Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. A sandy bank means access to the river is easy. 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 It's a beautiful area for a walk so go get exploring! POLICE in Colne have issued a warning to young people about swimming in the river near Cotton Tree lane. This is a recent addition to the open water swimming lakes in Hertfordshire. Heading back up the Thames towards fair London town, a trio of wild swimming spots emerge. 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. 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. Although this walk is within the M25, much of it feels like deep countryside. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. [2] A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. 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. For more information on wild swimming or swimming outdoors, here are some online resources: HOWLS Facebook group Id recommend joining the Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers group if youre looking for up to date information on outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire. As well as the main 30 metre heated pool theres also a smaller teaching pool and a small play area for toddlers. Here the Thames is calm and wide, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than swimming. 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. Dive into our essential guide to wild swimming with our pick of the best places to swim in the UK, water safety and tips on how to get started. We hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of water. 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. 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. 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. Its a really lovely location and Im looking forward to trying it out this summer. But that also ensures you're only swimming where it's safe, and where experienced swimmers will also be on hand. 'In the last three years, people have regularly reported otters fishing and swimming in the River Colne right in Colchester town centre, especially at Castle Park - a popular public area with a heavily managed section of river. West of where the path crosses the River Colne from Bury Lake you can enjoy a dip. 124. If you're longing to escape to the countryside but don't want to travel too far, the River Colne awaits. 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. You can also find another great stretch of the Wey down by Godalming, which tends to be a tad quieter. Here you'll find an open and quiet stretch of peaty brown river. 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. Here is our guide to a selection of the best wild swimming spots near London. Post Mar 03, 2011 #1 2011-03-03T17:49. Nearest stations are Farnham and Bentley, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond. Find out more about Fairlands Valley Park swimming. Best Swimming Lessons/Schools in Garden City, NY 11530 - Goldfish Swim School - Garden City, Long Island Swim School, WowMoms World Long Island, Lifeguard LI, Gateway Sports and Pools - Chaminade High School, Saf-T-Swim of New Hyde Park, Swim Stars, Dolphin Swimming At Old Westbury, Gateway Sports and Pools - Hofstra University, Saf-T-Swim of Westbury With old bridges and mills dotting the water, its all very scenic too. You can reply with the word STOP at any time. 10 January 2023 A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. Younger visitors are welcome provided they are competent swimmers. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. 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. Duck Oil. Some also come with a water proof compartment to hold your valuables. 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. Swim through England's smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. And finally, check out my bumper list of things to do in Hertfordshire. 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. 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. Londons Biggest Independent Lifestyle Publication. Nearest station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester. 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. The steep banks means it's deep enough for a proper swim and the relatively remote setting mean you'll likely have the space to yourself. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. 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. Luckily, weve got a spot recognised as one of the best in the area right on our doorstep. 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. You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The river, meadows and lakes form the Colne Valley regional park covering 43 square miles (110km2). Since 2006 there has been a vigorous campaign to get the ban removed. Find out more about Hemel Hempstead lido here. 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. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. 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 most recent . From its mouth to its source, the Colne's named tributaries, anabranches and to-Thames distributaries are: Coordinates: 512559N 03055W / 51.43306N 0.51528W / 51.43306; -0.51528. 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. If youre new to open water swimming, there are plenty of friendly people in the group who are happy to meet up. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. We may be basking in a heatwave but police are warning people about the dangers of swimming in open water. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas with tables and chairs and theres a little kiosk serving refreshments. We now have our main location in Garden City and satellite locations at . Colne Valley regional park. The open water swimming in Stanborough Park is operated by Better the organisation which runs the adjoining Gosling leisure centre. 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. A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0). 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. Nearest station is Guildford; its then a short walk to the river. Find out more about H2Open Water swimming here. 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. Cold water swimming in Hertfordshire attracts plenty of hardy souls. Once youre outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. Also, you might land on something sharp. This will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the water. You can get a train to either end of this stretch, with stations at Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. 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. Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. 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. [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. But if you head back towards the headwaters of the river, youll find slow, wide sections ideal for a swim. It starts at Hertford Lock in Hartham Common, not far from where the above photo was taken. 124. Another handily-located spot, although youll have to pay for a splashabout here, since its run by Better Leisure. The river is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom. The Belle Vue ? Retrace your steps to Rickmansworth tube. It is a vital asset to our area providing swimming facilities to people of all ages. 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. Thank you to Active Training World for the lovely photo of Merchant Taylors Lake. However, there is plenty of outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire if you know where to find it. Should you click to purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you which goes towards the running of this blog. Between Goring Lock and Moulsford, the river winds through nature reserves and rolling fields, making it a much-loved spot. 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