The River Colne flows through several wildlife sites and parks (Photo: Wikishire) By Daniel Capurro. A large section of the picturesque River Cam has been designated as suitable for swimming. If you live in or near London and think your chances of going wild swimming near where you live are minimal, then think again as there are still plenty of places on your doorstep where you can dive in outdoors. 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. 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. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas with tables and chairs and theres a little kiosk serving refreshments. (HOWLS stands for Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers). . Sign up to our weekly email. The old gravel pits, which have now been filled up with water, make the ideal place to to take a plunge when the next hot day rolls round. Walk past it then turn right onto the FP between Bury Lake on your right and Stocker's Lake on your left. The path out of town runs along the Oxford Canal, lined with narrowboats. There are various swimming sessions available to book. 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. If you dont fancy attempting the Thames Marathon on the stretch of the Thames between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, there are plenty of spots for a leisurely dip, including Hurley Lock and Marlow Lock. Warm up properly afterwards ensure you have a decent towel and plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim. . However, there is plenty of outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire if you know where to find it. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. More information can be found on their Facebook page here. Nearest station is Goring & Streatley, and its a short walk to the river. There are four main outdoor swimming pools in Hertfordshire. Established in 1997 HobieSwim is Long Island's premier swim provider. Since 2006 there has been a vigorous campaign to get the ban removed. 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. Walk: Shepreth Railway Station to Cambridge 9.5 miles across farmland and riverbank, via the villages of Barrington, Harston, Haslingfield and Grantchester. Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a good idea. You can reply with the word STOP at any time. 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. Children are welcome to swim at Redricks accompanied by an adult. It gets deeper and slower further along but the banks are steeper so its not easy to get out. What better place for a swimming day out than in full view of Henry VIII's palace of Hampton Court. Walk: An easy walk through beautiful countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh. Dont jump in the cold water can shock you and the depth can be deceptive. 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. 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. Hi, I'm Annabel. 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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. Hi . 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 )! An hour and 15 minutes after leaving London Bridge you'll be at this idyllic spot. Swim through Englands smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. Look out for good swimming spots at Streatley, before Moulsford,and just before Cholsey. Ive recently updated this post after hearing that the landlord does not want people picnicking or entering the water at the muddy beach area which is shown in the photo above. From there, theres plenty to see depending how far you want to explore - from a more leisurely return past the Aquadrome, spotting the narrow boats and ending back in the town centre, or further down towards Denham Country Park if youre a serious walker. It starts at Hertford Lock in Hartham Common, not far from where the above photo was taken. Walk: From Folkestone train station head east along the coast for 5 miles before following footpaths to Dover train station. Follow the canal . 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. Signing up to the HertsLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox each day. 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. 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 . This is my local lido. Turn right along it for a short distance then go left over the bridge at Springwell Lock, joining the Hillingdon Trail (HT). 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. Let me know in the comments below. 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. ***update: Ware Priory Lido will be shut in 2022 for refurbishment***. Whilst nearby Cambridge offers you the chance to take a punt on the River Cam, I reckon youd be just as happy taking a punt on a swim. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Have a cooling dip while surrounded with nature, Sign up to our daily email newsletter for all the latest news from across the country as well as breaking news delivered direct to your inbox. It might not be as large as the other locations, but this summer it's an ideal spot to escape to and cool down. . Luckily, weve got a spot recognised as one of the best in the area right on our doorstep. And finally, check out my bumper list of things to do in Hertfordshire. 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. 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. It is 5 feet (1.5m) high and is painted white. 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. 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. POLICE in Colne have issued a warning to young people about swimming in the river near Cotton Tree lane. The Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, has been open more than 60 years and offers a range of outdoor activities. Go under the bridge, continuing in a westerly direction. It dates from 1774 and is called Telford's Bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford. Swim: in the renowned Walpole Bay sea pool. Go along the south side of the lake on a narrow, slightly overgrown path. Make those Central Line fantasies come true and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. While it's easy to be put off the idea by the unpredictable weather, thousands of people now swear by the health benefits of taking a dip in the great outdoors. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames. To find more details and to book the session, email hertsopenwater@gmail.com. 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). Open water swimming sessions at Westmill Farm are open to anyone over the age of 8. Further down there is a place below a weir that might be suitable but, being close to a car park, it is rather public. It can cause severe itching so dont get in the water if you see it. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. It climbs up through some trees then along the edge of a golf course before gradually dropping down to a minor road. The Colne Brook splits off as a distributary between New Denham and Uxbridge. Find out more about Herts Young Mariners Base here, *** open water swimming is no longer available at Fairlands Valley in Stevenage ***. Something went wrong, please try again later. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. However it's important to check where you go swimming, and you can't simply jump in anywhere. There are toilets and showers and a caf serving hot drinks and snacks. 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