Shepherd’s huts with wild swimming spots nearby

Dump your bags, strip off and leap into the swimming ponds as soon as you arrive at Caban Eric in North Wales. The ponds are stream fed and dug to 4.5ft deep, perfect for refreshing plunges to shake off the journey and get the blood pumping. Once you’ve hauled yourselves out, shivering and invigorated, dry off in the hammock and take in the gorgeous woodland surroundings. Soon it’ll be time to whip up some dinner in the outdoor cooking space and start planning the next day’s walk. You can reach Offa’s Dyke trail on foot from the cabin, explore Moel Fammau Country Park or walk across the hills to the Cross Foxes in Nannerch for hearty pub food and a pint.

He’s a charming soul with underfloor heating, a wood-fired hot tub for two, a private bathroom and a king size bed. The high-spec hut is finished in gorgeous style with vintage accessories, pops of Your very own Scottish glen features a meandering river at the bottom just waiting for toes to be dipped in. Bracing? Definitely, but with mountain views to die for. Lengths in the local leisure centre are going to be a serious let down after this. The wild adventures aren’t just limited to swimming at off-grid Bruadar – there’s kayaking at Backwater Reservoir and skiing, rock climbing and hill walking in the snow capped Cairngorms, just 10 miles away. After a day of adrenaline-fuelled activities, pour a glass of something local, kick back on the chairs fashioned from whiskey barrels and take in the epic views. You’ll understand why the owners chose to get married in this very spot.

Within easy reach of the spectacular Jurassic Coast, Toller Hut offers sanctuary and seclusion away from the crowds on the beach. It’s a quick sprint from the hut, then a flying leap from the jetty into the private swimming lake fed by spring water. If you'd rather stay dry you can take the pontoon out instead and let your fingers trail in the water. Warm up in the Hikki wood fired bath afterwards before feasting on local goodies that you’ve picked up from artisan food shops in Beaminster. Toller Hut doesn’t scrimp on luxuries and with Egyptian cotton sheets and a king sized bed you’re practically guaranteed a deep, dreamless sleep.

Get lost in Campbell Woods in Gloucestershire until you stumble across a lake where you can swim, canoe and paddle board surrounded by rhododendrons and bamboo. It used to be a Victorian pleasure garden so don’t hesitate to dust off that stripy, knee-length bathing suit. A bit more exploration of the woodland trails and you’ll discover the courses and classes on offer at this magical site - try your hand at yoga, qi gong, archery, woodworking, foraging and campfire cookery. Tay’s Hut is sweet and simple, up a hill, with gorgeous views over the hills. After a day or two you’ll feel so immersed in forest life that your inner child won’t want to emerge from this woodland paradise.

Myrtle shepherd’s hut in Herefordshire likes to keep you guessing. Inside it’s all dark wood and vibrant Moroccan flair but step blinking into the light outside and you’ll find an idyllic English riverbank. Take an invigorating dip in the cool waters then use the handy rope to pull yourself back up onto the peaceful grassy bank and dry off in the sun. Country pubs and the delights of Ross-on-Wye are close by but if seclusion is what you’re after, there’s no need to leave your riverside retreat. Whip up al fresco feasts on the BBQ, have a leisurely game of tennis then settle in for another relaxed session by the water, watching ducks and otters drift by.

Swinburne is designed for shepherds who like the finer things in life. Things like hot tubs, armchairs and a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom. (Don’t worry, you’ll still find a few sheep for authenticity). The shepherd’s hut overlooks a picturesque babbling stream, ideally viewed from the chairs on the deck with a book and some of the owners’ homemade sloe gin. The best wild swimming spot is in the river at Chollerford, three miles away, where the water is calm, often surprisingly warm and shallow enough for beginners. For a really special date night on dry land, head to Kielder Observatory after sunset for a nighttime stargazing experience under vast Northumberland skies.

Just up the valley from off-grid Curlew hut, the river Coquet has some spectacular wild swimming spots against the backdrop of Northumberland’s most dramatic countryside. Try Policeman’s Pool in Shillmoor, a long, deep pool well-loved by locals. Back at the hut, you’re refreshingly free of WiFi and TV so there’s nothing to do but relax, listen to the birds and drool over the contents of your welcome hamper. Owners Tim and Emma are on a mission to increase the biodiversity on their farm so you get to enjoy the results of their hard work, spotting owls, otters, roe deer, hares, badgers and amazing wildlife all around.