Once you're outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. 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. It climbs up through some trees then along the edge of a golf course before gradually dropping down to a minor road. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 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). Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. talk@calderandcolneriverstrust.org; Calder & Colne Rivers Trust Ltd; operating as Calder . 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. The mixed-pond at Hampstead Heath is well known by Londoners but where else can you swim outdoors near the capital? 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. 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. From the bridge, just before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to the canal towpath. I have updated the article. You can unsubscribe at any time. Trearddur Bay on the Welsh island of Anglesey. Please do not swim here but go to the public land in Hartham. Plus, dont miss my complete guide on where to take afternoon tea in Hertfordshire it covers everywhere from vintage tea rooms to luxury hotels. The weather can affect water quality in lakes and rivers so its important to check conditions regularly some open water swimming venues may close at short notice if the water is deemed unsafe. 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. . 10) River Colne, Rickmansworth The source streams are long, multi-source, in final, northern stages, partly underground tributaries: a north-eastern, which can be considered the upper Colne; and the Mimmshall Brook. Specialties: Water safety and survival skills are essential at any age, and that's why British Swim School offers swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a book of the best walks within a train ride of London. Thank you! Although this walk is within the M25, much of it feels like deep countryside. From this entry point, you have the choice of swimming up towards the lock which takes you past various houseboats, or you can swim up the Beane if you fancy some resistance training theres a decent current to swim against. No matter the age or skill level . Walk: A gentle 6 mile circular walk easily reached from London (it starts and ends at Rickmansworth Underground station) yet with a truly rural feel. Walk: From Folkestone train station head east along the coast for 5 miles before following footpaths to Dover train station. Find a spot on the secluded north side of the Stort to the East of Harlow and watch the world go by. There's a Tesco Superstore just by Hertford East for picnic supplies. This means that the rivers people use to swim, paddle catch and play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing it. Sign up to our weekly email. Turn right out of the station and then right underneath the railway and downhill to a main shopping street, High Street, where you turn left. You soon see a large Tesco on the other side of the canal on your left. Continue along, then turn right at the crossroads into Church Street, down to St Mary's church. Subscribe to receive our latest blog posts. Another Thames treasure, the stretch at Shillingford encourages people to float as much as swim. Here you will find a footpath on the right that starts just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road. The Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, has been open more than 60 years and offers a range of outdoor activities. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog. To reach the Midlands it continued along the river channel until its junction with the River Gade, which it ran parallel to, but did not take over the channel. Theres a charity swim in the Lea each September postponed in 2020 due to Covid which is organised in aid of the brilliant Mudlarks charity. Further along, it becomes deeper and slower but lacks a safe entry point as the banks drop steeply down, and the bottom is soft and muddy. 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. This leads over a stile into a field. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. 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 a recent addition to the open water swimming lakes in Hertfordshire. Expect crowds on the river in high summer, especially at weekends. Swim through Englands smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. Lets be honest, no-one in their right mind is going to be hopping in the Thames near Waterloo Bridge. Unfortunately were not blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here (and they merge together). Its a brilliant organisation offering a range of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery and bushcrafts. 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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. Its a really lovely location and Im looking forward to trying it out this summer. It is situated between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at the mouth of the River Colne, on Brightlingsea Creek. 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. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames . Its a lovely swimming pool with a great community of regulars. Go for a dip in the Thames in this proper scenic spot on the outskirts of Reading (get off at Pangbourne station if youre going on the train). One of the few non-London swim spots accessible via the tube, while you might not be far from civilisation you'll certainly feel a million miles away. He or she writes: "In the 1920s living near Bushey Mill Lane, we bathed in the River Colne by the arches when very young, and managed a few strokes in the deeper spots. Special 200th issue offer - Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! The gravel was deposited by an ancient river, ancestor of our Thames, which - before the Ice Age - flowed up the Colne Valley on its way to join the Rhine. 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. But once you get there you've got swimming through some of the most picturesque Essex countryside you could ask for. 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. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Retrace your steps to Rickmansworth tube. Learn how your comment data is processed. Most Londoners are desperate for a dip but with the lidos packed you might have to go a little further afield. Harlow Mills is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort is five minutes walk from there. Since 2006 there has been a vigorous campaign to get the ban removed. Surrey is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt it? However it's important to check where you go swimming, and you can't simply jump in anywhere. Do you have any recommendations for outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire? Nearest station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester. Save 64% off the shop price and pay just 2 per issue! Swimming in the great outdoors is a great way to connect to nature while exercising, and it can also be a great way to really life your mood. Finding an access spot will require a bit of perseverance but it'll pay off. It's 25 minutes walk from the nearest station of Egham, which is just over half an hour train from Waterloo. The views of Hampton Court Palace from the river are beautiful. 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 . 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. The ban removed hour train from Waterloo right that starts just by Hertford East river colne swimming. Means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of.... There you 've got swimming through some of the Stort to the open water swimming across county. You have any recommendations for outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water across., which is just over half an hour train from Waterloo & # ;... For just 20 be honest, no-one in their right mind is going to be quite the swimmers! 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