Swimming
10 top UK skinny dipping spots
Release your wild side with these secluded swimming spots.
There are few things more liberating in life than swimming outside in your birthday suit. Whether you’re planning your first cossie-free swim, or are a dedicated skinny dipper looking for a new place to paddle, head to these ten tried and tested locations
1. Pedn Vounder Sands, near Penzance, Cornwall
Paddle to Pedn Vounder
© Claudia Gabriela Marques Vieira on Flickr
Best for: Skinny dipping and sea kayaking
Backed by the cliffs of Treryn Dinas, this sandy beach has clear waters and fantastic rock formations. One of several unofficial naturist beaches on the Penwith peninsula, walk here along the coast path or arrive by boat. Do take care with the tides and currents.
2. Fishing Cove, near Godrevy Point, N. Cornwall
Feel free at Fishing Cove in Cornwall
© David P Howard
Best for: Bare-skin swimming with seals
Tucked away down a steep and dramatic path that links with the South West Coast Path, this double-coved beach is part-naturist and often visited by seals. Park in Fishing Cove car park and follow the path to cove.
3. Kirby-le-Soken Jetty, Essex
Jump off the jetty in Essex
© www.wildswimming.com
Best for: A liberating high tide river dip
Park in Kirby-le-Soken village and wander across the fields to reach this jetty and small beach where you can swim at high tide. If you find yourself alone, do away with the swimsuit and dive in.
4. Brighton’s Naturist Beach
Bum's the word.
© [unknown]
Best for: City dipping with fellow naturists
To feel truly liberated in England’s most open-minded city, head west of the pier towards Brighton Marina where a bank of pebbles shelters bare bottoms from other beach goers. Opened on April 1 1980, this official naturist beach can be one of Britain’s busiest.
5. Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
Escape to Anglesey's secluded sands
© Graham Norrie on Flickr CC
Best for: Skinny dipping with Snowdonia scenery
An island-like finger of land that reaches off Anglesey’s southern coast, Llanddwyn is a magical place. Bound into the sea, then swim back to shore while taking in the beautiful mountain backdrop of Snowdonia National Park.
6. Shellness, Isle of Sheppey, Thames Estuary
Heed the signage at Shellness
© Diamond Geezer Flickr CC
Best for: A peachy beach in the south-east
Search for shells or go swimming at high tide at this dedicated naturist beach in eastern Sheppey, near Leysdown-on-Sea. Busy on weekends, there can be up to 100 bare bods here on the sunniest summer days.
7. Linhope Spout, Northumberland
The water's lovely at Linhope Spout
© www.wildswimming.com
Best for: Doing dive bombs in the buff
Creep across the moors and leap into this deep plunge pot, which is set in a pretty glade and fed by a 60ft chute of water. Visit on a weekday for the best chance of privacy.
8. Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg
Strip off at The Singing sands
© Graeme Churchard on Flickr CC
Best for: Wild camping and wild swimming
Listen to these quartz sands squeaking as you pad across barefoot while taking in the views of the neighbouring Isle of Rum. Wild camp beneath the stars and, if the sea is calm, go for a midnight paddle.
9. Plodda Falls, Glen Affric
Really wild swimming at Plodda Falls
© Wiki Commons
Best for: Scottish skinny dipping beneath a woodland waterfall
Surrounded by forest and the remains of Victorian viewing gangways, this large plunge pool sits at the base of Scotland’s second highest waterfall. Plodda Falls parking area is nearby but the tricky scramble down to the pool keeps it crowd-free – perfect for a peachy plunge.
10. Strathmashie Forest
Get your kecks off at Strathmashie Forest
© www.wildswimming.com
Best for: Wild camping with an early morning dip
Pitch your tent by this large, calm pool on the River Pattack in Strathmashie Forest (in the Cairngorms National Park) and wake with the birds for a morning bathe. It’s easily accessible from the road and the small beach here adds to the appeal.
From official naturist beaches to secluded sands, check out Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches for more bare-all swim spots. Follow Lucy Grewcock on Twitter @LucyGrewcock.
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