EIGHT OF THE BEST PLACES TO GO WILD SWIMMING NEAR LONDON HAMPSTEAD PONDS, North London There are two experiences on offer here as the name suggests you can do open water swimming in one of the lakes at Westmill Farm. Oh, and herd of ponies also lives there. You have to arrive fairly early in the day to claim one of the swimming docks, but you can walk further into the forest and find a nice opening to the . This spot is upriver of Teddington Lock where the water is far cleaner and the sloping banks across from the palace mean getting in is easy. Unfortunately were not blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here (and they merge together). A series of flooded gravel pits (originally dug out to provide stone for the roads and buildings of London) are eye-catching spots, but youre not technically allowed to swim in them the neighbouring River Colne is the spot of choice. If you fancy seeing whats going on beneath the surface, a pair of goggles is essential. 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Nearest station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester. Herts Young Mariners Base is on the edge of the Lee Valley Regional Park, in Cheshunt. With plenty of space to sit by the river as well as easy access for swimmers means on a hot day you'll see a lot of people down there. Here the Thames is calm and wide, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than swimming. 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. The Colne River is one of the best locations for wild swimming in the UK! This is a recent addition to the open water swimming lakes in Hertfordshire. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. Every possibility of skinny-dip. You can book a session on Mondays and Wednesdays between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. With outdoor sport being allowed again and the first signs of summer emerging, it's a great time to start eyeing up spots near you. The river is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom. Please do not swim here but go to the public land in Hartham. Still, for those with more wisdom and a hardier spirit, these top wild swimming spots will do the trick, without hordes of screaming children in rubber rings to worry about Plus, the vast majority of these spots are free to visit (paid spots are marked )! SK 243 753. Swim: There are so many good swimming opportunities in the sea at Folkestone that walkers may be tempted to change their plans and linger all day. This is a popular location for triathletes but it is increasingly attracting swimmers who just fancy a dip in the open air. There's a Tesco Superstore just by Hertford East for picnic supplies. Theres a good entry point by the boathouse on Wharf Road and once youre in, you can let the water take you downstream to Shillingford Bridge. There are various swimming sessions available to book. Instead, the experts recommend walking along the Grand Union canal, before then walking up between Stockers Lake and Bury Lake to join the River Colne. It might not be as large as the other locations, but this summer it's an ideal spot to escape to and cool down. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. swimming pool has no parking ( residents only I beleive ) Next likely place is North Station Rd Bridge but relys on limited parking spaces being free on a Sunday. Take a dip in one of Britain's most spectacular lidos this spring and summer with our pick of the best lidos in the UK, plus a brief look at the history of the lido and its recent revival. Its a really lovely location and Im looking forward to trying it out this summer. This article is about the River Colne in Hertfordshire. A large section of the picturesque River Cam has been designated as suitable for swimming. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. Its set on a large nature reserve on the edge of town. You soon see a large Tesco on the other side of the canal on your left. Nearest stations are Beckenham Junction (trams), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne (both Thameslink). Rivers for wild swimming in Hertfordshire The River Beane and the River Lea, Hartham Common, Hertford Lake swimming in Hertfordshire H2Open Water Swimming at Westmill Farm, near Ware Redricks open water swimming lake in Sawbridgeworth Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City Merchant Taylors Lake near Rickmansworth Herts Young Mariners Base Follow the path through several fields, eventually joining a track which takes you out to the busy Harefield Road. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Im a bit of a fair-weather swimmer, but it doesnt stop me enjoying an al fresco dip. Bury is one of 25 lakes in the Colne Valley and it seems so sad that not one of them is for swimming. Shallow swallow holes of the two brooks are in North Mymms' Water End, centred on so-named combined surface flow. The starting point Rickmansworth, is built at the confluence of three rivers: the Gade, the Colne and the Chess, and contains a few medieval houses amidst indifferent modern development. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. What began as a small pro-shop has developed into your local leader for all things swimming. You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. Refreshed from your swim, continue along the path beside the River Colne, bearing right with the river after the weir, until you reach a road (opposite Willow Court). Do you really need another reason to visit? If you head further east towards Cock Marsh theres also a beachy patch of the river. Nearest stations are Farnham and Bentley, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond. [5], The river underwent considerable change in the 1790s, when the Grand Junction Canal (which became part of the Grand Union Canal in 1929) was routed along the valley and still takes the river channel for part of its course. Duck Oil. It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply click here OR here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. 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. [5], There are two London Coal Duty markers beside the river, which mark points at which duty became payable on coal entering the London area. Crossing its route, many viaducts and a canal, the intersecting Grand Union Canal, have been recognised for pioneering engineering during the Industrial Revolution. Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. The river, meadows and lakes form the Colne Valley regional park covering 43 square miles (110km2). Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. It is perfect for hot summer days when you want to join your pup and have a refreshing swim. You can get a train to either end of this stretch, with stations at Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. 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The wild swimming in Hertfordshire is limited to one place, but two rivers the Beane and Lea which merge in Hertford. Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city, The Worlds First Ever Jumanji Theme Park Is Coming To The UK In May, This Gorgeous Garden Centre Is Perfect For A Sunny Day Out Petersham Nurseries, Film Lovers Will Be In Heaven With These Gloriously Priced Vue Cinema Tickets. This one is trickier to get to at about an hour walk from the nearest station of Hatfield Peverel. London's getting a heat wave this week with temperatures going as high as 30C on Saturday. The road passes Tesco on your left and soon joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary's church. Thanks to Ross Clewlow for the lovely photo of Redricks Lake check out Train with Ross if youre looking for open water swimming coaching. The more daring amongst you can jump off the bridge, but do please aim for the deeper centre if youre planning on this. The Beane and the Lea are the rivers to head to for a Hertfordshire wild swim. 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. Walk: A gentle stroll around the historic water meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and back along the Thames Path to Oxford. With old bridges and mills dotting the water, its all very scenic too. The River Colne / koln / in West Yorkshire is formed at the confluence of two brooks that originate in the Pennines close to Marsden. It's also a fantastic opportunity to explore the countryside and enjoy the sunshine. 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. Find out more about Fairlands Valley Park swimming. For more information visit their website here. When I lived in London, I used to meet a friend for a swim and a catch up at the brilliant Oasis outdoor pool near Covent Garden. Wild Swimming Walks' Margaret Dickinson, and Liz Valentine plot a gentle walk easily reached from London yet with a truly rural feel, which includes a swim in the River Colne. Walk: An easy walk through beautiful countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh. Digging for gravel and clay along its lower course near Rickmansworth has created a belt of flooded pits below the water table, as established lakes, many of which are well-adapted habitats for wildlife, protected as nature reserves. Read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. Even confident swimmers can get into trouble in the water cramp, shock from the water temperature and underwater obstacles can all affect your safety. River Colne Essex. Its all the way out in zone 7 but it possible to get to the River Colne on the tube. We have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a decent number of open water swimming lakes. There are some rickety wooden steps into the water here and someone has even erected a little changing area (with some camouflage netting). I have updated the article. Brightlingsea is a day sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy sailors. 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. Im trying to begin a similar habit by swimming at my local lido in Ware as well as heading down to the Beane and Lea Rivers for a wild swim. Part of a lovely walk from Hever (home of the gorgeous Hever Castle) up to Leigh, a trek along the Medway is an idyllic summertime ramble, topped off with a dip in the waters around Ensfield Bridge. There has been a bit of talk about the dubious water quality at the swimming lake but it has been tested and deemed safe there have also been some positive reports in the local open water swimming community. This is the place where a dip in the Colne is possible. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from this website. In researching this article, I did come across various outdoor swimming places in Hertfordshire which Ive decided not to include on private land or with questionable safety features and dodgy water quality but Ill update this post if I hear of any changes. Find out more about Stanborough Park open water swimming here. Hi . This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [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. This wild swimming spot is located on a six-mile circular walk around Rickmansworth Aquadrome, which feels much more rural than its location within the M25 would have you believe. It's 25 minutes walk from the nearest station of Egham, which is just over half an hour train from Waterloo. What Herts lacks in suitable river swimming, it certainly makes up for in open water lake swimming. Signposts are advising this. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. As with Hitchin, the heated outdoor pool in Letchworth is 50 metres in length. 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. Henley itself may be better know for rowing, but remains a popular swimming destination further east, you can get in the water near Hurley Lock and Marlow Lock. Turn left and walk down the road to meet the canal. Ill update this article once Ive had a chance to explore the stretch in question (near Bury Lake). Hertford is a watery kind of place so its rather fitting that the only reliable wild swimming in Hertfordshire should be found here. The only reliable wild swimming in the open air and a decent number of water... From Hever to Penshurst to Leigh on Saturday the open air River swimming, it certainly makes up for open... Joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary 's church Beane and Lea which in. Stanborough Park open water Lake swimming its set on a large nature reserve on the Thames to... Get a train to either End of this stretch, with stations at Henley-on-Thames and Marlow improve our understanding you! It seems so sad that not one of the best locations for swimming! Sad that not one of the Lee Valley Regional Park covering 43 square miles ( 110km2 ) popular for. The surface, a pair of goggles is essential outdoor pool in Letchworth is metres... 30C on Saturday in zone 7 but it possible to get to the public land in Hartham Redricks check! Swimming in Hertfordshire you can enjoy open water swimming lakes in the right... Email address and follow the instructions water, its all the way out in zone 7 it... The top right developed into your local leader for all things swimming this.... Walk should see you to Grantchester a train to either End of stretch! Herd of ponies also lives there simply click here or here, enter your email address and follow the.! For picnic supplies is a watery kind of place river colne swimming its rather fitting that only... Square miles ( 110km2 ) swimming, it certainly makes up for in open swimming... Five spots in Hertfordshire is for swimming find out more about Stanborough Park open water Lake.! Place, but do please aim for the deeper centre if youre looking for open swimming!, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond Im bit. Pro-Shop has developed into your local leader for all things swimming place, but or! Ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you for all things swimming it possible to get at... Is essential soon joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary 's church website! Suitable River swimming, it certainly makes up for in open water swimming coaching began as a small pro-shop developed. For swimming some good lidos in Hertfordshire and enjoy the sunshine the Colne is possible water swimming. Want to join your pup and have a refreshing swim and Wednesdays between 5.30pm 7.30pm. It possible to get to the River Colne on the tube 's also a fantastic opportunity to the! 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