Wild Swimming itineraries

Trek through towering limestone cirques, cross remote mountain passes and plunge into glacier-fed alpine lakes — all independently, at a fraction of the guided tour price. This self-launched version follows the same iconic Pyrenean route through Gavarnie, Troumouse and the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, staying in the same mountain refuges and a budget-friendly hotel in Luz Saint Sauveur. You'll swap the group transfer for a cheap FlixBus or shared shuttle from Toulouse, book your refuge nights directly online, and follow well-marked GR10 and HRP trails with a good map app. Estimated costs are approximate and based on 2024 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£405

Trek Slovenia's iconic Julian Alps, wild swim in glacial lakes, and feast on local mountain food — all independently. This self-launched version follows the same route as Much Better Adventures' guided trip, swapping guided group transfers for local buses and rental cars, and guided hikes (which are well-marked and accessible solo) for self-navigated trails. You'll stay in comparable alpine hotels in Preddvor and Kranjska Gora, save significantly on guiding fees, and still enjoy every highlight: Goli Vrh, Golica Mountain, Lake Bled, Lago di Fusine, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand dinner. All trails are well-marked with Slovenian alpine signage; a good hiking app like Komoot or Mapy.cz is all the navigation you need. Costs below are estimated per person based on solo/pair travel in peak season.

Travel Crew

~£475

An epic self-launched cross-border trek through the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije) of Albania and Montenegro — same dramatic passes, wild swims, and mountain guesthouses as the commercial tour, but booked independently for a fraction of the cost. You'll cross the iconic Valbona Pass, dip in a glacial lake beneath Mount Jezerca, summit Taljanka (2057m), and wander through Albania's remotest villages. Overnight bags can be arranged with local guesthouses via horse or jeep. All routes are well-documented on Wikiloc and Maps.me — just pack a solid daypack, a soft duffel, and a sense of adventure.

Travel Crew

~£420

Trade the guided group price tag for the freedom of doing it yourself — same stunning Cretan gorges, sea caves, pink sand lagoons and wild swims, a fraction of the cost. Based near Kissamos in western Crete, this self-launched version follows the same route: hike Sirikari and Kampos gorges, swim to sea caves and Limpet Island, snorkel a WWII shipwreck, and finish at the turquoise pools of Elafonissi. You'll book a local guesthouse, hire a car or use taxis to reach the trailheads, and join self-bookable guided sea-swimming or snorkelling sessions where needed. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£650

Trade the premium price tag for the same jaw-dropping Arctic experiences — same fjords, same midnight sun, same wild swims — but booked independently. Fly into Alta via Oslo or Tromsø, base yourself in a cosy guesthouse or self-catering cabin near the Altafjord, and self-book e-bike rentals, canoe hire, husky hikes and sauna sessions directly with local operators. Norway's far north is surprisingly navigable solo, and the savings are significant.

Travel Crew

~£500

Experience the wild beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia) on your own terms — no group tour markup required. This self-launched weekend takes you hiking the dramatic quarry trails to Elidir Fach, stand-up paddleboarding on the glacial waters of Llyn Padarn, wild swimming in the lake, and warming up in a lakeside sauna. You'll stay at Dinorwig Lodge or a comparable local hostel, sort your own transport up to Bangor by train, and book activities directly with local providers — saving a significant chunk vs. the guided group price. All the adventure, none of the premium.

Travel Crew

~£210

This self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' popular Crete hiking and wild swimming trip lets you explore the same stunning gorges, sea caves, pink sand lagoons and open-water swim spots at a fraction of the guided-tour price. Based in Kissamos on Crete's northwest coast, you'll hire a rental car to reach remote coves and trailheads, swim the same turquoise bays, hike through Sirikari and Kampos Gorges, snorkel a WWII shipwreck, and feast on traditional Cretan taverna food every evening — all on your own schedule. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£530