Wild swimming at Hexworthy Bridge

Hexworthy Bridge on the West Dart River is great place to visit and dip your toes in. 

This is a fun spot to try with some great access to swim and gently swoosh gently around the river bend to the bridge.

The depth (when there has not been too much rain) I find is perfect as you can easily stand if you need to which builds confidence and the river bed is sandy here so if you have forgotten your river shoes this is still a very swimmable spot!

There are a few hidden boulders to watch out for though so is something to be aware of as you swoosh around the river bend.

I might have got a little graze on my thigh from a rogue boulder I didn’t spot in time!

Depending on the river level there is also often a little beach in the river before the bend which is a nice feature. 

Last time I visited the spot wadded across with a picnic blanket and cup of tea in the middle of river! 

The granite steps of the river bank make this a popular spot for many visitors to sunbath on a warm day and the bank is also a nice spot for a picnic. 

The parking for this spot is at a layby after the bridge, I would advise going early or later in the day in the summer months to avoid the crowds. 

There are no bins at this spot so please remember to have ‘moor care’ and leave no trace by taking your litter home.

I often take my dog along to swim locations with me and he likes this spot but it’s worth noting the access is close to the road and there no poo bins so bear this in mind when planning a trip and always clean up after your dog.

My mantra for cold water swimming is health and safety never has a day off!

Educating yourself on cold water shock and wearing a wetsuit if you need too, are key considerations. 

If you can swim with others and have a warmup plan in mind for after as even in the warm summer months the 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 as the river starts to cool down I will tell you about one of my favourite moorland swim spots to visit in the autumn.