Wild swimming weekends in North Wales are all about switching off, exploring beautiful swim spots, and enjoying great food in good company. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll visit a variety of rivers, waterfalls, and lakes, with plenty of time to relax, socialise, and soak up the surroundings. You’ll stay at Tŷ Newydd, a welcoming Grade II listed building, with delicious meals and cake provided throughout the weekend.
Friday
Arrivals begin from 3pm, giving you time to settle in and meet the group. At 4pm, there’s a welcome chat in the dining room, where the guides introduce the weekend plan. Shortly after, we take a short walk to a nearby river for a refreshing evening swim, easing into the experience in a calm and social way. After drying off, it’s back to Tŷ Newydd for a hearty dinner at 6.30pm, with the rest of the evening free to relax, chat, and get ready for the weekend ahead.
Saturday
The day starts with a leisurely breakfast at 8am before heading out to a mountain lake for a morning swim. These llyns, set amongst the hills, offer clear, peaceful waters and a beautiful backdrop. After a good swim, we’ll enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch before moving on to an afternoon swim at a waterfall pool. These locations vary, but expect tumbling cascades, natural rock pools, and a magical atmosphere. Returning to Tŷ Newydd, there’s time to warm up and relax before a gentle evening yoga session at 6pm, helping to stretch out after a full day in the water. Dinner follows at 7.30pm, with time to unwind before bed.
Sunday
An early start begins with pastries and coffee at 7.30am before heading out for the final swim of the weekend. This is a special location, chosen based on the group and the conditions, but could be a secluded river pool, a hidden lake, or a quiet coastal spot. After the swim, it’s back to Tŷ Newydd for a well-earned brunch at 11.30am before goodbyes and departures at 12.30pm.
The retreat is based at Tŷ Newydd in Llanystumdwy, North West Wales. This historic building, home to the National Writing Centre of Wales, provides a welcoming and comfortable base for the weekend.
Set on the banks of the River Dwyfor, it offers easy access to some of the best wild swimming locations in Eryri (Snowdonia), from remote mountain llyns to hidden river pools. With beaches also within reach, the weekend is designed to make the most of the area’s incredible swimming spots.
Tŷ Newydd can host between 14 and 20 guests, with a mix of large, medium, and small rooms, some en-suite. The communal areas include a spacious dining room, a cosy library filled with comfortable seating, and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air.
Meals are fully catered, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided, along with hot drinks and cake available throughout the day. All dietary requirements can be accommodated, and snacks are brought along on swims and walks to keep everyone fuelled.
Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water, but no prior experience in wild swimming is required. Access to swim spots may involve walking up to 30 minutes over uneven, muddy, or rocky ground, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Water entry points are often natural and may be slippery, requiring good balance and care when getting in and out. All personal medication must be carried, including EpiPens, inhalers, and any prescribed medicines, which can be stored in dry bags if needed.
The team leading the retreat are experienced wild swim guides and mountain leaders who live and work in North Wales year-round. With a deep understanding of the local landscape, they ensure every swim is safe, enjoyable, and perfectly suited to the group. Their passion for the outdoors shines through, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
Safety is always a priority. All guides are RLSS-qualified swim leaders and hold outdoor emergency first aid certification. Many are also members of mountain rescue teams. With their expert knowledge and friendly approach, you’ll feel confident exploring the wild waters of North Wales while enjoying a weekend of great company, delicious food, and unforgettable swims.
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From £60
Snowdonia, North Wales
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About the centre
Llanystumdwy, Cricieth
Operated by Explore Wild Wales, a partner of adventuro.
Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland
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