the water is via the steps dug into the bank on the stretch of riverbank known as ‘The Shallows’. As name suggests, this is a shallow entrance and you can enjoy a quick dip, plunge and wallow or refreshing long swim from here.

People swimming in the river at Saltford near Bristol - credit Georgie Duckworth
Image - Wild swimming near Saltford. Credit Georgie Duckworth

Sand Point and Middle Hope

The Somerset coastline isn’t known for its wild swimming potential, with vast tidal ranges and estuary mud banks, but this walk around Sand Point and Middle Hope reveals four equally lovely bays, all perfectly lovely for a swim or paddle. Swimming here is best at high tide and the nature of the water conditions will change dependent on the wind direction. Whilst the hidden bays at Middle Hope may provide shelter and calm waters, you may prefer to embrace the waves at Sand Point Cove.

Beach at Middle Hope in North Somerset - credit Georgie Duckworth
Image - The beach at Middle Hope. Credit Georgie Duckworth

Farleigh & District Swimming Club

This short walk fits perfectly as part of a full day out with the chance to enjoy the River Frome, a castle ruin, a cream tea, plus everything else this enchanting little corner along the Somerset/Wiltshire border has to offer. After your walk, spend some time relaxing on the sunny lawns of Farleigh & District Swim Club (F&DSC), the oldest river swimming club in the UK. There’s a gentle weir, diving board, rope swings and a good stretch of deep, peaceful river making this one of the greatest swim experiences in the country. Check the F&DSC website for membership/payment details.

Children paddle boarding along the River Avon in Bristol - credit Georgie Duckworth
Image - The River Avon. Credit Georgie Duckworth

Wild swimming safety

There are several risks associated with wild swimming, and these evolve and differ depending on your location, the time of year, the weather etc, so it’s worth being very aware of them.

  • Be prepared before you go - check weather and water conditions (where possible). Consider not swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain and always cover cuts and open wounds.
  • Don’t swim alone.
  • Check before getting in - make an assessment each time before going in water. If there are obstacles, algae, funny smells or it just doesn’t feel right, don’t go in.
  • Check your exit point - don’t get in the water unless you’re certain you can get out.
  • If the river is fast flowing, be very aware of potential danger and consider not swimming.
  • Enter the water slowly - cold water shock can affect even the most hardened swimmers.
  • Be responsible for your own safety and that of any children or other vulnerable people in your charge. Swims and walks are carried out at the participants’ own risk. No responsibility can be taken by the author for your safety.
  • Float to live- learn the ‘float to live’ technique: if you find yourself in trouble, move onto your back and float.

To find more inspiration for sunny swims, you can follow Georgie on Instagram and Facebook @gowildgowest.

 

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Wild Swimming Walks book by Georgie Duckworth