Wild Swimming on Exmoor
There are many wild swimming opportunities near Exmoor Retreats. We have our own river but there are much better and more easily accessible rivers, plunge pools and of course there is Exmoor's amazing coastline with stunning beaches and rocky coves.
Sherdon and Landacre
Small junction pool of Barle and Sherdon, upstream from popular paddling at Landacre Bridge. Open and sunny with plenty of grass but some bog
Content with thanks from https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/sherdon-and-landacre/
Cows Castle and the river Barle
Deepish, smallish pool (10m x 20m x 1.5m deep) in the babbling river Barle in wild scenery beneath the ancient hill fort ‘Cow Castle’. Grass banks, orange asphodels. Long walk from car.
Content with thanks from https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/cow-castle-barle/
Horner Woods Pool
There’s a number of small pools along the river between pool bridge campsite and horner. The one pictured is visible from the main path and is just before a small footbridge, around a mile from pool bridge campsite. Suitable for a dip but not big enough to swim in
Content with thanks from https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/map/hornerwoods-pool/
Woody Bay - Victorian Sea Swimming Pool
Woody Bay is a beach of rocks and some gravelly sand. North facing and backed by high cliffs, parts of the shore are nearly always in shade (the photos were taken on the summer solstice). A waterfall cascades down the cliffs, and to one side is a harbour wall. A short wall has been built between two rocks on the shore to create a small, deep tidal pool.
Content with thanks https://getoutmore.uk/somerset/woodybay.php
