Two Different Dips
An immersive day of chilly plunges from a peaceful lake to river rapids
I’m always looking for opportunities to spend time in open water as well as beside it. For my first wild swim of the year, I had my sights set on Llyn Dinas, a small lake in Gwynedd, North Wales.
Not only is Llyn Dinas safe for swimming, but it’s also recommended for canoeists and paddle boarders. Perfect for my partner Max and I, as we just so happened to have a brand new canoe and were itching to chuck it into water.
Christened ‘Moonbob’ after our joint fondness for the moon and her habit of (hopefully) bobbing on water, our two-person canoe was inflatable and ready to embark on her maiden voyage in no time. I may not have quite pulled my weight during the unboxing process, as I was distracted by dozens of small fish that settled around my feet as I stood in the shallows.
As someone with a generous clumsy streak, clambering into the canoe had the potential for calamity and carnage. But I managed to arrive inside Moonbob without capsizing her and we were off!
It became rapidly apparent that I don’t hit the rowing machine hard enough in the gym, as my arms and back were soon aching from the paddling exertions. But the beauty was, we had no destination or even goal in mind beyond dabbling around on the lake, so when I needed a breather I leaned back in my cushty inflatable seat and floated, happy as a clam.
It was just the kind of serene experience I’d been hoping for: the soft slosh of the canoe as it wrinkled the water, the sun’s sparkle on the surface and the occasional chatter of chaffinches in the trees lining the banks. We moseyed across the lake, paddling for a closer look at scraggly islands, a skinny waterfall and a herd of cows stopping by for a drink.
After sunning ourselves dry, we travelled three miles down the road to Aberglaslyn Pass, where the same water from tranquil Llyn Dinas now surged over rapids through a winding river gorge.
Three demoiselles appeared near the bank, flickering like windswept sycamore seeds. These insects are a blend of helicopter and ballerina, wheeling around with flowing movements and general whimsy. Dazzling with blue and green iridescence, they rested perilously close to the water, settling on single blades of grass at times.
We forded the river – i.e., Max flung me over his shoulder fireman-style – and joined the path on the opposite bank. There, a steady stream of river traffic passed by: grey wagtails, dippers and more demoiselles, with plenty of foxgloves and oak saplings too.
When we reached a crystal-clear pool, Max couldn’t resist having another dip. I thought I’d be happy perching on a rock and splashing my feet, but seeing him have all the fun soon had me wading in with a gasp and a shiver.
The pool was lovely, but soon both current and curiosity drove us towards a narrow funnel in the rock. My legs were tugged through by the jet of water but I remained safely tucked at the pool’s edge. The river churned up clouds of fine bubbles like those frozen in glass.
Eventually I’d pruned up enough, and clambered onto a lichen-fuzzed boulder to dry off for the second time that day. Walks along the edge of Llyn Dinas and Aberglasyn Pass would have been just fine, but the experience was so much more heightened by being immersed in them.
Note: I recommend wild swimming to everyone as a soothing and unique way to explore the outdoors, but open water can be dangerous. Stay safe by keeping to a depth you’re comfortable in, and swimming with others or asking someone to spot you from shore. Also, have snacks and cosy clothes on standby for when you get out!
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Trossachs Rainforests & River Dips
At the start of this month I was in the Trossachs National Park researching a magazine feature, but made sure to add in plenty of other adventures. You can read about my first day taking on The Cobbler mountain at the end of this post.
This sounds and looks absolutely glorious. I love being in or on the water and have enjoyed kayaking, windsurfing and white water rafting. I love wild swimming too, but I don't get to do it enough sadly. I have enjoyed Hampstead Heath ponds, Loch Lomond, River Etive, and Lake Constance though. More at some stage I hope 😊
I didn't even know inflatable canoes existed! Would you recommend? Any main pros and cons?