Into the Wild: Wild Swimming in Derbyshire

Words by Olivia Wainwright

If you’d have told me a few years ago that I’d be willing to strip off and and swim in the local river, I probably would have laughed at you. But on a rainy August morning a couple of years ago, on a mission to step out of my comfort zone, I tentatively dipped my toe into the world of wild swimming.

The cold was a sharp, clean shock – one that almost always comes with a few muttered expletives – but then came the rush. The pure thrill, invigoration, and the absolute stillness of being part of something natural and unspoiled. Each swim since has felt like a stark reminder that some of life’s greatest luxuries are found not in the curated, but in the wildness of the world.

Wild swimming, the practice of immersing in natural bodies of water, has found a devoted following across the Peak District and beyond. But it’s not just about the swim. It’s an opportunity for people to rediscover themselves – and their mental well-being. Whether it’s the shimmering reflections on Youlgreave’s River Bradford, the cool depths of the Chatsworth’s estate stretch of the Derwent, or the quiet solitude in banks along the canal, each location holds a different kind of magic – some social and lively, others hushed and meditative.

According to science, cold water swimming releases endorphins and stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help reduce anxiety and lift depressive symptoms. But more than biology, wild swimming offers a mindful escape from overstimulation – no phones, no noise, just breath and water.

My first swim was with a local group who call themselves The Mad Chatters – meeting up every Saturday morning for a dip. And it’s groups like these that help build a community of support and safety for anyone wishing to try wild swimming for the first time. Their social media groups offer advice and tips, and allow swimmers to connect with each other.

Of course, swimming wild always comes with its challenges. The water can be bracing year-round, and many spots require a walk-in approach. There’s also the issue of access – not all waterways are legally swimmable, and respecting both nature and landowners is crucial. That said, there are well-loved spots with open access and a tradition of swimming. Many locals recommend early morning dips at Chatsworth Weir, or summer evenings floating under the trees near Padley Gorge. Wherever you swim, always check for depth, currents, and cold shock risk - and never go alone.

Some swims stay with you – I’ll never forget the morning a kingfisher zipped past my head so close I could almost feel the rush of air. Then there was the quiet discovery of a hidden bend in the river – tucked behind long grass, where the water ran clear and deep and the world fell away.

But perhaps my favourite swim of all, was the time the sky cracked open just as we stepped into the water. Rain fell on us so fiercely it felt like swimming through a storm cloud, while deer watched from the woods with wide-eyed bewilderment, as if questioning our sanity. These are the swims that remind me nature always prevails.

For those who make wild swimming a regular practice, the benefits go far beyond the water’s edge. It’s a grounding ritual in an often chaotic world - a return to your true self, even if just for an hour or so. And in a place like Derbyshire, where we’re surrounded by so much beauty, wild swimming feels less like a sport and more like a homecoming. A moment to be small, still, and submerged in something pure.

So next time you’re walking beside a river path or gazing into a moorland pool, stop. Take off your shoes. Feel the air. And if the moment feels right, step in – and let the water do the rest.