5 romantic wild swims

You, your partner and nature... what could be more romantic than a wild swim? Here are 5 romantic swimming spots in the UK and France

1. Cascades de Purcaraccia, Corsica

Corsica is full of beautiful places to swim, but for an adventurous dip, head to Cascades de Purcaraccia on the east coast of Corsica. The white rocks of the valley have been smoothed into a series of natural bowls and filled with emerald water, creating a couple of natural infinity pools. The waterfalls and slides between the pools are some of the most beautiful on the island.

The nearest town is Solenzara - head into the mountains on the D268. The path is beyond Col de Larone before you reach the bridge over the Puracaraccia.

2. Fairy Pools of Skye, Scotland

The spellbinding aqua-colours of the Fairy Pools makes you want to believe these waters are those of the Seychelles. The water is so crystal-clear you can see piles of pebbles neatly stacked on the river bed, but at 6°C this is an invigorating wild swim. An incredible underwater archway and tumbling waterfalls make this beauty spot worth a shiver, and you can always cuddle up together for warmth afterwards.

The start of the Coire na Creiche and Fairy Pools walk is close to Glen Brittle.

3. Coed-y-Rhaiadr, Wales

Welsh for 'waterfall woods', this Brecon Beacons hideaway is full of caves, wooden gorges, and swallow holes guarded by overhanging trees and songbirds. It's the perfect combination of walking and isolated wild swimming and promises not to get your toes too sludgy.

Pontneddfechan, the nearest town, is 2km from Glyn Neath on the A465 from Swansea. From the roadside Angel Inn turn left and find iron gates just before the old bridge into the woods.

4. Fontaine des Amours, France

In the sun bleached and craggy hills of Corbieres and Roussillon close to the Pyrennes, there's a wooded oasis which is perfect for a romantic dip. Rennes-les-Bains is the closest town, south of Carcassone and Limoux, where you can find natural hotsprings. For a wilder experience, the Fontaine des Amours is a secluded pool in the woods which sparkles ethereal blue and mauve.

Head south from Rennes-les-Bains on the D14, and turn right onto the D74. There's a layby and a small stone wall after 1.3km as your markers.

5. Blackmoss Pot, Cumbria

With water reaching 'bath time temperatures' during summer months, this unusually warm site hosts a natural jacuzzi and a 20m channel sheltered by rock walls. If you've got the nerve, there's also a 2m jump. Moss-covered, ashen rocks surround this Cumbrian swimming spot and baby brown trout roam at deeper depths. If you're feeling bold, and with nothing around for miles, this plunge is perfect for a spot of skinny dipping.

Blackmoss Pot is at the very furthest reaches of Borrowdale; leave Stonethwaite on the path to Grasmere and turn right at Smithymire Island where Langstrath Beck comes tumbling in to join Greenup Gill.