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. Fast-flowing, but rather shallow, youll find it a lovely spot to cool off in on a summers day. 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. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Surrounded by trees and sitting next to the nature reserve, the River Colne is fast-flowing though fairly shallow, making it a prime spot for a cooling dip on a summer's day. 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. The beaches are sandy and pleasant for sitting on too. And its my new favourite place to swim. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Swim: in the renowned Walpole Bay sea pool. Hampton Court Station is 36 minutes on the train from Waterloo. 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. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. 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. You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. [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. The open water swimming at Herts Young Mariners Base is available to those over 14 years of age. This is my local lido. . Mostly renowned as an angling lake, the sandy stretch of beach at Frensham Great Pond has a couple of buoyed areas reserved for swimmers and as the depths never exceed 1.4 metres, its a good one for kids. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. On weekends, swimming takes place between 7.30am and 9.30am on both Saturdays and Sundays. These eight swimming spots in rivers, lakes and ponds (and even a secret beach! 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. A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. The River Colne may be one for a dip on a summer's day rather than regular training, but it has become a well-loved spot for wild swimming. Royal Life Saving Society website no harm in mentioning this three times in one article. Walk: a beautiful walk through Constable country from Manningtree train station, across Dedham Heath to the village and following the river back to where you began. 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. Crossing its route, many viaducts and a canal, the intersecting Grand Union Canal, have been recognised for pioneering engineering during the Industrial Revolution. Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. If youre going to be in the water outdoors, its a good idea to ensure youre kitted out with the right gear. KLPA member Molly Fletcher has played a leading part in this, and when members of the River and Lake Swimming Association handed a 700-signature petition to the Three Rivers District Council demanding they be allowed back in the water there was a moment of apparent success when 'No swimming' signs were removed. Plus Pool, coming soon to the East River . We have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a decent number of open water swimming lakes. The Beane and the Lea are the rivers to head to for a Hertfordshire wild swim. 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. Here you'll find an open and quiet stretch of peaty brown river. Our river projects aim to improve the rivers and waterways of the River Calder catchment for both people and wildlife . 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. Pangbourne Meadow, Reading It dates from 1774 and is called Telford's Bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford. The obelisk records the agreement made between the canal company, John Dickinson who was the owner of papermills at Batchworth, and R. Williams of Moor Park, who was the landowner.[13]. 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. Its a well organised operation at Redricks swimming is permitted at specific times and first time visitors have to complete an induction and sign a waiver. If you're longing to escape to the countryside but don't want to travel too far, the River Colne awaits. It is a vital asset to our area providing swimming facilities to people of all ages. Theres also stand up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an inflatable assault course during the summer months. Walk past it then turn right onto the FP between Bury Lake on your right and Stocker's Lake on your left. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames. The highlight is the string of great lakes that run along the Colne Valley. Its all the way out in zone 7 but it possible to get to the River Colne on the tube. Im surprised (and impressed) at how many people take part in open water swimming in Hertfordshire particularly those who partake year round. At the far end you see a building which is the sailing club. Nearest stations are Farnham and Bentley, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond. 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. 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). The sessions happen four times a week, with a professional water safety team on board to ensure it's a completely safe experience. 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. 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. 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. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. 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This will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the water. Turn left here for a short distance then first right into Plough Lane, following the London Loop signs. 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. This article was originally published in 2020, Escape Hunt Watford launches newest ancient Egypt-inspired game, Wetherspoon set for 30m loss as draught beer and cider sales plummet, Standon Calling everything you need to know: Line-up, parking, timings, alcohol rules and more, Holidaymakers left baffled as airport departures board blurs before their eyes, Cheap summer days out without breaking bank - let the train take strain, (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0). Im ashamed to admit that Im not half as resilient to cold water as I used to be. Walk to a wild swimming spot just a train ride away from central London. [9] The second is a stone obelisk, 13 feet (4.0m) high, with a square base, which was erected at Colne Bridge in 1861. 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. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. This has been incredibly popular with lots of local children during some of the hot spells we experienced last summer. Find out more about Merchant Taylors Lake here. Its suitable for all ability levels as its pretty shallow but you do have to stay within the marked area as sailboats also use the water. Map needed!. 124. 124. Its a brilliant organisation offering a range of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery and bushcrafts. Although not designed as a floatation device, tow floats will support your weight to a certain extent if you need a brief rest mid-swim. [7], Between Croxley Green, where the River Gade joins the Colne, and Thorney/West Drayton, below the Slough Arm, the river channels thread their way between many large lakes, some of which were once watercress beds, some chalk pits,[8] and some of which were the result of brickmaking, an industry that developed over several miles of the valley after 1800, when the Grand Junction Canal company advertised the presence of good brick earth, discovered during the construction of the canal. The land only has an access path through it and the owner does not want people using this as a picnic and access to the river point. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. [12], There was a long-running dispute over water levels in the Batchford area, following the construction of the Grand Junction Canal, which were resolved in 1825, when an 8.2-foot (2.5m) obelisk was erected in a pond, to act as a water gauge. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. And if you fancy a trip to a local pub post-swim, Ive put together a list of some of the best family-friendly pubs in Hertfordshire. Is that near Sawbridgeworth or Harlow? This is a popular location for triathletes but it is increasingly attracting swimmers who just fancy a dip in the open air. It flows in an easterly direction through the Colne Valley and Huddersfield towards Cooper Bridge where it flows into the River Calder . February 9, 2023 6:32 pm (Updated February 11, 2023 11:14 am) There's a 400m course and it's a perfect training venue for open water swimmers. 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. 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 )! 2023 Double A Media. If you're feeling brave you could go for a jump off the bridge but make sure you've checked the depth before hand. It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply click here OR here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0). Walk: From Folkestone train station head east along the coast for 5 miles before following footpaths to Dover train station. Turn right over the bridge onto a little road. Wild Swimming the people behind the lovely wild swimming books. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. Heading back up the Thames towards fair London town, a trio of wild swimming spots emerge. It is situated between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at the mouth of the River Colne, on Brightlingsea Creek. For those wanting a taster session, Swing England are also running an induction led by qualified coaches here, between 8.30am and 10.30am on May 9. Learning to swim 1920s and 30s style. Decathlon has a good value range of wetsuits as well as all the swimming accessories you might need. There are four main outdoor swimming pools in Hertfordshire. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. [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. If you're interested in trying out wild swimming but don't quite know where to start, take a look at our guide to wild swimming in Britain. I have read lots of articles about wild swimming on the River Colne in Rickmansworth but Im not sure its actually deep enough for a decent swim. What began as a small pro-shop has developed into your local leader for all things swimming. 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. 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. And finally, check out my bumper list of things to do in Hertfordshire. Follow this path until you reach the River Colne, then take a path to the left (signed to Springwell and Inn Lakes) alongside the river, with Stocker's Lake on your left. The route passes St Mary's church, an attractive building although not as old as it looks. Something went wrong, please try again later. Slavin has written in about swimming in the River Colne as a child. 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. More information can be found on Facebook here. You can get a train to either end of this stretch, with stations at Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. If youre interested in wild swimming in the Beane or the Lea, theres a really friendly community of swimmers on the HOWLS Facebook page. Bury is one of 25 lakes in the Colne Valley and it seems so sad that not one of them is for swimming. 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 The water is surrounded by trees and next to the nature reserve, so its easy to forget youre within a short walk of the town centre and it feels more secluded than many of the spots elsewhere. Colne Valley swimming baths has been in the village of Slaithwaite for over 50 years. Outdoor Swimming Society a great volunteer-run organisation championing all things outdoor swimming. For more information visit their website here. 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. The road passes Tesco on your left and soon joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary's church. The wild swimming spot is where the River Beane flows into the Lea, not far from Hertford lock. Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Alternatively, you can swim down the Lea which flows towards Ware. Turn left down the road to the driveway to Pipers Farm at the bottom of the hill. Find out more about Fairlands Valley Park swimming. The sessions run on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am. Hertford is a watery kind of place so its rather fitting that the only reliable wild swimming in Hertfordshire should be found here. For those more concerned about cooling off in the hot weather, Runnymede Pleasure Ground is a great place to swim in the Thames. If you head further east towards Cock Marsh theres also a beachy patch of the river. 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. Read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. Harlow Mills is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort is five minutes walk from there. Dress appropriately for the climate the water will be cold so if youre not accustomed to open water swimming its a good idea to wear a wetsuit along with hat, swimming gloves and swim shoes or swim socks. But it is a popular location for triathletes but it is situated between Colchester and Clacton-on-Sea, at the of... Sad that not one of 25 lakes in the hot spells we experienced last summer BY-SA 2.0 ) you... 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