7 d. ago ‘It’s a disaster’: drought measure to suck water from River Wharfe met with anger

Campaigners accuse Yorkshire Water of negligence and say plan to top up reservoirs will kill the river’s fishWith its pebble beach and shallow areas for paddling, the River Wharfe at Ilkley has long been a popular swimming location in the pretty Yorkshire town. But plagued by sewage and agricultural runoff, the river has been designated as “poor” quality, and a sign has been put up warning people against bathing in it. And now, the health of the river has been put further at risk with emergency drought plans by Yorkshire Water to suck water from it to top up its reservoirs.A drive by campaigners and wild swimmers led it in 2021 to be the first in the country to get designated bathing status – meaning the government tests it for the harmful E coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Scotland's best wild swimming spots crowned as 'magical' pools top list

Another beauty spot was said to have "the clearest water" in the country.

Politics

3 w. ago Escape the heatwave with the 10 best wild swimming spots within an hour of London

Feeling the heat? These are the best swimming spots within easy reach of the capital by train, tube and car

Politics

3 w. ago Six things everyone needs to know before wild swimming in Scotland

Summertime is the best time of year to brave the sea or open water, but there are a few things to bear in mind if you're thinking of taking the plunge

Politics

3 w. ago Revolting health problem infecting wild swimmers. I ended up in hospital from it... this is why you must NEVER put your head under the water now

For the past ten years Kim Hilton has been a regular and enthusiastic 'wild' swimmer, often taking dips along the banks of the River Wye near where he lives.

Science

3 w. ago Wild swimming and TikTok dances: Hiroshima today – in pictures

Aya Fujioka set out to shake the weight of history from her home city and capture her own relationship with it. But she couldn’t help picking up echoes from the past Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago One of UK's 'best wild swimming spots' has beautiful waterfalls and clear waters

There are plenty of beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK but there's one breathtaking spot that's worth having on your radar if you like to avoid the crowds

Politics