Group of people in wetsuits and swim caps smiling in a lake with a mountain view.
Group of people wearing black hooded "dryrobe" coats walking on a path surrounded by stone walls and trees.
Three people wearing black hooded robes with 'Dryrobe' branding walking on a gravel path in a lush green mountainous area.
Group of women wearing black robes with blue lining, standing outdoors with trees in the background, holding towels and smiling.
Group of people in wetsuits standing by a lake with fluorescent swim buoys, surrounded by greenery.

Updated Itinerary!

Guided Wild Swimming Break - Eryri (Snowdonia)

Discover clear mountain lakes, dramatic scenery, and a sociable, fully guided two-night break exploring the best wild swimming spots in Eryri (Snowdonia). This hotel-based, car-free experience includes free station pick-up, comfortable ensuite accommodation, and expert local guides ready to lead you to stunning swim locations and gentle walks in the heart of North Wales.

Duration: 2 Nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a nutshell:

  • Enjoy a weekend of wild swimming in Eryri (Snowdonia, where we take you out to several different locations.

  • Learn about the culture of wild swimming, and how to choose a good spot and stay safe, all in the company of an expert guide.

  • Relax in our cosy accommodation, with plenty of hot drinks and good food after our days out in the water.

  • Meet a friendly group of fellow swimmers, and let the cares of the world slip away as you enjoy the rejuvenating powers of the fresh air and cold water.

 

Book today…

 

Explore the wild waters of Eryri (Snowdonia) with expert guidance and a sociable stay in historic Caernarfon.

This weekend is designed for anyone keen to discover wild swimming – from confident beginners looking to try it for the first time, to seasoned outdoor swimmers keen to find new locations with local knowledge and the support of the Large Outdoors team.

Our experienced swim guides will lead the group to some of Eryri’s most memorable wild swimming spots, from hidden mountain lakes to clear rivers and tumbling waterfalls. You don’t need previous wild swimming experience – just confidence in the water and a sense of adventure.

Staying in a comfortable hotel in Caernarfon, you’ll also have the chance to explore this ancient walled town with its impressive castle, winding lanes, and rich history. It’s the perfect base for a sociable weekend of swimming, exploring, and making new friends.

This trip is part of our car-free experiences – with free collection from Bangor Train Station making it easy to join without a car.

The view down Llyn Mymbyr in Snowdonia

Why Wild Swim in Snowdonia?

Eryri (Snowdonia) is famous for its dramatic landscapes. Steep ridges drop to deep llyns (lakes), rivers twist through wooded valleys, and hidden waterfalls beckon those willing to take the plunge. Wild swimming here is more than just a dip – it’s a new way to see this landscape, slow down, and really connect with nature.

Cold water swimming offers well-known physical and mental benefits: boosting mood, building resilience, and helping you feel calm and refreshed. With our supportive, safety-focused team on hand, you’ll be able to try new swims at your own pace, enjoy the social buzz of swimming together, and have time to warm up and relax afterwards.

Views of Snowdon looking across Llyn Padarn

Suggested Itinerary

We always adapt to weather and conditions, so this plan is flexible – but here’s what to expect:

  • Check in from 15:00 at our hotel in Caernarfon. Your Large Outdoors host will be ready to welcome you in the bar from 18:00 for relaxed welcome drinks and the chance to meet your fellow swimmers.

    We’ll head out together for dinner (not included), chat through plans for the weekend, and get to know each other.

  • After a cooked breakfast, we’ll head into Eryri to seek out some of its best swim spots. Think clear lakes surrounded by mountains, quiet river pools, and waterfalls that invite you in for a swim beneath their flow. Our guides will choose locations to suit the group, offering plenty of advice and support along the way.
    We’ll break for lunch and continue our explorations through the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll head out for dinner together in Caernarfon – with time to share stories from the day and unwind.

  • Another cooked breakfast sets us up for our final swim session. We’ll head back into the National Park to explore more of the region’s wild waters, making the most of our last morning together. The choice of locations will depend on conditions and the group’s interests, but there’s no shortage of beautiful options. We aim to finish around lunchtime so everyone can head home refreshed.

A group of wild swimmers in snowdonia

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time:
    You can arrive any time from 3pm - the Large Outdoors host will meet the group in the bar for for 18:00. We will then enjoy a group dinner in the hotel.

    Meeting Location:
    Premier Inn Caernarfon,
    Victoria Dock,
    Balaclava Rd,
    Caernarfon
    LL55 1TH

    Parking: There is chargeable off site parking at this hotel.

    Car-Free Experience:
    This is part of our Car-Free Experiences and we will be offering a free collection at 17:00 from Bangor Train Station. We will drop you back here mid afternoon on the last day.

    Finish Time:
    We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Accommodation Address:
    Premier Inn Caernarfon,
    Victoria Dock,
    Balaclava Rd,
    Caernarfon
    LL55 1TH

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:

    • Bed in a Shared Female Room

    • Bed in a Shared Male Room

    • Double/Twin Room

    • Single Room

  • Included:

    • 2 nights hotel accommodation. On a bed and breakfast basis.

    • All transport during the trip including optional free collection from Bangor Train Station.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you.

    • Guided wild swimming sessions on 2 days (Day 2 & Day 3).

    • Cooked Breakfast Buffet.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Packed Lunches & Evening Meals

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Wild Swimming Kit List.

    Wetsuit Advice:
    We strongly recommend bringing and wearing a wetsuit for all our wild swimming trips. While skin dipping is always an option, the nature of our trips – with multiple swims each day – means that without a wetsuit, your body temperature may drop over time, and you could miss out on swims as the day goes on.

    A wetsuit helps you stay warmer for longer, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. It also offers protection from jellyfish, barnacles, and sharp rocks, plus added buoyancy and comfort in colder water.

    Ultimately, the decision is yours – but please be aware that in some remote locations, our guides may deem it unsafe for you to take part in a swim if you're not adequately equipped.

  • Although you will need to be able to swim, you do not need to be long-distance swimmer by any means.

    We are not aiming to swim miles, instead enjoying a greater number of more leisurely swims where you can really take in the views and scenery and appreciate being immersed in the natural world. We will not be heading into open water.

  • • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.