The Forest of Dean is surrounded by rivers from the Severn to the Wye and the Monnow. But what about if you don’t want to swim in the rivers? Here are our top four alternative outdoor wild swimming locations for you to try.
The Keeper’s Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond or the Forge Pond, is situated near Pwll Du on the hill between Blaenavon and Abergavenny. The pond was built in the early 19th century to provide water for Garnddyrys Forge, which started production in about 1817. The forge was dismantled during the 1860s and whilst the pond no longer fulfilled an industrial purpose, it rapidly became a local beauty spot. It also acquired the name Keeper’s Pond because the gamekeeper of the grouse moors lived in a cottage nearby.
Today, the Keeper’s Pond car park is the ideal starting point for a walk on the Blorenge Mountain, a picnic beside the water or even a dip. It’s a great place to enjoy both the natural and man-made beauty of the Blaenavon. You can even enjoy a sauna after your swim on most Sundays and Mondays. For more information, see Y Sawna on Instagram.
Set in the beautiful, rolling landscape alongside the Usk Valley right on the Monmouthshire/Torfaen border, Llandegfedd Lake is a hub for health, wellbeing and recreation just twenty miles from Cardiff.
The Lakeside Cafe in the visitor centre offers stunning, panoramic views across the water and our modern, purpose-built Watersport Centre offers paddle and sail sports for all ages and abilities plus organised open water swimming. An array of land activities and events are also available.
Llandegfedd Lake is also a great location to fish, walk, picnic and watch wildlife, and is an easy 45 minute drive away.
Situated just off the A48 in Woolaston, Gloucestershire, Court Farm Lakes offers swimming sessions and events, open water swim coaching, SUP, yoga and fitness on their beautifully maintained 4 acre site. Only a 15 minute drive from the hotel this is the most accessible lake to swim in whilst you are staying with us.
New for 2024, the lake at Dragon’s Gate is spring fed and was dug in 2002. At the deepest point is is approximately 12ft. The banks slope upwards to allow access at different points and there is a small wild life area at one side. The lake is approximately 60m long by 35m wide with a decking platform for access, as well as toilets on the far side of the field. Located in Garway in nearby Herefordshire, Dragon’s Gate is a half hour drive from the hotel.