Stunning Welsh waterfalls, lakes and coastlines perfect for outdoor swimming

WATERFALL selfies, river dips and dawn swimming in the ocean, it seems like wild swimming is everyone's favourite outdoor activity right now.

- Portia Jones

This fast-growing activity (also known as open water swimming), is when you swim in a natural body of water, like a river, cove, the open sea, or waterfall, for a bit of cold water therapy.

Wales has an excellent selection of dreamy, wild swimming spots and more organised outdoor swim sessions in lakes, rivers and coastlines.

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 15°C.

Apart from scenic surroundings, the health and wellbeing benefits of taking a cold water plunge are alleged to include an immune system boost, better sleep, improved stress response and increased happiness.

As long as you're a competent swimmer, have a swim buddy and know your limits, this is a superb swim activity for anyone looking to improve mindfulness and de-stress.

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.

If you want to try outdoor swimming, we have a round-up of some of the best places to take a bracing dip in scenic surroundings...

WATKIN PATH WATERFALL,ERYRI NATIONAL PARK

Take an icy dip in the Watkin Path waterfall and soak up the incredible scenery.

There is a series of crystal clear, aqua-blue pools and falls cascading over rocky outcrops where you can take a chilly plunge in a storybook setting.

Many mountaineers consider the craggy Watkin Path the toughest route to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Its final ascent is challenging, and the views are wildly impressive. A cheeky swim spot on this route is probably a welcome relief for those aching limbs.