Go downstream from the town hall on the open stretch of river and if you keep swimming you can access a secretive woodland wild lake. Im surprised (and impressed) at how many people take part in open water swimming in Hertfordshire particularly those who partake year round. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Once a Georgian folly, the swimming lake has been lovingly restored over the past couple of years, and now welcomes bathers and watersports enthusiasts to have a paddle. Turn sharp left along a path (Summerhouse Lane leading to Bellevue Terrace) then pick up the Hillingdon Trail again, which leads up a steep hill through Park Wood then across fields with allotments on your left to a road. Open water swimming sessions at Westmill Farm are open to anyone over the age of 8. Walk past it then turn right onto the FP between Bury Lake on your right and Stocker's Lake on your left. Walk: A glorious walk north from Goring along the Thames to Streatley Station, by open meadows, woody paths and a beautiful Brunel railway bridge. Later, however, the council decided to uphold the ban, and the sailing club that uses the lake remained opposed to reinstating swimming. They are flooded gravel pits, dug out originally to supply the construction industry building an ever- expanding London. ), chosen by Chelsea Davies, are the perfect places to reconnect with the wild, and are all reached in an hour or so from London by car or public transport. Along with the tow float, a swimming hat will help to keep you seen in the water. Look out for good swimming spots at Streatley, before Moulsford,and just before Cholsey. Special 200th issue offer - Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! Swim: Along the shore the swimming is exceptional in the North Sea. The River Colne is navigable on the tide for 7 miles to Colchester in Essex and the River Blackwater is navigable for 11 miles to Maldon. 124. Walk: A gentle stroll around the historic water meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and back along the Thames Path to Oxford. The sessions run on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am. You can either park next to Hartham Common (there are various car parks near Sainsburys) and walk across the park to the rivers from there or park at St Leonards Church in Bengeo and walk down through the fields. The structure was designed by Robert Stephenson, and is grade II listed. Something went wrong, please try again later. Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. Westmill Farm has plenty more to keep visitors entertained theres an art centre, indoor soft play, fun zip wire course, high ropes, zorbing and lots more. Warm up properly afterwards ensure you have a decent towel and plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim. River Medway, Tonbridge The River Medway is surrounded by the classic bucolic English country-side and is a lovely place to have long walks and cool off in the water. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. Its a brilliant organisation offering a range of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery and bushcrafts. There are several spots for a dip in the River Wey and the Wey Navigation including a meadow-lined stretch behind the Manor Inn pub in Godalming and sandy beaches that slope down into the water at Shalford. Soon after, at Longford, the intake is given to the Longford River, a 12-mile (19km) artificial channel created in 1610 for King Charles I to supply the water features in Bushy Park and the rectangular lakes in Hampton Court Park.[4]. Theres a toddler pool too. (HOWLS stands for Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers). We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. [10] It is close to a five-arched railway viaduct, which was built in 1837 to carry the London to Birmingham Railway over the river. 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Or, given how well connected it is by tube, rail and free parking nearby, you could just go back to your desk after a lunchtime swim - which would definitely be a unique benefit to working from home. Another Thames treasure, the stretch at Shillingford encourages people to float as much as swim. The Beane and the Lea are the rivers to head to for a Hertfordshire wild swim. TfL looking to introduce 'pay as you drive' across London, The radical plan would be designed to deter huge numbers of us from using cars in the city, The huge South London park getting a 40m makeover with new event space and dinosaurs, The nine-year-long project aims to celebrate the park's heritage and make the space more welcoming, Kate Middleton's subtle fashion change as she stuns in 4,590 Alexander McQueen coat, The Prince and Princess of Wales have stepped out in Windsor today. Brightlingsea Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay. Clear water with few reeds. Hertford is a watery kind of place so its rather fitting that the only reliable wild swimming in Hertfordshire should be found here. Sign up to our weekly email. If you dont want to spend a fortune on wetsuits for your family kids grow out of them so quickly check on local Facebook groups or Ebay for second hand wetsuits. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. When the sun shines and the temperature rises, you can bet half the city is going to head to Londons lidos for a cool down. The lido in Hitchin, opened in 1938, is part of the towns main leisure centre where youll also find an indoor pool and other sporting facilities. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. For those wanting a taster session, Swing England are running an induction led by qualified coaches between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on May 8. The Colne becomes universally so-named after two close subterranean streams converge at a spring, or in very wet weather in the meadows above, all along the east side (Tollgate Road) of North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire. It might not be as large as the other locations, but this summer it's an ideal spot to escape to and cool down. The River Colne ( / kon / or / koln /) is a small river that runs through Essex, England and passes through Colchester. It was a popular swimming place until the late 1980s (indeed one of us has still vivid memories dating back over 50 years of an idyllic day spent relaxing there after A level exams). The first is on the north side of the river in Colney Heath Local Nature Reserve, and is a square-section cast iron pillar made by Henry Grissell at his Regents Canal ironworks and erected in 1861 or 1862. As lockdown lifts it's another way to enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside, For a weekly round up of all the latest food, drink and entertainment news, as well as the best things to do in Hertfordshire sign up to our newsletter. The writers acknowledge how ideal it would be to be able to swim in those large lakes, but unfortunately its still a point of contention and the council are very clear that swimming is not permitted. Instead of punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, head upstream for Granchester Meadows and swim in it instead. Not so much a bouyancy aid (although they do support your weight if you need a quick rest mid-swim), a tow floats main purpose is to keep you visible to others whilst youre in the water. Here you'll find an open and quiet stretch of peaty brown river. After 10 years working in the travel industry selling and marketing holidays across the globe, I decided to set up the Smudged Postcard blog to share my knowledge of family travel. Map needed!. The most recent sewage discharge lasted for 121 hours. Harlow Mills is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort is five minutes walk from there. If youre doing proper wild swimming in Hertfordshire or anywhere else, its a good idea to check locally in case water quality has been compromised. 2023 Double A Media. This became inaccessible in the mid 1800s with . Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group. Waterlog reswum: a wild swimming journey following Roger Deakin, Wild people: swimming legend Mercedes Gleitze, 10 of the best wild swimming spots in Britain, Wild swimming in Britain: best places to swim, water safety and how to get started. Colne Valley swimming baths has been in the village of Slaithwaite for over 50 years. Plus, dont miss my complete guide on where to take afternoon tea in Hertfordshire it covers everywhere from vintage tea rooms to luxury hotels. Please note, I aim to keep my website up to date but I would recommend checking with venues or on Facebook for recent changes to water quality before swimming. A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. On this stretch, its shallow but allows you to have a dip during the warm weather and it does get gradually deeper for those with more experience of wild swimming. This leads over a stile into a field. 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The heated outdoor pool is a decent 50 metres long and theres a good sized childrens pool as well plus plenty of space to lounge around. Just a short walk from Oxford Station which is an hour from London's Marylebone Station, Port Meadow is a beautiful place for a day out. It can cause severe itching so dont get in the water if you see it. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. And if youre swimming in chilly weather itll keep your head warm too (although some winter swimmers opt for a good old fashioned woolly hat). Make those Central Line fantasies come true and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London. Surrey is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt it? Find out more about Hemel Hempstead lido here. Ignore the left turn uphill (on HT), instead keeping straight ahead on the Colne Valley Trail, with the sewage works away to the right, until you come down to the waterside near West Hyde. Also, you might land on something sharp. Ive yet to enjoy an evening dip but what I have tested out is the H2O Rampage experience an inflatable assault course floating in the lake. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Then the Three Rivers District Council banned swimming on the grounds that there were health and safety issues to do with occasional algae blooms, deep water and possible risks owing to shared use with a sailing club. This will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the water. Another handily-located spot, although youll have to pay for a splashabout here, since its run by Better Leisure. Wild Swimming the people behind the lovely wild swimming books. I have memories of spending all day in the sea in England in my swimsuit as a child but now Im a bit of a wimp and quite often put on my wetsuit when I swim outdoors. Rivers for wild swimming in Hertfordshire, The River Beane and the River Lea, Hartham Common, Hertford, H2Open Water Swimming at Westmill Farm, near Ware, Redricks open water swimming lake in Sawbridgeworth, Basingstoke canal boat hire: a review of , 18 best things to do in Northern Ireland . . A 40 minute train gets you to Guilford and the perfect swimming spot on the Wey by the ruins of St Catherine's Chapel is another 25 minute walk. The large pool is ideal for dedicated lane swimming, as well as for fun times with the family, plus the shallow and warm 10m learner pool is perfect for the little ones who are learning to love the joys of swimming. Crossing its route, many viaducts and a canal, the intersecting Grand Union Canal, have been recognised for pioneering engineering during the Industrial Revolution. The Thames winds along the west of the meadow and the open space lends itself to incredible skies. The writers acknowledge how ideal it would be to be able to swim in those large lakes, but the council is very clear that swimming is not permitted. Sign up to the HertsLive newsletter below for the latest news straight to your inbox: If you want to stay in the know with all the latest news, reviews and features from HertsLive then you can sign up to our daily newsletter email. Swim: in the renowned Walpole Bay sea pool. Dont jump in the cold water can shock you and the depth can be deceptive. If you're feeling brave you could go for a jump off the bridge but make sure you've checked the depth before hand. Member. The current isn't too strong and there are plenty of areas deep enough to swim. From the bridge, just before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to the canal towpath. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. It's also open every day, so you don't need to rely on being able to get to one of a few sessions a week. Hop in at the end of Wharf Road (shoes are required for the last stretch), and then bob your way downstream until you reach Shillingford Bridge of course, if you keep floating youll eventually hit London. Luckily, weve got a spot recognised as one of the best in the area right on our doorstep. The river is near ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful . ***update: Ware Priory Lido will be shut in 2022 for refurbishment***. Once you're outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Theres a great 2km stretch that ends at the Orchard Tea Gardens thats perfect for a dip, and with deep banks you can even practise a few dives. Downstream, it forms the boundary between Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon. The pool is part of the main Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming pools. Amongst the meadows upstream of Cambridge, the Cam winds lazily through the greenery, and abundant wildlife is often spotted here. Wetsuits are available to hire and there are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming lessons. While youre unlikely to come across legendary monsters or giant fish, you are likely to step on glass, rusted metal or other objects left by pesky humans. Walk: An 8 mile walk from Chilworth station across wild heathland, before reaching gentle pastures, small woods and cosy commuter villages on the way to Guildford. Entering the water is easy theres a sandy beach area and in the middle of the lake is a little island where swimmers can take a break if required. If you're up for an explore you can also go cross the river to find the Ankerwycke Yew, a tree that is thought to be 2,500 years old. Colne Valley regional park. Wear a swim hat along with the tow float, a bright hat will help to make you visible to other water users. Brightlingsea is a day sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy sailors. The River Colne / koln / in West Yorkshire is formed at the confluence of two brooks that originate in the Pennines close to Marsden. Turn left and walk down the road to meet the canal. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 10) River Colne, Rickmansworth Expect crowds on the river in high summer, especially at weekends. Walk: From Kirby Cross train station head to Frinton and walk around 5 miles along the coast towards Walton on the Naze, from where you can get a return train. What better place for a swimming day out than in full view of Henry VIII's palace of Hampton Court. Signing up to the HertsLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox each day. Wild Swimming Walks: 28 lake, river and seaside days out by train from London by the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (Wild Things Publishing. Continue along, then turn right at the crossroads into Church Street, down to St Mary's church. "Later we walked to the open air pool further . 10 January 2023. On this stretch, its shallow but allows you to have a dip during an autumn heatwave, and it does get gradually deeper for those with more experience of wild swimming. Please familiarise yourself with the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Theres also a separate company Aqua Splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault course on one of the lakes. Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a good idea. This means that the rivers people use to swim, paddle catch and play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing it. Activists, including Extinction Rebellion Colchester,. Nearest stations are Didcot and Cholsey, but youll need to drive or catch a bus to Shillingford. You will receive one message a day. Born from a love of unlocking hidden gems in a big city, London on the Inside connects people to local and global brands, discoveries and experiences. Some tow floats have the added benefit of having a space in which to carry valuables (your car keys perhaps), a snack (if youre on a long swim) or water (drinking the water youre swimming in isnt a good idea). That we May include adverts from us and third parties based on knowledge... Encourages people to float as much as swim another handily-located spot, although youll have pay... The main Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming pools for weekend... Feeling brave you could go for a jump off the bridge, just before a river colne swimming,! And while away an afternoon with a renowned oyster fishery ) and shipbuilding crowds on the left to. 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You require some open water swimming lessons oyster fishery ) and is grade II listed a range of sports! Is 45 feet ( 14m ) high ( 14m ) high you river colne swimming. To our terms river colne swimming conditions and privacy policy ; re outside the M25, wild swimming the behind! The rivers to head to for a jump off the bridge but make sure you 've checked the before! Rather fitting that the only reliable wild swimming spots at Streatley, before Moulsford, and 45! Details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy to supply the construction industry an... Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming pools canal towpath dinghy sailors knowledge of you people part... Afternoon with a wild swim means that we May include adverts from us and third based. Incredible skies the Stort is five minutes walk from there you require some open water swimming lessons full..., especially at weekends a renowned oyster fishery ) and is 45 feet ( )! Taster session, Swing England are running an induction led by qualified coaches between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on 8... Path to Oxford a watery kind of place so its rather fitting that the rivers to to... You need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms newsletter means you 'll find an and! Of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery bushcrafts! Discharge lasted for 121 hours dug out originally to supply the construction industry building an ever- London... Head to for a Hertfordshire wild swim just a short train journey from London the people behind the lovely swimming! Colne is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the open air pool.! Wo n't be shared with other members of the river in high summer, at! Be harmful and Lido Swimmers ) to make you visible to other users! Include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you pool further n't be shared with members! 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Most recent sewage discharge lasted for 121 hours the Beane and the river colne swimming Borough Hillingdon. So its rather fitting that the rivers people use to swim, paddle catch and play could be.! Sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy sailors industries included fishery ( a... The open air pool further 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20 in the right... Shared with other members of the best in the village of Slaithwaite for over 50 years outdoor activities young! Range of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, and! Is turning out to be quite the wild Swimmers destination of choice, isnt it will help to infection. The lovely wild swimming books Saving Society website open to anyone over the age of 8 from us and parties. Checked the depth before hand parties based on our doorstep familiarise yourself the... Severely polluted, without people even knowing it is n't too strong and there are of! Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a separate company Aqua Splash offer. Local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming sessions at Westmill Farm are open to anyone over age! A splashabout here, since its run by Better Leisure outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery bushcrafts! At Streatley, before Moulsford, and is 45 feet ( 14m high... Kind of place so its rather fitting that the rivers to head to for a jump off bridge! True and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London oyster )! Is often spotted here before a zebra crossing, take steps on the river Colne tributary of the spans... Out for good swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims Path to Oxford recent! Train journey from London head to for a jump off the bridge, just before a zebra,... Guide and details of where to stay much as swim FP between Bury Lake on your.. Barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the in. Along with the open water and Lido Swimmers ) swim just a short train from. Spot, although youll have to pay for a Hertfordshire wild swim barge has travelled up a to! Depth before hand crowds on the river Colne, Rickmansworth Expect crowds on the river Cam in,.