Rachael Hobbs of Pen Y Bryn Outdoor Learning described a weekend of swimming and exploring in early July in North Wales.

“This weekend is for people who love to swim and want to explore some of the best wild swimming spots in North Wales. You might not have regular access to these kinds of places—but for one weekend, we’ll take care of the details so you can just turn up, get in the water, and enjoy. We’ll visit the beach, mountain lakes and rivers, with a mix of relaxed dips and optional distance swims. Come with a sense of adventure and a few towels — we’ll handle the rest between July 4th and 6th.”

Participants can bring their own tent and bedding to Henbant Permaculture Farm at Tain Lon, Clynnogfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Vegetarian food, transport, lifeguarding, and activity guiding will be provided for £275 all-inclusive with an additional £10 for each sauna visit.

Hobbs explains, “This event is not-for-profit and creates local social impact. On Friday, July 4th, arrive from 3:00 pm at Henbant Permaculture Farm. After a welcome drink and a slice of cake, we’ll head to a nearby beach for a relaxed sea swim and paddleboard session. Then it’s back to the campsite for a freshly cooked vegetarian dinner, time around the fire, and a chance to unwind in the woodland sauna.

On Saturday after breakfast, we will head into Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)—home to some of the most spectacular mountains and wild water in the United Kingdom. We’ll spend the day hiking to swim spots away from the crowds with a qualified mountain leader and open water lifeguard. We’ll summit one of the Welsh 3000s—a mountain over 3,000 feet high, then stop for a freshly packed lunch on the trail. When we return to camp, we will be treated to a vegetarian fire-cooked feast by Nomad, and a relaxed evening under the stars.

On Sunday after breakfast, we head to Llyn Padarn, a beautiful glacial lake near Llanberis, for a fully supported swim. You can choose your distance: 1 km, 2 km, or the full lake length of 3.2 km. There’s full safety cover, support throughout, and the option to hop out earlier if needed. No pressure—just a great chance to stretch your swim distance in good company. Afterwards, we’ll return to Henbant for lunch, a guided yoga session to stretch out, and final tea and cake before heading home.“

If there are 16 bookings, free places on the guided adventure day trips will be donated to local people who would usually experience barriers to outdoor activities, including refugees, people in addiction recovery, and survivors of domestic abuse. These are delivered in partnership with charity partners across North Wales.

£275 include:

• 2 nights camping at Henbant (bring your own tent and bedding)
• Guided mountain hike and wild swim day (qualified mountain leader, qualified open water lifeguard)
• Beach swim and paddleboarding session with an instructor
• Supported freshwater distance swim with safe exit points and open water lifeguards
• Yoga session
• Minibus transport to swim and hike spots
• Vegetarian meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (freshly cooked) and the essential daily tea and cake.
• Free adventure days for local charities

Not included is the Woodland sauna that is £10 per session, payable by cash.

This weekend is for swimmers who want to explore new places, meet like-minded people, and try something a bit different. You don’t need to be fast—just comfortable in the water and happy outdoors. 

For more information, email info@penybrynoutdoor.cymru or register here.

© 2025 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.