Exploring moorland swim spots

Have you tried wild swimming?

If you have been considering dipping a toe in, the summer is a great time to start.

Lucy Johnson (@40swims on Instagram) a cold water swimmer based in Buckfastleigh shares her favourite moorland swim spots for you to check out. 

ABOVE: Lucy Johnson

Cadover - Park in the free carpark beside Cadover bridge and there are a couple of choices I recommend for swimming. 

The closest to the carpark is under the bridge with easy access to the water and you can have fun swooshing with the river under the bridge.

Alternatively take the footpath to the left of the carpark into the woods and follow the river for roughly 10 mins. 

The path splits a few times but keep close to the river and you will reach a small beach surrounded by boulders. 

This is a great spot to enter for a dip with the shade from woodland offering great respite on a warm day. 

There are a few slippery rocks on the riverbed on entry so I highly recommend wearing beach shoes or swim socks! 

After your swim there are few path options back through the woods and there is often an ice cream van parked up at Cadover for a post swim treat! 

Health and safety never has a day off especially with cold water swimming, educating yourself on cold water shock and wearing a wetsuit if you need to are some key considerations.

If you can swim with others and don’t enter the water if you are unsure or if the river flow is fast and avoid swimming after heavy rainfall. 

Have a warm up plan as even in the warm summer months core body temperature drops considerably after being in cold water. 

Warm layers, and a hot drink are staple in my year round plan to get warm after swimming. 

Next month I will tell you about one of my favourite swim spots on the Dart!