Wild water swimming is becoming increasingly more popular and with the stunning coastline and magical countryside locations in South Devon, it’s not difficult to understand why.
Relax your mind and soak up the gorgeous surroundings as you take a cooling dip in one of beautiful locations that this country has to offer. What could be better! What are the benefits, you ask? Take a look at this list and see for yourself what wild water swimming can do for you: –
The power of wild swimming
- Wild swimming is a great workout
- It’s a metabolism booster
- It’s a stress reliever
- It’s an immune booster
- It’s a way to manage depression and low mood
- Wild swimming is a pain reliever
- There’s nothing like the wild swimming endorphin rush
Read on to find out all about a few of the amazing wild swimming spots on offer locally:
Torbay Wild Swimming
Elberry Cove, Paignton
A fantastic beach for a swim! Accessed across the clifftop from nearby Broadsands Beach, this wonderful spot is popular amongst the locals who love it’s crystal-clear waters.
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/elberry-cove-p1277213
The Hindu Caves
The Hindu Caves are located between Torquay and Paignton and their formation was well know in Victorian times. They get their nickname from Charles Kingsley; author of The Water Babies and he described the caves as “A labyrinth of double of triple caves like a Hindu temple. The caves are made up of red rock and have an exotic appeal. Definitely work a look if you are a capable swimmer who enjoys added adventure!
The sea is usually relatively calm but be aware, if the waves pick up, they can push swimmers against the rocks at the back of the cave.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/inside-mysterious-hidden-caves-middle-3225717
Anstey’s Cove
A beautiful little cove with crystal clear waters that is well protected and calm, providing great conditions for those new to wild swimming. The crystal clear water also means that the cove is brilliant for getting on the goggles and having a snorkel. There is always plenty of wild life in the cove, whether it’s the underwater plants and sea weed, small shoals of fish or even the odd seal. For those who are nervous about the prospects of wild swimming, Anstey’s Cove also provide coasteering experiences so that you can get to grips with an instructor.
https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/things-to-do/ansteys-cove-torquay-p1276683
Plymouth Wild Swimming
East Tinside Beach
East Tinside Beach is located on Plymouth Hoe, right next to Tinside Lido and the Plumlocations apartments at No.1 Elliot Terrace. At low-tide, there is a pebble beach at the site which is completely gone at high-tide. Swimming at high-tide is recommended, but it is just a quick walk over the pebbles to get to the water at low tide.
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/devon/plymouth-hoe-east.htm
Bovisand Beach
Bovisand is a beautiful, sandy beach, sheltered on either side by tall cliffs. The beach itself is lovely – at low tide there is a vast expanse of sand, which, at high tide, becomes a warm, fairly shallow beachfront. As with everywhere, the water gets colder and deeper the further out you swim, but the large area of flat sand helps to warm the sea.
https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bovisand-beach-p432713
Haytor Quarry, Dartmoor
Haytor Quarry, part of the stunning, rugged landscape of Dartmoor is often a quiet location for wild swimming in South Devon as the area is better known for its towering rocks. However, the disused quarry is great for a short, quiet dip with amazing scenery.
That’s just a few ideas from us, but there are so many more places for you to explore in South Devon! Please bear in mind though that many rivers and locations are environmentally sensitive. Please take care not to trample on the spawning redds (fish “nests”), or stress migratory fish during summer months.
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