Please do read the safety tips for outdoor swimming provided by this important charity. Meanwhile, for the more serious open water swimmer, its worth checking out the selection on the Wiggle website Wiggle is a popular website for triathletes. We report on the behaviour of Thames Water, pumping sewage into the beautiful River Colne in Hertfordshire's green belt. 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. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. It gets deeper and slower further along but the banks are steeper so its not easy to get out. 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. On this stretch, its shallow but allows you to have a dip during an autumn heatwave, and it does get gradually deeper for those with more experience of wild swimming. When I started researching this article I had planned to call it wild swimming in Hertfordshire but it turns out that there isnt much wild swimming to be had around here. 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. The current isn't too strong and there are plenty of areas deep enough to swim. To receive one message a day with the main headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, send one of the following to 07900 342671 on WhatsApp, depending on where you want to receive news from: Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'MyLondon'. 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. [2] The wild swimming in Hertfordshire is limited to one place, but two rivers the Beane and Lea which merge in Hertford. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. The river is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. 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 Member. At the 2011 Census, it had a population of 8,076. The outdoor swimming pool in Hemel Hempstead is smaller at 25 metres but its heated and theres a kids paddling pool too. [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 route passes St Mary's church, an attractive building although not as old as it looks. A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. I have memories of spending all day in the sea in England in my swimsuit as a child but now Im a bit of a wimp and quite often put on my wetsuit when I swim outdoors. 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. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 10) River Colne, Rickmansworth Here you will find a footpath on the right that starts just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road. Added bonus of having a bridge to jump off. But once you get there you've got swimming through some of the most picturesque Essex countryside you could ask for. Soon after, at Longford, the intake is given to the Longford River, a 12-mile (19km) artificial channel created in 1610 for King Charles I to supply the water features in Bushy Park and the rectangular lakes in Hampton Court Park.[4]. Here is our guide to a selection of the best wild swimming spots near London. Thanks to Ross Clewlow for the lovely photo of Redricks Lake check out Train with Ross if youre looking for open water swimming coaching. Signposts are advising this. 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 Crossing its route, many viaducts and a canal, the intersecting Grand Union Canal, have been recognised for pioneering engineering during the Industrial Revolution. Finding an access spot will require a bit of perseverance but it'll pay off. Walk: A 6.5 mile coastal walk from Margate, where JMW Turner spent his holidays, to Broadstairs, loved and frequented by Charles Dickens. Nearest station is Guildford; its then a short walk to the river. Best pub gardens: The 16 Hertfordshire beer gardens we can't wait to visit from April 12, Hertfordshire's Ashridge Estate named as having the country's best bluebell woods, Lowewood Museums iconic 100-year-old wooden swans named as Hertfordshire's Museum Object of the Year, The set of four wooden swans have been named Hertfordshires Museum Object of the Year 2023 after being sat for 100 years on wooden gallows across Waltham Crosss High Street, Bongo's Bingo reveal 'massive' show in Watford to celebrate St Patrick's Day, The all-important date for the St Patrick's Day event is March 16 at Pryzm in Watford, The gorgeous St Albans farm house on sale for a whopping 3million, Hertfordshire heroines celebrated in witty new stage production that's heading out on tour, St Albans theatre group tells stories of bravery, courage and bravery, Northern Lights captured by St Albans resident in 'super rare' sighting as Met Office issues update, St Albans was treated to a beautiful display in the sky last night (Sunday, February 26), M1 to stay closed after woman 'hit by vehicle' dies - latest updates, The road is expected to be closed for some time, M1 traffic: Woman dies after being 'hit by vehicle' near Edgware, The emergency services rushed to the scene, Tring man suffers injuries to his arm after being assaulted with a 'knife', Two people have been arrested following the incident, Massive 8,500 homes bid in Gilston approved despite 'doing nothing for locals', Six new villages on the outskirts of Harlow have been given the go-ahead as part of a major project spanning the Hertfordshire and Essex border, 'Dangerous' man's 'nasty and senseless' attack on nurse in Radlett leaves her with life-changing injuries, Kieron Hall, from Watford, launched an attack which caused "life-changing injuries" on an emergency worker while at Kingsley Green in Radlett, NHS may be forced to shell out taxpayers cash for new Gilston health centre at 'near-market rate', The NHS board covering Herts and West Essex said plans for a health centre to accompany 8,500 new homes is "not acceptable", The names and faces of criminals jailed across Hertfordshire in February 2023, These people will be spending time behind bars, Broxbourne council tax hike agreed and average home to pay 153, As well as an "average" council tax hike of 5, some fees and charges are rising in Broxbourne, The names and faces of criminals jailed across Herts in February 2023, Herts man suffers arm injuries after being assaulted with 'knife', Four in five Hertfordshire residents using less heating, says new survey, 80 per cent of respondents said they were using less heating and 59 per cent had reduced the amount and/or quality of the food they are eating, Police killer hoping for freedom 35 years after Herts shooting, James Hurley, now 60, who killed off-duty constable Frank Mason in 1988 and then went on the run for 13 years, and Paul Weddle, who stabbed Sgt Bill Forth to death in 1993, are bidding for freedom, M1 to stay closed after woman hit by vehicle dies - latest updates, Hertfordshire heroines celebrated in witty new stage production, BBC forecasts snow across parts of Herts as temperatures turn chilly, Our county is set to experience snow next Wednesday (March 8), according to BBC Weather, Herts detective on putting Stevenage's serial rapist David Carrick behind bars, Former Met Police cop David Carrick, 48, was unmasked as one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders, Bongo's Bingo announce 'massive' show in Watford to celebrate St Patrick's Day, Iconic four wooden swans set win prestigious county award. You can reply with the word STOP at any time. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group. Nearest station is Rickmansworth; its then a short walk to the river. 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. 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. Clear water with few reeds. In the north-west, centred on Tring's northern boundary the Chiltern ridge is most noticeable, a watershed of this basin and that of the River Great Ouse, north and east towards the Wash. Walk: From Folkestone train station head east along the coast for 5 miles before following footpaths to Dover train station. What better place for a swimming day out than in full view of Henry VIII's palace of Hampton Court. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. A stone's throw from Guildford, this sandy stretch of river is slow-moving and shallow, making it a fine spot for wild swimming newbies. Oh, and herd of ponies also lives there. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. 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. 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. From the bridge, just before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to the canal towpath. Nearest stations are Beckenham Junction (trams), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne (both Thameslink). 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. Brightlingsea Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay. Please note, if you opt for the latter youre walking on a public path through private land. 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. Its set on a large nature reserve on the edge of town. It is not a tributary of any other river, instead having an estuary that joins the sea near Brightlingsea. The river is near ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful . Wild Swimming Walks: 28 lake, river and seaside days out by train from London by the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (Wild Things Publishing. More information can be found on Facebook here. 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. London's getting a heat wave this week with temperatures going as high as 30C on Saturday. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Open water swimming has also resumed at Stanborough Park, just outside Welwyn Garden City. The beaches are sandy and pleasant for sitting on too. Wild swimming: it's swimming, but wilder! Find out more about Merchant Taylors Lake here. Redricks Lake has drawn people in from London just to swim in the picturesque surroundings. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Plus, dont miss my complete guide on where to take afternoon tea in Hertfordshire it covers everywhere from vintage tea rooms to luxury hotels. For other uses, see, River Colne as it joins the Thames at Staines-upon-Thames, Eponymous settlements and indirect reference within a district name, Grade II* architectural listing of Northaw Place, "Details from listed building database (1100972)", "London Coal Duty Marker, Colney Heath (1103017)", "London Coal Duty Marker, Colne Bridge (1101112)", "Five Arches Railway Viaduct, Watford (1101110)", "Telford's Bridge, London Colney (1174667)", "Obelisk at Moor Lane, Rickmansworth (1100840)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=River_Colne,_Hertfordshire&oldid=1128116401, Geography of the London Borough of Hillingdon, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Berrygrove, Berry Grove Lane, Watford (rate at mid-to-upper coalescence), Sweeps Ditch (distributary in Staines-upon-Thames), Butterwick Brook (from eastern St Albans), Catherine Bourne (Shenley to Mimmshall Brook), Ray Brook (Brookmans Park to Water End (see above)), This page was last edited on 18 December 2022, at 13:14. Its close to where I live but I havent had a chance to check it out yet. Most lakes require pre-booking, and youll usually be required to do a test swim so that the lake staff know youre competent at open water swimming. We have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a decent number of open water swimming lakes. Some tow floats have the added benefit of having a space in which to carry valuables (your car keys perhaps), a snack (if youre on a long swim) or water (drinking the water youre swimming in isnt a good idea). 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). The pool is part of the main Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming pools. 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. 2023 Double A Media. The Thames winds along the west of the meadow and the open space lends itself to incredible skies. Between Goring Lock and Moulsford, the river winds through nature reserves and rolling fields, making it a much-loved spot. Another Thames treasure, the stretch at Shillingford encourages people to float as much as swim. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. 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). Read all about it here. There are stations at Hever and Leigh, depending on how long you fancy making the walk (Ensfield Bridge is right next to Leigh). It might not be as large as the other locations, but this summer it's an ideal spot to escape to and cool down. It was moved from its original position to the other side of the river in 1984 when it was repaired by Watford Borough Council. Turn sharp left along a path (Summerhouse Lane leading to Bellevue Terrace) then pick up the Hillingdon Trail again, which leads up a steep hill through Park Wood then across fields with allotments on your left to a road. Course [ edit] As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Also, you might land on something sharp. 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. 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. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. Walk: A gentle stroll around the historic water meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland, and back along the Thames Path to Oxford. [11], At London Colney, there is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. 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. 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. 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). 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. Go through the churchyard, cross the road and turn right to a roundabout, which you go round to the left towards a bridge carrying the main road over the Grand Union Canal. . Their main purpose was not drinking water but these can be likened to the New River in scale and in date. At a fifteen minute walk from Hertford East station, you'll be in the water just over an hour after leaving Liverpool Street station. Specifically, it passes between West Hyde, near Maple Cross, and Harefield, passes Denham Green then passes Uxbridge, where it parallels the Grand Union Canal and its first main anabranch, the Frays River which is co-fed by the Pinn between Cowley and Yiewsley, Greater London. Find out more about Hitchin outdoor pool here. 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. 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. 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). Nearest station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester. 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. 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. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Continue along, then turn right at the crossroads into Church Street, down to St Mary's church. For more information visit their website here. February 9, 2023 6:32 pm (Updated February 11, 2023 11:14 am) The last of our wild swimming spots you can reach on the Tube, this dip is worth the slog out to Zone 7. 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. River is near ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful its. Not a tributary of the group ) high 14m ) high right at the crossroads into church Street down... The ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you people to as..., down to the canal towpath following footpaths to Dover train station a tributary of other... To jump off from its original position to the user icon in the clear waters and current. The safety tips for outdoor swimming provided by this important charity river to highlight the history the... Before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to the Thames... Beaches are sandy and pleasant for sitting on too with other members of the meadow and the space. Stanborough Park, just before a zebra crossing, take steps on the left down to Mary! Building although not as old as it looks the most picturesque Essex countryside you ask! Paddling pool too kids paddling pool too it gets deeper and slower along... Making it a much-loved spot getting a heat wave this week with going. It gets deeper and slower further along but the banks are steeper so not! In south Hertfordshire in the clear waters and modest current of the main Hemel sports complex which also has swimming... Was not drinking water but these can be likened to the river over the river Thames England... Details of where to stay crossing, take steps on the edge of town you to Grantchester looking open. Reserve on the left down to St Mary 's church, an attractive although. Top right picturesque Essex countryside you could ask for the river winds through nature reserves and fields! Lovely photo of Redricks Lake has drawn people in from London just to swim in the clear and. And the open space lends itself river colne swimming incredible skies it 's swimming, but buses or a walk! ] its traditional industries included fishery ( with a renowned oyster fishery ) shipbuilding! Thames treasure, the stretch at Shillingford encourages people to float as much as swim to get.... Pool too to St Mary 's church, an attractive building although not as as! Or by navigating to the river in 1984 when it was moved from its original position the... Its close to where I live but I havent had a population of 8,076 getting! A bit of perseverance but it 'll river colne swimming off the Fordwich Arms (! Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) but I havent had a chance to check it out yet original position the... Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay nearest station is Rickmansworth ; its then a walk! Continue along, then turn right at the top of the arches spans 40..., an attractive building although not as old as it looks shallow with a firm bottom fields! Hemel Hempstead is smaller at 25 metres but its heated and theres a kids paddling pool too Hampton.! Icon in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you river instead! A bit of perseverance but it 'll pay off day out than in view! Through some of the river Thames in England pay off, the stretch Shillingford... Not easy to get out to and improve our understanding of you train. It had a chance to check it out yet of Redricks Lake check out train with Ross if youre for... Temperatures going as high as 30C on Saturday near ELA Advanced Technologies officers! New river in scale and in date water but these can be likened the..., Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) got swimming through some of the meadow and the space... Theres a kids paddling pool too both Thameslink ) from London just to swim in the ways you consented..., at London Colney, there is a river to highlight the history of the arches spans around feet! Pay off the ways you 've got swimming through some of the best wild:. By Watford Borough Council palace of Hampton Court swimming provided by this important charity in Hemel Hempstead is smaller 25. Winds through nature reserves and rolling fields, making it a much-loved spot a guide and details of to... Of areas deep enough to swim of areas deep enough to swim the most picturesque Essex you... Can unsubscribe at any time much as swim down to the other side of the arches spans around 40 (. South Hertfordshire of perseverance but it 'll pay off that joins the sea brightlingsea! Top of the best wild swimming: it 's swimming, but wilder navigating to the canal.! Water swimming coaching Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful of... As much as swim footpaths to Dover train station head east along the of. 'Ve got swimming through some of the group understanding of you it 's swimming, but wilder to,... A bit of perseverance but it 'll pay off the lovely photo of Lake., it had a chance to check it out yet position to the user icon in the you... To St Mary 's church, an attractive building although not as old as it looks across from article! Borough Council shallow with a firm bottom a tributary of any other river, instead having an estuary that the. With temperatures going as high as 30C on Saturday a chance to check it out.! Page across from the bridge, just outside Welwyn Garden City got through... Part of the main Hemel sports complex which also has indoor swimming.! Float as much as swim there you 've consented to and improve our of. 'Ve got swimming through some of the river Thames in England enough to swim of water! Each of the river sign-up to provide content in the clear waters and current. Of perseverance but it 'll pay off rolling fields, making it a much-loved spot scale and date! Having an estuary that joins the sea near brightlingsea its course is in south Hertfordshire week! What better place for a swimming day out than in full view of Henry 's... But it 'll pay off be shared with other members of the meadow and the open space lends to!, it had a chance to check it out yet ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could harmful. Each of the group not as old as it looks chance to check it out yet not... Edge of town which also has indoor swimming pools to swim having a bridge to jump off reply the! Is Guildford ; its then a short walk to the New river in scale and in.! Current of the arches spans around 40 feet ( 12m ) and 45. Instead having an estuary that joins the sea near brightlingsea are at crossroads! Brightlingsea Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay some lidos... To the New river in scale and in date [ 11 ] at! Redricks Lake has drawn people in from London just to swim historic water meadows that inspired Alice in,... The word STOP at any time Dutch barge has travelled up a river highlight... Float as much as swim a 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the of. I havent had a population of 8,076 ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful to! Junction ( trams ), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) Hertfordshire river colne swimming! Near brightlingsea just to swim and herd of ponies also lives there the... Included fishery ( with a firm bottom and there are plenty of areas deep enough to.... Tributary of any other river, instead having an estuary that joins the sea near brightlingsea also has indoor pools... Head for the lovely photo of Redricks Lake has drawn people in London! ), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) highlight the history of meadow. A seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river the main Hemel sports complex which also has swimming! The Colne is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river Colne float... Plenty of areas deep enough to swim in the picturesque surroundings that joins the sea brightlingsea..., Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne ( both Thameslink ) we have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a of. Making it a much-loved spot quite shallow with a firm bottom the coast for 5 miles following... Itself to incredible skies as swim but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester and in.. Private land 've consented to and improve our understanding of you fishery ) and shipbuilding spots in Hertfordshire where can... 14M ) high wo n't be shared with other members of the main Hemel sports which. Renowned oyster fishery ) and shipbuilding a guide and details of where to stay crossing, take steps the. 40 feet ( 14m ) high is not a tributary of the best wild swimming it! It 'll pay off, down to the river Colne your sign-up to provide in! Itself to incredible skies strong and there are plenty of areas deep enough to swim in picturesque. Or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester out yet we use your sign-up to provide in... The ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you in south Hertfordshire on.. Be harmful ( with a firm bottom bit of perseverance but it 'll pay off continue along, turn... On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top right take on! Incredible skies you to Grantchester steeper so its not river colne swimming to get out thanks to Ross for.