Wild Swimming in Dartmoor.

My favourite swim spots in Dartmoor.

In autumn 2020 I went to Dartmoor with one sole purpose - to connect with cold water swimming. And connect I did. Having swam in the sea in Brighton I wanted to take my love of water further and explore inland swimming as an adult. Read the whole story here - including what that first dip in Sharrah Pool felt like.

Sorry to be a bore but I hope that it goes without saying that you must respect your environment. Please don’t light fires in Dartmoor, refrain from playing music (believe it or not, others might be seeking silence) and leave no trace. Nature gives us so much, please don’t abuse it or ruin it for others that are finding nurture within in.

Sharrah Pool

Parking : New Bridge TQ13 7

Sharrah Pool is a magical place where you can get a decent swim in still waters all year round. You’ll have to take an hours hike each way with some fairly steep and uneven terrain near Sharrah Pool. A little further on is Mel Pool but I didn't find the terrain fun and Mel Pool didn't really do it for me, I much preferred Sharrah Pool for ease of getting in and the swimming conditions.

On the occasions I’ve been to Sharrah Pool there’s usually a small handful of people hanging out. On weekends it can get busy so try and get there on a weekday if possible.

All directions and details here.

Hembury Woods.

Hembury | SX730 680

This is one of my favourite spots - it was a lot quieter than Sharrah Pool and I did meet quite a lot of local, friendly dog walkers so definitely has more of an off the beaten track vibe. Whats more the walk down to the water is a lot easier and shorter than the walk at Sharrah Pool. You’re essentially parking the car and walking 10 mins to your entry point to the river. I spent a good while here trying to get an image and mine don’t do the spot justice!

Park at the National Trust car park for Hembury Woods, cross over the road and then descend into the woods down to to the river. The path was closed when I went as it had eroded away so after a climb up and a climb down you’ll spot the swimming spot. I really enjoyed my swim here but you will need swim shoes as a bit muddier on the entry point.

Dartington Hall.

Dartington | nr. Totnes

So the image below looks like I’m paddling in a brook - the picture angle is tricking your eye because before me is a large expanse of river as you can see on the left. Dartington Hall is a beautiful place to wander around and then when you arrive at the river there are multiple entry point to the water. I loved having a swim with the swans!

Park at Dartington Hall, head across the field down to the river and you’ll find a couple of entry points whichever route you take down.

I highly recommend a visit to Totnes afterwards - I loved picking round the charity and indie shops (all VERY dog friendly).

Holne Bridge.

Parking | TQ13 7RY

I had seen some accounts of people swimming at Holne Bridge so headed there in the hope of getting in. I couldn't find any parking around the bridge so ended up parking uphill and hiking for 40 mins down to the bridge. Parking using the postcode above cross the road into the woods and follow the path down heading towards Holme Camp and following the wings out to the bridge.. The water isn’t massively deep and there’s not a huge amount of space to swim around the rocks but a tranquil swim all the same.

Haytor Quarry.

Parking | TQ13 9XT

Haytor Quarry was my first destination when I got to Dartmoor, especially as I was camped nearby. I had read that it’s a good starter point for wild swimming but having never swam inland in water that isn’t constantly on the move I got the fear a bit about what creatures might share the waters with me! So my confession here is I didn't actually go in the water here but I enjoyed my very early morning visit here so much I had to share it here and some of you might be a bit braver than me!

Park at the lower car park. Head about 2 o’clock with Haytor Rocks at noon and you’ll know you’ve found the quarry when you see a fence. There are two entry points to the quarry through a gate. It’s a fairly easy route just 10 mins from the car park. I highly recommend a walk up to rocks while you’re here - it’s a popular spot for a reason.

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