Best Welsh Dips

Most mornings Mat and Lemmy are leading the 4am run club… crazy fools. 

Massive Goodwash advocates they love everything that involves our natural coastline and mountains and can often be found at a Pen y Fan sunrise climb. It’s the little things! 

The weather has been glorious recently and we asked Mat where his favourite places to have a natural shower with Lemmy after a run or hike were, here are their fave spots;

Llyn y Fan Fach

Llyn y Fan Fach, meaning the lake of the small Beacon is a place where Mat and Lemmy camp overnight and share a dip in the morning. Any muddy paws can be sorted later with their eco woof wash pouch. This wild swimming spot can be found in the shadow of the peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog and Picws Du, two of the towering hills of the national park. What’s more, the 18-metre-deep pool is home to legends and myths, making it quite an intriguing spot! It regularly features in lists of top lakes from all over the world and it’s easy to see why.

This is the place where the fabled lady of the lake arose from the waters to enchant a local boy, they married but things went wrong and she eventually returned to the lake with her cattle. It is said she reappears on the first Sunday every August with her cattle when the waters are bubbling and boiling. Their son, Rhiwallon and grandsons Cadwgan, Gruffudd and Einion inherited her powers and are known to this day as Meddygon Myddfai – the Myddfai healers.

As well as legends, this wild swimming spot is home to a host of Welsh Wildlife that you can admire while taking a dip. Look out for the red kites, buzzards, carrion crows, and kestrels.

Location: Walk along the Brecons Way
Parking: Llyn y Fan Fach car park, SA19 9UN

The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddi

Another fave of Mats’ is The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi.

Hidden away on the National Trust site of an abandoned quarry, this free wild swimming spot can be a peaceful oasis. It can also be busy mind, as there are three ledges from which you can jump into the blue-glass water, so this is one you need to time just right. Find the spot just north of Abereiddi Beach and uncover its past as the St Bride’s Slate Company, which was active until 1910.

The quarry pit at Abereiddi is known for its array of colours, ranging from purple-black to luminous hues of blue-green, giving them their famous earthy lustre. It is in fact the slate that gives the aqua blue colour to the water, offering a truly unique spot for a swim.

After completing your wild swim you could scramble along the rocky coastline or kayak along the beautiful shoreline.

Location: Abereiddi, Haverfordwest SA62 6DT
Parking: Abereiddi Beach car park, £4

Barafundle Bay, Sir Benfro 

If you are looking for a stunning swim in pristine water we can recommend Barafundle Bay, Sir Benfro. This beach could easily be mistaken for an exotic destination with its turquoise green-blue waters and warm golden sands. You need to walk the half mile from Stackpole Quay which means it remains a tranquil even in summer. It’s been voted in the top 5 beaches of the world and it’s on our doorstep, no flights needed just a sense of wonder and a backpack for your towel, swimsuit and picnic. Why have you not been here?

If you are feeling more adventurous, why not try the swimrun route here? Combine running through the open clifftops, and dashing through the forest trails before heading straight into the refreshing sea.

Park at Stackpole Quay and follow the coastal path on foot for approximately 0.5 miles from the car park.

Location: Stackpole Quay, SA71 5LS
Parking: 2 hours £2; daily £4

Sgŵd yr Eira

Sgŵd yr Eira or waterfall of the snow is one of numerous waterfalls in an area of South Wales above Neath known as Waterfall country. Located in a wooded amphitheatre it provides a great dip spot in summer,  but care is needed in winter when the paths can be wet and slippery. The 30ft drop cascades into an emerald pool which you can even walk behind. It’s located on the four falls walk, a 7km circular walk which is well signposted. Lemmy recommended this spot to another of the Goodwash criw, Eira, here she is having a very good wash at her namesake waterfall!