Georgie Duckworth shares five walks from her new book Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath, injecting a little invigoration into your next adventure outside of the city (Words & images by Georgie Duckworth)
Researching and writing Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath has opened my eyes to the incredible diversity and subtle beauty of walking and wild swimming on my home turf, near Bristol. I’ve been swimming here for many years but had limited myself to just a few regular spots. I admit I’d been guilty of feeling that the best wild swimming was to be enjoyed while on holiday across the rest of the UK – Cornwall, Devon, the Lakes, Scotland… and that the swimming closer to home was good, but not magnificent. How wrong I was!
This book shares 28 unique and enticing wild swimming walks, all within one hour’s journey time from the city. It’s an area that’s full of surprises with gently weaving rivers, rugged coastline and peaceful lakes meaning that each walk and swim has a different feel and character.
From the Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels to Wiltshire’s Limestone Lowlands and Wales’s ancient woodland, these walks, each differing in length and complexity level, will guide you through this rich and diverse landscape, revealing superb swim spots along the way. There’s a chance to bathe at the oldest surviving river swimming club in the UK, swim from hidden sea coves and plunge into the cool waters of a spiritual well.
With sunny, warm weather ahead, I hope that this book will inspire many happy days out adventuring, exploring, picnicking, swimming and enjoying the wonderful landscapes around Bristol.
Bradford-on-Avon to Avoncliff
This walk begins at Bradford Wharf, which is an absolute delight. It’s a bustling place with narrowboats passing by while people amble along the canal side or enjoy the local café and pub. From here, there’s gentle stroll along the canal with regular sightings of kingfishers, herons, swans and ducks. Life somehow feels more mellow here, and people are always friendly and chatty.
The small hamlet of Avoncliff marks the midway point of this walk. Here, the canal crosses over the River Avon on a spectacular aqueduct, 100-metres-long and 18-metres-wide, designed by famous local architect John Rennie. It’s worth taking a moment to stand on the aqueduct and enjoy the quintessential country scene looking down to the river and the enticing pub garden.
After a refreshing pub pitstop, you’ll meander along the river back towards Bradford. At first, the path is much quieter than the canal and there are numerous spots for a peaceful swim in this deep stretch of river. As you reach Barton Farm, the lawns open up into a large riverside park area with picnic benches and a playground. The rowing club launch from here and it’s normally a hive of activity on a sunny day. With a slipway from which to access the water, there are often swimmers, paddleboarders and kayakers all enjoying the river.
Tortworth and the Little Avon
Gloucestershire’s best-kept secret, the Little Avon is a beautiful river to explore. From the Tortworth Estate, the walk follows the path down to the Church of St Leonard. Here, you’ll discover the wonderful Tortworth Chestnut. With its enormous, gnarled trunk and twisting branches, this tree is simply spectacular – a true gentle giant. In 2002, it was recognised as one of 50 Great British Trees for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Setting off across fields and along country lanes, you’ll soon arrive on the banks of the Little Avon. This is a fun stretch of shallow river to explore. We found multiple mini beaches, a rope swing and plenty of plunge pools. This would be a great place to bring kids for an adventure.
The remainder of the walk follows the path through pastureland and wildflower meadows, as well as an exciting tunnel under the M5, to reach the mystical Little Avon Pool. Hidden among the trees, this sandy beach with refreshing plunge pool is popular with locals on sunny weekends.
Returning towards Tortworth, enjoy rural views over the rolling countryside and up to the iconic Tyndale Monument high on a hill above.
Stanton Drew and the River Chew
This beautiful walk around the Chew Valley is full of surprises. With a prehistoric stone circle, a towering viaduct, enchanting woodland and some of the prettiest wild swimming spots in the area, there’s plenty to enjoy here.
The walk starts at the ancient stone circles at Stanton Drew. Though this is the third largest formation of standing stones in England, you’ll be forgiven if you’ve not heard of them before; Stanton Drew receives far less attention than better-known examples at Stonehenge and Avebury. The stones are large and eerily beautiful, and you’re welcome to walk among them.
From here, the walk gently weaves through picturesque countryside following the path of the River Chew, then heading into the shade of the woods. Along the route, you can explore a newly created wetland area, with bees, butterflies and dragonflies aplenty, and pass under the impressive arches of Pensford Viaduct. There are plenty of opportunities to pause for a refreshing swim among the idyllic rural surrounds, occasionally overlooked by a curious sheep or cow chewing the cud.
Newbridge on Usk and Wales’ ancient woodlands
This wonderful walk begins on the banks of the River Usk before climbing to the largest ancient forest in Wales to admire incredible views across the Brecon Beacons. It’s one of the more challenging walks in the series as the ascent to Wentwood Forest is steep and lengthy, but the breath-taking views from the top make it worthwhile. We feasted on wild raspberries and paused to listen to the vibrant bird song as we weaved through the ancient woodland.
Your efforts are rewarded with a glorious swim from the stony beach in Newbridge on Usk. In summer, the towering Himalayan Balsam shroud the path to the beach, giving it an exotic and exciting feel. Paddle in the shallows or swim upstream to the old, arched bridge and then swoosh back down with the current. This is a wonderful place for a swim with the magnificent Monmouthshire countryside as your backdrop.
Farleigh & District Swimming Club to Iford Manor
On a summer’s day, there are few places I’d rather be than the sunny lawns of Farleigh & District Swim Club (F&DSC), the oldest river swimming club in the UK. This short walk fits perfectly as part of a full day out with the chance to enjoy the River Frome, a castle with a distinctly gory history, beautiful gardens and cream tea at Iford Manor, plus everything else this enchanting little corner along the Somerset/Wiltshire border has to offer. There’s the opportunity to dip beneath an arched 14th-century bridge, complete with a very grand statue of Brittania, as well spending time wallowing at the Swim Club; a gentle weir, diving board, rope swings and a good stretch of deep, peaceful river make this one of the greatest swim experiences in the country. Check the F&DSC website for membership/payment details.
Wild Swimming Walks Bristol & Bath is available via Wild Things Publishing, Hive and other standard retailers | £14.99
To find more inspiration for sunny swims, you can follow Georgie on Instagram and Facebook via @gowildgowest
