Wild Swimming Walks: West Wales – 28 Coast, River & Waterfall Days Out in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

Wild Swimming Walks: West Wales is an inspiring and beautifully presented guide for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors and discovering wild water in some of Wales’s most breathtaking landscapes. Written by Nia Lloyd Knott, this book brings together 28 carefully curated routes that blend scenic walking with unforgettable swims in rivers, waterfalls, lakes and along the dramatic coastline of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or someone who simply enjoys dipping into nature at a gentle pace, this guide offers a rich variety of experiences suitable for all levels.
The book opens with an introduction to wild swimming in West Wales, offering practical advice on safety, tides, access and seasonal conditions. Nia’s tone is warm, reassuring and grounded in deep local knowledge, helping you feel confident as you explore new places. She explains how the region’s rugged cliffs, wooded valleys, rolling hills and sweeping beaches create an extraordinary range of swimming opportunities, from calm river pools to exhilarating coastal swims.
Each of the 28 routes is presented with clarity and care. You’ll find detailed directions, route maps, swim notes, difficulty ratings and essential safety guidance. The walks vary in length and terrain, allowing you to choose between short, family‑friendly outings and more adventurous hikes that reward you with dramatic views and refreshing swims. The author highlights the character of each location, whether it’s a hidden waterfall plunge, a sheltered cove, a deep river bend or a tidal lagoon glowing turquoise in the sun.
In Pembrokeshire, the routes showcase some of the most iconic coastal scenery in the UK. Expect cliff‑top paths, sandy beaches, sea caves and sheltered inlets where the water feels clear and inviting. Many of these walks combine spectacular views with opportunities to swim in calm bays or explore natural rock formations. The book provides clear guidance on tides and safe entry points, making these coastal swims accessible even for those new to sea swimming.
Ceredigion offers a different kind of magic, with wooded gorges, tranquil river pools and quieter stretches of coastline. These routes are perfect for slower days, picnics and relaxed exploration. You’ll discover places where the river widens into deep, calm pools ideal for floating, or where waterfalls create natural basins perfect for a refreshing dip. Nia shares insights into local wildlife, geology and history, helping you appreciate the landscape on a deeper level.
Carmarthenshire brings together rolling countryside, hidden valleys and peaceful lakes. These walks often feel more intimate and secluded, offering a sense of escape and connection with nature. Whether you’re following a river upstream to a series of cascades or walking through ancient woodland to a quiet lake, the routes encourage you to slow down and savour the experience.
What makes Wild Swimming Walks: West Wales particularly special is its balance of inspiration and practicality. The photography throughout the book captures the atmosphere of each place — sunlight on water, mist over hills, the rich greens of Welsh valleys — while the text gives you everything you need to plan your day with confidence. Nia’s writing is friendly, knowledgeable and rooted in a genuine love of the outdoors.
Whether you live in Wales, visit regularly or are planning a dedicated trip, this guide invites you to explore West Wales in a new and memorable way. It encourages you to seek out hidden corners, discover new swimming spots and reconnect with the simple joy of walking to water and getting in. For walkers, swimmers, families and nature lovers, it’s a book that will quickly become a favourite companion.
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