3-Day Wild Swimming Retreat in North Wales

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.

Key Details

Duration: Friday evening – Sunday midday
Location: North Wales
Swim locations: Rivers, lakes, waterfalls
Fully catered: All meals included, plus plenty of cake
Accommodation: Shared or private rooms available
Sessions: Daily guided wild swims, plus a yoga session

Example Itinerary

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.

Location

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.

Accommodation & Catering

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.

Prerequisites

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.

Why Choose Us

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.

Two nights' accommodation at Tŷ Newydd

All meals, snacks, and plenty of cake

Daily guided wild swims at a variety of locations

A lakeside picnic lunch on Saturday

Evening yoga session on Saturday

Expert guidance from qualified wild swim guides and mountain leaders

Safety support from RLSS-qualified swim leaders

Use of dry bags for personal medication if needed

Access to communal spaces, including a cosy library and outdoor areas

Transport to and from Tŷ Newydd

Personal swimming gear (swimsuit, towel, swim shoes, wetsuit if desired)

Walking boots or robust trainers for accessing swim spots

Additional drinks or snacks outside of those provided

Travel insurance or personal accident cover

Any optional activities outside the scheduled itinerary

You should be comfortable swimming in open water, but you don’t need to be an athlete. The swims are relaxed, and distances vary depending on the location and group.

There’s always an option to get out early if needed, and our qualified guides are there to offer support.

We’ll explore a mix of wild swimming spots, including mountain lakes, secluded river pools, and waterfalls. Some locations are easily accessible, while others require a short walk over uneven ground.

Each swim is chosen to match the group and weather conditions.

A wetsuit is not required, but you’re welcome to bring one if you prefer. Many people choose to swim in just a swimsuit, but neoprene gloves, socks, or a thermal top can help with warmth.

If you’re unsure, you can always try different options throughout the weekend.

Bring a few swimsuits, a towel, sturdy trainers or walking boots for getting to swim spots, warm layers for after swimming, and comfortable clothing for the yoga session.

A waterproof coat is also recommended—this is Wales, after all!

We swim in most conditions, but safety is always the priority. If the weather makes a location unsafe, we’ll adjust plans and find a suitable alternative.

Rain doesn’t usually stop us, but strong winds or storms might mean switching to a more sheltered swim spot.

Absolutely! Many participants come on their own, and the weekend is a great way to meet like-minded people.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, making it easy to connect with others over shared swims, meals, and downtime.

Yes, all meals are provided, and we can cater for most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other allergies.

Let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure you’re well-fed with delicious food that suits your requirements.

Emma is all about making the outdoors accessible, enjoyable, and stress-free. A highly experienced Mountain Leader and Wild Swim Guide, she has spent years exploring North Wales' mountains, lakes, and coastlines, both for work and for the sheer love of it. Her approach is simple—help people have incredible outdoor experiences while keeping things safe, straightforward, and fun. With a team of expert guides who live and breathe the Welsh landscape, Emma ensures that every adventure is led by qualified professionals who know the region inside out. Whether it’s hiking through the rugged peaks of Snowdonia or wild swimming in secluded mountain lakes, her focus is on delivering high-quality experiences with minimal faff and maximum enjoyment. Committed to safety, every guide holds professional qualifications, first aid training, and enhanced DBS checks, with many also serving in North Wales Mountain Rescue Teams. Emma believes that exploring wild places should be exhilarating but never stressful—so whether you’re looking for a guided mountain day, a wild swim, or a mix of both, the team will make sure it’s an adventure to remember.