For just £4 you can take a supervised cold-water dip in this gorgeous reservoir
It’s early morning on a Saturday and instead of emerging from under the duvet sporting a raging hangover like I used to in my 20s I’m cold-water swimming in a large reservoir with other brave dippers.
As much as I used to roll my eyes at anything I perceived as woo-woo I’m now part of a growing cohort concerned with wellness and instead of slamming sambuca shots I book organised wild swims, sauna sessions, and ice bath dips like a budget Gwyneth Paltrow.
Like many women my age (25 and some years) I’m now fully in my wellness era. Sambuca shots have been swapped for wood-fired saunas and outdoor swimming and I even found myself googling ‘Vinyasa yoga near me’. Shudder.
If you love wellness near the water Wales has an excellent selection of dreamy wild swimming spots as well as more organised outdoor swim sessions in lakes, rivers, and on our epic coastline.
If you want to connect meaningfully with nature nothing can melt away your worries like slowly wading into freezing water in a quiet natural setting. Trust me – you won’t think about whether you filed that finance report when the water is a chilly 12 degrees.
The key to wild swimming is preparation, practice, and planning. Why not attend an organised event or a controlled outdoor swim session if you feel nervous or unsure? Always swim with a friend and tell people where you are going.
While I do love a sea swim at this time of year the ocean is freezing cold and unpredictable. One rogue wave and you can soon be out of your depth and in trouble. Instead I love to do a supervised cold water dip in a scenic location like Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs.
Built in the late 19th century Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are Victorian landmarks covering 110 acres of green and blue space, home to a wealth of flora and fauna, and offering a peaceful oasis in Cardiff.
Opened in 2023 the redeveloped site underwent a substantial revamp creating a hub for health, wellbeing, and recreation while protecting and enhancing the site’s biodiversity. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here
The centre includes an activity hub for water activities, which all take place on the wildlife-rich reservoir, including open-water swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
There are also circular paths around the reservoirs, nature trails, and access to bird hides. Schools and groups can use the outdoor classroom in the woodland learning zone complete with a Welsh roundhouse constructed as part of a training project with neets and refugees.
I’m a huge fan of swimming and cold-water dipping here – especially in the dead of winter when the water is bracing and you can test your nerve against the single-digit temperatures.
For just £4 you can take a supervised cold-water dip in the reservoir – a bargain considering the mental reset you get from plunging into icy water and immediately forgetting all your minor life dramas and unanswered emails. Honestly, I think it’s cheaper than therapy and much more fun.
The reservoir is now a designated inland bathing water so you know it’s officially a place to get your winter chill on. And the unobtrusive supervision is reassuring. Friendly, vigilant guides keep an eye on everyone, whether you’re a hardened open-water addict or a first-timer.
It’s nice knowing someone’s watching while you gasp dramatically and try to convince yourself that sub-10°C water is actually pleasant.
Apart from the scenic surroundings the health and wellbeing benefits of taking a cold-water plunge are said to include an immune system boost, better sleep, improved stress response, and increased happiness, which I can attest to as I normally feel pretty happy (smug) after an icy dip.
What I probably love most, though, is the peace, floating quietly, feeling like a Nordic goddess amid green space and fellow cold-water dippers.
If you get hooked on swimming here as I did there’s even a 10-session access pass for £75, which works out to 25% off. Basically it’s my excuse to keep coming back without feeling guilty.
Lisvane and Llanishen aren’t just beautiful – they’re safe too. The reservoirs are SAFE Cymru-accredited, which means Welsh Government, Swim Wales, and even triathletes give it their nod of approval. So you can go full-on polar plunge with peace of mind knowing you’re doing it in a place that cares about your survival.
Winter swims here are my personal highlight: the quiet, the cold, and that weirdly satisfying shock when your body remembers it can survive being half-submerged in icy water.
It’s cheaper than a weekend spa, infinitely more invigorating, and, honestly, once you’ve tried it you’ll be plotting your next dip before you’ve even dried off.
One of the biggest benefits of swimming here, especially in winter, is the luxury of hot showers and proper changing rooms. No more awkwardly trying to strip off at the edge of a waterfall while hikers get an unsolicited eyeful (they should be so lucky)
After braving the icy water I love heading to the visitor centre for breakfast and coffee. The first-floor dining area is light and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a balcony where you can watch all the watersports and brave swimmers below. Al fresco dining with a view of the lake? Yes please.
The café is open daily with menus that rotate seasonally and always include vegan and gluten-free options. For quicker stops there’s a downstairs grab and go with short-order breakfast options.
My personal favourite? A bacon and egg bap for £6.50 – ridiculously good and perfectly filling. Add a coffee, a lake view, and lovely friends for company and it’s heaven after an invigorating cold-water dip. I’ll see you lakeside friends!
Find out more information and book here.
