WILD SWIMMING IN NORTH DEVON

Why swim here
The coast shifts from broad bays to tucked coves. You get variety, scenery, and space. Pick your spot to match the day.

Good places to start
Putsborough offers shelter from common winds. Woolacombe provides a wide, gently shelving beach with room to enter safely. Croyde has stunning views, with calmer edges near the rocks at the right states of tide. Always assess conditions before you swim.

Safety first
Check tides, wind, and swell. Swim parallel to shore. Use a tow float and bright cap. Never swim alone. Enter and exit from clear, sandy sections. If in doubt, don’t go out.

Make it a ritual
Plan a morning dip, then warm up with coffee in the village. Take a sunset swim on calm days for golden light. Keep a thermos and dry robe in the car.

Cottage perks
Book close to your favourite bay. Choose outdoor space for rinsing kit. Pick a bathroom with good heating for warm post-swim showers.

Call to book
Reserve a cottage near Putsborough, Woolacombe, or Croyde. Turn daily dips into the highlight of your trip.

Suggested image alt text:

• “Wild swimmers entering the water at Putsborough Beach”
• “Tow float and bright cap on Woolacombe shoreline”
• “Golden hour swim at Croyde Bay”

Internal links:

• Book coastal cottages: http://www.choice-cottages.co.uk

External links:

• RLSS Open Water Safety: https://www.rlss.org.uk/open-water-swimming-safety
• South West Coast Path: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/