New Guide to Wild Swimming in South West England Released in May

Hidden Wild Swimming Spots Revealed in New South West Guide

A new outdoor guide set for release next month is aiming to shine a light on some of the South West’s best wild swimming locations, from coastal coves to inland rivers and moorland pools.

Published by Vertebrate Publishing, Swimming Wild in South West England by Siân Anna Lewis brings together more than 50 locations across the region, offering a mix of well-known spots and more secluded waters.

A Guide for All Levels

The book is designed to appeal to a wide range of swimmers, from those curious about trying wild swimming for the first time to more experienced swimmers already familiar with outdoor waters.

It includes practical advice on access points, safety, tides and currents, conditions underfoot, and potential hazards. Alongside this, readers will find detailed descriptions of each location, supported by photography and both Ordnance Survey and custom maps.

The guide also highlights places to warm up after a swim, including recommended saunas and refreshment stops.

From Dartmoor to the Coast

Drawing on Siân Anna Lewis’s experience swimming across the region, the book covers a variety of environments. These include hidden plunge pools on Dartmoor, coastal spots along Devon, and rocky coves in Dorset.

While the focus is on wild locations, the guide also features a selection of paid-for lakes. These sites offer facilities such as lifeguards, water quality testing and on-site refreshments, providing an option for those looking to build confidence before exploring more remote settings.

About the Author

Siân Anna Lewis is an award-winning travel and outdoors journalist. She has written for publications including Lonely Planet, The Telegraph, The Guardian and The Sunday Times, and edits the blog The Girl Outdoors.

As well as this latest release, Siân has written several other books including The Girl Outdoors, Wild Escapes and Under the Stars, and co-authored Best Day Walks Great Britain. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and toddler.

Release Date and Pre-Orders

Swimming Wild in South West England is due to be released on 7th May 2026. The book is available to pre-order now on Amazon.