Wild Swimming, RUN, SWIMRUN
ITINERARIES
From taking a dip under a waterfall, run an ultra-marathon, or take tidal swim in our local estuaries, we've got you covered
Here at The Old Vicarage B&B, we also partner with a number of local businesses to bring you private activities as 'Bolt-on's' to your existing booking, or special discounted experience holiday stays.
Don't forget we also offer deep tissue sports massage from the comfort of your room, to aid recuperation after events, book in advance to ensure availability.
What are some great wild swimming spots in Snowdonia? We love Llyn Cau and Tal y Llyn lake. We also have upcoming swimming events and private guided swims detailed below.
Event - 19 AUG 2023
Swim - 4k - Endurance
Beat the Tide
Detail:
19 AUG 2023 This is quite a special swim, one of the most beautiful estuary swims in the UK. The swim takes you around Aberdyfi Wharf and Jetty, on past the picturesque village and Penhelig corner. You will then carry on past the Roman Road, Picnic Island and The Outward Bound Trust up to a big yellow house, and to what looks like a small castle (Trefri) on an island. This "castle" will be the turnaround point.
Expect slight tidal assistance at the start & finish, and potentially some swimming against the tide at the turnaround point.
Pre-requisite: You must be able to swim 2km within 45mins.
Dip & Hike
The Old Vicarage B&B | Yr Hen Ficerdy, Corris, Machynlleth, UK
Travel Time
Varies
Approx Price
£200 + £10 per person
Old Vicarage Exclusive partnering WeSwimRun
Dip Explorer
Detail:
Immerse yourself in waterfalls, natural plunge pools, and the stunning lakes of South Snowdonia. Coupled with some hiking along the forest trails, this is one sure way to earn your lunch! We can build an itinerary around your preference in terms of how strenuous the walking will be and which immersive water features you prefer. For more details just text Kirsty on 07572817393 or contact Mike from WeSwimRun direct mike@weswimrun.org
Event - 20 Aug 2023
Swim - 13k - Endurance
The Dyfi 13K
Detail:
20 Aug 2023 An epic swim journey from coast to mountain, and the longest estuary swim race in the UK. "Quite simply the best swim event I have ever done", Kate Whittaker.
If you want an adventurous swim then the Dyfi 13 is for you, but you will need to be able to sustain a pace of 3km/h to be on the start line for this challenge.
New for 2023 - every swimmer will have a GPS tracker enabling friends & family to watch your swim journey unfold.
Self Guided
Llyn Cau, Dolgellau, UK
Travel Time
10 mins
Approx Price
Free
Self-Guided
Llyn Cau
Detail:
Whilst we do not recommend wild swimming if you are inexperienced, there are a number of incredible spots locally to go for a dip. For safety please do not swim alone.
Llyn Cau is situated beneath the southern slopes of the 893m Cader Idris.
The lake is situated in natural bowl-shaped depression and is enveloped on three sides by 400m high imposing cliffs.
You can reach this beautiful mountain lake by hiking up the Minfford Path, one of three routes which take you to the summit of Cader Idris. Parking is available at Dol-Idris car park, and the 2.4km route to the base of lake involves 380m of elevation gain.
Swim Safe:
1 Never swim in canals, urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows
2 Never swim in flood water and be cautious of water quality during droughts
3 Keep cuts and wounds covered with waterproof plasters if you are concerned
4 Avoid contact with blue–green algae
5 Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers
6 Never jump into water you have not thoroughly checked for depth and obstructions
7 Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in
8 Don’t get too cold – warm up with exercise and warm clothes before and after a swim
9 Wear footwear if you can
10 Watch out for boats on any navigable river. Wear a coloured swim hat so you can be seen
Private Guide
The Old Vicarage B&B | Yr Hen Ficerdy, Corris, Machynlleth, UK
Travel Time
varies
Approx Price
£150 + £10 per p
WeSwimRun
Private Guided Swim of Dyfi Estuary
Detail:
Fantastic opportunity to lean on the expertise of experienced wild swimmer guides from WeSwimRun. You'll get picked up from the Vicarage, and taken to your guided swim start point. The 'easiest' swim starts at a 4k (8k total) tidal swim, down the estuary and back. Get in touch with us and we'll get Mike and the team to talk you through the options for your guided swim
Event - 3 June 2023
Run - Half-marathon
Cadair X
Detail:
3 June 2023 One of the toughest "half marathon" routes in the UK, and possibly the most awe-inspiring. The route takes you through ancient woodland, past stunning glacial lakes, historic trails, and challenging mountainous terrain, including the summit of one of Snowdonia's most iconic mountains, Cadair Idris.
Distance: 13.1 miles
Height gain: 1165m
Terrain: 65% trail, 25% mountain path, and 10% tarmac
This is a mountain route with some challenging ascents and descents.
Private Guide
The Old Vicarage B&B | Yr Hen Ficerdy, Corris, Machynlleth, UK
Travel Time
varies
Approx Price
£200 +£10 per p
WeSwimRun
Private Guided Swim of Mawddach Estuary
Detail:
Fantastic opportunity to lean on the expertise of experienced wild swimmer guides from WeSwimRun. You'll get picked up from the Vicarage, and taken to your guided swim start point. This swim is 10k ("Hurly Burly 10k). Get in touch with us or Mike at Mike@weswimrun.org and the team will talk you through the options for your guided swim
Event - 4 June 2023
Ty'n y Cornel Hotel, Tal-y-llyn, Tywyn, UK
Travel Time
10 min
Approx Price
£45
Swim - 2k - Endurance
Tal y Llyn Swim
Detail:
4 June 2023 The course will be 2 laps of a 1 mile rectangle, taking in the very best bits of this stunning glacial ribbon lake.
Two miles is a fabulous swim distance to race in, with many targeting a sub-1 hour time, but this isn't a prerequisite! There is a generous cut off at the end of the 1st lap (1 mile) of 45 minutes.
Swim start will be at 10am, registration will be at the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel.
Make a weekend of it and take on Cadair X Half Marathon on Sat 03 Jun!
Event - 50 miles - Oct TBD 2023
Run - 50 miles - Ultra
Dyfi X Ultra-Marathon
Detail:
Oct TBD 2023 5 0 M I L E S
3800m HEIGHT GAIN
A stunning Ultra Marathon along coast, trail, mountain, river and forest in south Snowdonia taking in 15 peaks including the iconic ridge-line & summit of Cadair Idris.
This is a very challenging, stunning route, and is at times remote. Competent navigation is required.
Dyfi ULTRA has been awarded 4 UTMB points.
Event - 18 JUNE 2023
SwimRun - 12km
Talyllyn SwimRun
Detail:
18 JUNE 2023 A stunning sprint course in a beautiful part of Snowdonia National Park, at the foot of Cadair Idris.
This could be your first experience of swimrun, or a chance to hone your swimrun skills for a big race in the future.
"I just think Tal Y Llyn Swimrun is the essence of what swimrun is about. Journeying through a beautiful part of nature by land and water.
It hit home when I took the dogs part of the way up Cadair Idris and looked back on the glacial lake, and had a real 'this is it' moment"
- Fred Newton, Tal Y Llyn Swimrun Winner 2022
Private Guide
The Old Vicarage B&B | Yr Hen Ficerdy, Corris, Machynlleth, UK
Travel Time
varies
Approx Price
£140 +£10 per p
WeSwimRun
Private Guided Trail Run
Detail:
Private guided trail run around our fantastic area by experienced Trail running guides at WeSwimRun. Get in touch with us or Mike at Mike@weswimrun.org and the team will talk you through the options for your guided run
Event - 15 July 2023
Swim - 8k - Tidal
Tafol Tumble 8k
Detail:
Starting from Aberdyfi beach swim all the way to a pebbly beach where the River Tafol joins the Dyfi Estuary. Here you will "tumble-turn" and swim back to Aberdyfi, your tumble will coincide with the turning of the tide, more or less! A total of 8km.
We usually stop for a drink and snack at the secluded pebbly beach as it would be a shame not to! Everyone loves this swim, find out why.