Best Wild Swimming Spots Near Exeter
Written by UK Hidden Gems Editorial
Updated 5 August 2026
The best wild swimming spots near Exeter are Fluxton Weir, Salmon Leaps, Shilley Pool, Spitchwick Common, Sharrah Pool, Staverton Weir, Cullever Steps Pool and Cowsic Waterfall Pool.
Exeter makes a fine base for wild swimmers, with the rivers of east Devon and the pools of Dartmoor all within easy reach. Head east and Fluxton Weir offers a gentle stretch of the River Otter just below Ottery St Mary.
Turn west toward Dartmoor and the choices multiply. In the wooded Teign gorge below Castle Drogo you will find the Salmon Leaps, while the north-eastern moor holds Shilley Pool on the Blackaton Brook and Cullever Steps near Belstone.
The River Dart, on the moor's south-eastern edge, is the star, with the river beach at Spitchwick Common, the long clear water of Sharrah Pool, and the quieter Staverton Weir near Totnes. Higher up, the Cowsic slips over rock into moorland pools near Two Bridges.
Some are a short hop from the city, others a proper drive out onto the moor, but each rewards the effort. Bring warm layers, sturdy footwear and respect for cold, moving water.
Here are eight wild swimming spots to seek out near Exeter.
Fluxton Weir
Photo: David Smith via Geograph.org.uk
Fluxton Weir Just a short drive east of Exeter, Fluxton Weir is a relaxed swimming spot on the River Otter near the hamlet of Fluxton, a little downstream of Ottery St Mary. A calmer, deeper stretch of river gathers above the weir, with churning water below and a rope swing slung over the pool.
Access is across a riverside field, which fills with picnickers on warm summer days. It is an informal, low-key place with no facilities, so bring whatever you need and take your litter home.
Mind the faster water below the weir.
Salmon Leaps
Photo: Lewis Clarke via Geograph.org.uk
Salmon Leaps A little further out toward Dartmoor, the Salmon Leaps is a weir with a stepped fish pass on the River Teign, set in the wooded Teign gorge below Castle Drogo, between Chagford and Fingle Bridge. You reach it on foot along the riverside path through National Trust woodland, and it makes a well-liked swimming spot, with a long river pool above the weir and old stone plunge pools built beside the cascade.
The steps of the fish pass help salmon and sea trout climb the river to spawn. The gorge around it is steep, wooded and quiet, a lovely place to cool off after a walk.
Shilley Pool
Photo: Guy Wareham via Geograph.org.uk
Shilley Pool Out on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor, Shilley Pool is a small, shallow moorland pool on the Blackaton Brook near the village of Throwleigh. Set among the open moor, it is a gentle place for a paddle or a dip, shallow enough to suit children, with a natural rock slide worn into the stream and small cascades a little way upstream.
Reaching it means a short walk of about a mile from the road, mostly uphill on the way out, over ground that can turn boggy. It is a quiet, peaceful corner of the moor with no facilities, so come prepared.
Spitchwick Common
Photo: Derek Harper via Geograph.org.uk
Spitchwick Common Deeper into the moor, Spitchwick Common, also known as Deeper Marsh, is a much-loved river beach and swimming spot on the River Dart near Poundsgate, close to New Bridge. Grassy flats run down to a rocky river shore, with shallow water for paddling near the bank and a deeper pool beneath a wooded cliff on the far side.
The peaty, tea-coloured moorland water is clean, and this is one of the best-loved bathing places on the Dart, busy with families and picnickers on a hot day. Parking is at New Bridge nearby, so it makes an easy day out from Exeter.
Sharrah Pool
Photo: Derek Harper via Geograph.org.uk
Sharrah Pool A short way upstream, Sharrah Pool is a long, deep, clear pool on the River Dart where the river threads through a wooded gorge in the National Trust woods above New Bridge. Held between two cascades and lined with flat granite slabs made for sunbathing, its glassy water stretches out like a natural swimming pool, with a rope swing on the far bank.
It ranks among the best-known wild swimming spots in Devon. Reaching it takes a walk of under an hour up the riverside path through the woods from the car park at New Bridge, and the water stays cold all year.
Staverton Weir
Photo: Christine Johnstone via Geograph.org.uk
Staverton Weir Further down the Dart near Totnes, Staverton Weir sits on the river at the village of Staverton, a well-known swimming spot a few miles upstream of the town. Swimmers use the deeper, calmer pool above the weir rather than the weir face itself, on a quiet, wooded stretch of river with meadows running along the bank.
The old medieval Staverton Bridge stands close by, and the South Devon heritage steam railway runs alongside the Dart here, with a station in the village. There is parking near the bridge, and the water is cold and clear, so it makes a scenic spot for a dip.
Cullever Steps Pool
Photo: Guy Wareham via Geograph.org.uk
Cullever Steps Pool Back on northern Dartmoor near Belstone, Cullever Steps marks a river crossing where the East Okement River meets the Blackaven Brook. The old stepping-stone ford is now flanked by a couple of small army bridges spanning the two streams.
Just downstream, a small pool with a low cascade and a flat slab of rock beside it draws wild swimmers looking for somewhere quiet. It is an informal spot out on the open moor, with no facilities of any kind, so come self-sufficient and take care over the slippery rocks.
Cowsic Waterfall Pool
Photo: Derek Harper via Geograph.org.uk
Cowsic Waterfall Pool Last on the list, the Cowsic is a small moorland river that runs down through open Dartmoor to meet the West Dart near Two Bridges. Along its course it slips over rock into a series of little falls and pools that wild swimmers seek out, and this is one of them.
It is an informal spot rather than a marked place, set among the tussock and granite of the high moor. The river runs cold and clear straight off the high ground, so save it for a warm, settled day.
FAQs
How far is Dartmoor from Exeter for wild swimming?
Most of the Dartmoor pools near Exeter, including Spitchwick Common and Sharrah Pool on the River Dart, sit within a 30 to 40 minute drive west of the city, while Fluxton Weir on the River Otter is closer still, just to the east.
Are these swimming spots suitable for children?
Some are. Shilley Pool near Throwleigh is shallow and gentle, and Spitchwick Common has paddling shallows near the bank, making both popular with families around Exeter. Deeper pools like Sharrah have cold, moving water and suit stronger swimmers.
Is the water cold on Dartmoor?
Yes. The peaty rivers running off Dartmoor stay cold all year, even in high summer, and levels can rise quickly after rain, so anyone swimming near Exeter should ease in slowly and keep an eye on the flow.
Conclusion
From the gentle River Otter close to the city to the wild pools high on Dartmoor, Exeter puts a generous range of swimming within reach. You can keep it easy at Fluxton Weir or Spitchwick Common, seek out the long clear water of Sharrah Pool, or head onto the open moor for Shilley Pool and the Cowsic.
Whichever you pick, the moorland water runs cold and can rise fast after heavy rain, so check conditions, wear sturdy footwear for the rougher walks, and never swim beyond your depth. Take a towel, warm layers and a flask, choose a bright, settled day, and these are the wild swimming spots to seek out near Exeter.
