The gorgeous hidden places where you can go wild swimming in Wales

As we bid farewell to a dismal period of weather and begin to see some signs of spring, it signals a return to the great outdoors for many of us. But reconnecting with nature doesn't have to mean following the crowd along well-trodden paths.

So, as the weather begins to warm up, Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide Wales, has picked some lesser-known, beautiful locations where you can appreciate the rugged charm of the Welsh countryside and take a sneaky dip.

For more hidden gems to escape the heat, check out Wild Guide Wales by Daniel Start and Tania Pascoe - available now for £16.99 - or visit www.wildthingspublishing.com.

Dylife Pool, Powys

The breathtaking Ffrwd Fawr falls, which plunge 35m down the cliffside, can be viewed from the road, reports Wales Online. However, only those in the know are aware of this secluded waterfall pool, tucked away in a deep cleft upstream. Be prepared for a challenging scramble down to it though. Try WalesOnline Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features

Kenfig Dunes, Bridgend

A stone's throw from the industrial chimneys of Port Talbot lies one of Europe's largest and most significant active dune systems, fronting a lengthy sandy beach and home to several freshwater pools. A sanctuary for fungi and orchids, it's the only place in Britain where you can spot the rare fen orchid.

Whether you head for the beach or seek out the remnants of the 13th-century castle, almost completely engulfed in sand and ivy, is up to you.

Cilgerran, River Teifi

A formidable twin-towered Norman castle presides over this deep, forested Teifi gorge. Take a dip in the river under the shadow of ancient ruins, or grab a canoe for an adventure.

Lady Falls, Pontneddfechan

Nestled in a wooded amphitheatre, the elegant Lady Falls cascades 10m into a large, deep plunge pool of Sgwd Gwladus. You can even climb behind it and dive back in.

Further upstream, you'll discover the imposing Einion Gam, standing at 21m high and often overlooked. It requires some navigation across the stream, but rewards you with a vast plunge pool, best enjoyed in the morning sun. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here

River Monnow, Skenfrith

Beneath the shadow of a 13th-century castle ruin, this deep section of the Monnow in Monmouthshire offers plenty of space on its grassy slopes for children to play. It features an island and a fantastic rope swing.

There's also a seasonal shop and cafe nearby, although it may not be open due to current circumstances.

Llwyn Corner, Monmouthshire

Located in remote pastureland, on a sharp bend of the River Usk, you'll find a large gravel-and-sand beach that shelves into a very deep pool. Continue along the river for another mile and return by the lane for a scenic circuit and more opportunities for a dip.

Cwm Caseg Lake, Snowdonia

The glacial Caseg valley provides a stunning yet secluded entrance to the mighty but lesser-visited Carneddau mountain range, complete with quarries and a truly wild camping spot. After a long hike, it's the perfect place to cool down.

Witch's Cauldron, Pembrokeshire

This enigmatic and seemingly unreachable lagoon can be accessed by climbing down through the waterfall cave, or by swimming in via one of the sea caves. The coastline here is riddled with caves, making it an excellent spot for coasteering and kayaking adventures. However, caution is advised during high swell.

Minllyn Bridge, Gwynedd

This offers a unique swimming experience under a 17th-century packhorse bridge at Merion Mill. This old slate quarry nestled high in the hills also houses a mill, compressor house, workshops, weigh-houses and several tunnels and chambers - just ensure you're properly equipped before exploring.

Wolf's Leap, Llanwrtyd Wells

This is a valley of wild beauty, open and sunny with flat rocks. Above this small deep pool on the River Irfon is a narrow, sculpted gorge which you can climb down inside.

Porth Dyniewaid, Little Orme

Also known as Angel Bay, it is a wild shingle cove on the lesser-known Little Orme's Head. Set under cliffs, it's popular with climbers and seals often visit with their young in autumn and winter. If you see them, please stay off the beach.

Clydach Ironworks, Brecon Beacons

This features two towering masonry furnaces, connected by tunnels and passageways, lying overgrown and forgotten beside a pretty stream. Once the heart of the industrial revolution, it's now an eerie, seldom visited place, but it does have some nice pools for a dip beneath an iron bridge.

Llangynidr on the River Usk

A picturesque stretch of river near Crickhowell boasts deeper pools upstream, rapid shallower sections and ample flat rocks perfect for picnics. A large pool beneath a waterfall can be found downstream by a wooded crag, although it tends to be shady in the afternoon.

Further downstream, about a quarter of a mile away, there are more secluded pools. However, as the entire Usk has private fishing rights, swimming is discouraged when fishermen are around.

Blue Lake, Golwern Quarry

This former slate quarry offers breathtaking views over the estuary and Cardigan Bay. Several historical remnants, including tramways and an old iron winding-wheel, can be seen. But the main draw is a deep, green-blue rectangular pool. Access is through a short railway tunnel that leads into a vast quarry amphitheatre.

Just resist the urge to emulate the local lads who enjoy cliff jumping.

White Lady Cave, Ystradfellte

This intriguing area features accessible gorges and caves in the uppermost reaches of the Nedd valley. Much of this area is now dry, with the river having found underground paths. Downstream, however, remnants of waterfalls can be discovered, along with a massive (usually dry) sinkhole abyss, and a ravine that hasn't seen water since the last ice age.

Behind the old waterfall lies a stunning cave passage, akin to a gateway into a hidden underworld.

Fairy Glen, Betws-y-Coed

This stunning gorge on the River Conwy, accessible for just £1, offers a large grassy junction pool perfect for a longer swim and family picnic. Upstream, the gorge boasts large rocks to lounge on and a deep section in the middle for swimming.

There's also a massive, easily accessible river pool beneath the A470 bridge.

Rosebush Quarry, North Pembrokeshire

This deep blue lagoon is a lasting remnant of the 19th-century slate quarries in Mynydd Preseli. Originally dug as a pit and allowed to flood, it was then used as a reservoir to power the turbines.