From plunge pools and rope swings to peaceful river beaches — Shropshire is wild swimming country, and some of the best spots are right on your doorstep.
The rivers and valleys around our huts in Colebatch are laced with excellent swimming spots, and most of them are known only to locals. Here are our five favourites — all within easy reach, and all worth the trip.
1. Clun River, Clun
15 minutes from the huts · Paddling and swimming
A gentle, family-friendly spot and one of our absolute favourites. Park in the village car park, walk down to the bridge, and you'll find a lovely section of the River Clun that's perfect for paddling. The water is clear and shallow in places, making it ideal if you're new to wild swimming or bringing little ones along.
After your dip, the Postcard Café is just a short stroll away — perfect for warming up with a coffee and a slice of something homemade.
Getting there: Park in Clun village car park and head down to the bridge.
2. Berriew Plunge Pool, River Rhiw
35 minutes from the huts · Plunge pool and paddling
Just by the pretty village of Berriew, this is a firm favourite with locals — and once you've been, you'll understand why. A little waterfall feeds a natural plunge pool that drops to around two metres deep, making it brilliant for a quick, exhilarating leap into cool water. There are shallower sections too if you'd rather wade in gently. It's a beautiful, peaceful spot that feels wonderfully tucked away.
Getting there: Park on the road in the village or by the pub.
3. Leintwardine, River Teme
30 minutes from the huts · Multiple spots · Rope swing
Leintwardine is a wild swimmer's dream — there are several great spots here, so it's worth making an afternoon of it. Park near the bridge and drop down to swim underneath it, or head to the opposite side of The Lion pub, where you'll find a sandy, beachy area perfect for sunbathing between swims. Keep an eye out for the rope swing — a rite of passage for any visitor.
If you want something deeper and more secluded, turn left at the bridge just past the petrol station and drive down to the next bridge along. It's a quieter spot with deeper water and well worth the extra five minutes. The Lion is fantastic for food and drinks afterwards — you've earned it.
Getting there: Park near the bridge in Leintwardine village.
4. Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton
40 minutes from the huts · Open-water swimming · Year-round
Set in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, Carding Mill Valley is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the area — and it happens to have a wonderful wild swimming spot too. The National Trust permits open-water swimming in the old reservoir year-round: a deep, gorgeous dip surrounded by rolling moorland with views that go on forever.
It's a longer swim than a plunge pool, so ideal if you want to really stretch out. Church Stretton is a lovely little town nearby for lunch or a wander afterwards.
Getting there: Follow signs for Carding Mill Valley from Church Stretton. National Trust car park on site.
5. River Teme, Ludlow
50 minutes from the huts · River beach · Excellent lunch
Ludlow is well worth a visit on its own, but combine it with a river swim and you've got a near-perfect day out. Head down to the River Teme and find the beach area to the right — a lovely spot for a swim or a paddle in the shadow of one of Shropshire's most beautiful market towns.
Once you're done, dry off and head straight to Csons for lunch. The food is genuinely exceptional — the perfect reward after a wild swim.
Getting there: There is a car park two minutes' walk from Csons, near the playing fields.
Always check water conditions before swimming and never swim alone. For more information on safe wild swimming, visit the Outdoor Swimming Society.
Staying at Oak Hut or Olive Hut puts you right in the heart of it all — five wild swimming spots within an hour, and a wood-fired hot tub waiting when you get back.
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