The summer weather may not be playing ball this year, but it’s still a time when many of us will be heading to the coast for a well-deserved break. The quality of UK seawater may have had a bad press lately, but there are still many beautiful beaches in the remoter corners of the UK with excellent water quality that are perfect for open water swimming activities.
Whether you are a keen wild swimmer or curious to dip your toes in the open seas for the first time this year, there are many wonderful coastal spots to choose from. It may be wise to invest in a wetsuit for extra insulation and buoyancy in the water, given that the temperatures have been somewhat disappointing so far. Here are some of the best places to explore.
Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in the UK, and you could take your pick of any number of secluded beaches and wide expanses of golden sands. One of the popular beaches for watersports enthusiasts is Whitesands Bay, a wide expanse of fine white sands.
The sea is generally clean and calm, and there’s a lifeguard service from the end of April to September, plus some weekends in October and and November. There are plenty of facilities including a cafe, a shop, and a surf hire next to the beach, while the historic tiny city of St Davids is just under two miles away.
Porth Iago, Gwynedd
The Llyn Peninsula at the tip of north Wales is home to some beautiful beaches from where you can see over to Ireland on a clear day. Towards the western tip of Pen Llyn is the hidden gem of Porth Iago, which is accessible via steep steps cut into the cliff face. It is a deep cove bordered by gorse-clad cliffs, forming a perfect natural swimming pool.
This is an ideal spot for beginners to try their hand at open water swimming, because it provides natural boundaries and it's easy to keep track of your location in the water. The waters are usually sheltered and clear, and it tends not to get too busy so you can relax and enjoy your swim without constantly being on the lookout for other water users.
However, it is quite a remote spot so be prepared to bring a changing robe and your own refreshments. There is no lifeguard on duty at the beach. The nearest town is Pwllheli, about a 40 minute drive away, although the large village of Nefyn has a well-stocked convenience store where you can pick up essentials.
Mellon Udrigle, Highlands
Mellon Udrigle in the Highlands of Scotland is truly stunning, with a crescent of white sand dipping into crystal clear turquoise seas, and mountain vistas rising in the distance. If you want to get away from the crowds, then this location in Wester Ross is for you.
The nearest village of Poolewe is a 20 minute drive away and there are no facilities nearby, so you will need to be well prepared with gear and refreshments to get the most out of this remote but beautiful location.
Porthcurno, Cornwall
The golden bay of Porthcurno is flanked by high cliffs, making it a calm and sheltered place that is perfect for safe swimming. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer months for extra peace of mind.
However, it is important to remember that during high tide steep shelves mean that you can soon find yourself in deep water. During windy weather the surf can be powerful despite the sheltered position of the bay, as the southwesterly location just a few miles from Land’s End means that it catches the Atlantic rollers.
Therefore swimmers should check the forecast and tide times in advance, and steer clear in rough conditions. Porthcurno is not only famous for its beautiful beach; it is also overlooked by the open-air Minack Theatre that is carved into the cliffside.
During the summer months, the theatre is buzzing with events, shows and activities into the night time. This year, there’s a special Festival of the Sea, with talks, music and dance to celebrate 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.