However, its important to know where you can and cant swim - its not as simple as jumping in where you find some water. 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. Find out more about Herts Young Mariners Base here, *** open water swimming is no longer available at Fairlands Valley in Stevenage ***. 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. Theres also a decent playground and a splash park for children. 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. Also, you might land on something sharp. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. More information can be found on Facebook here. 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 history nuts among you will recognise Runnymede as where the Magna Carta was signed. 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. Two of its distributaries, constructed in the 1600 1750 period largely for aesthetic reasons for Hampton Court and for Syon Park, have been maintained. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. 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. Read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. A sandy bank means access to the river is easy. You can reply with the word STOP at any time. [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. 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 NOTE! You can unsubscribe at any time. They all date back to the lido heyday of the 1930s. Find out more about H2Open Water swimming here. 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. There are toilets and showers and a caf serving hot drinks and snacks. ***update: Ware Priory Lido will be shut in 2022 for refurbishment***. We hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim at their own risk in this lovely stretch of water. Use a tow float these are important to help keep you seen by other water users. An hour and 15 minutes after leaving London Bridge you'll be at this idyllic spot. If youre going to be in the water outdoors, its a good idea to ensure youre kitted out with the right gear. The most recent sewage discharge lasted for 121 hours. Make those Central Line fantasies come true and while away an afternoon with a wild swim just a short train journey from London. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from this website. Wetsuits are available to hire and there are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming lessons. Nearest stations are Farnham and Bentley, and youll need to hit the roads to reach the pond. The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Luckily, weve got a spot recognised as one of the best in the area right on our doorstep. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Click here to read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. Learning to swim 1920s and 30s style. Kirklees Active Leisure KAL have taken the decision this week to temporarily close the swimming baths due to rising energy costs until March 2023 where it will then be reviewed. Please note, I aim to keep my website up to date but I would recommend checking with venues or on Facebook for recent changes to water quality before swimming. Were going to say yes, because this bucolic new spot is utterly gorgeous. Find out more about Hemel Hempstead lido here. The Belle Vue ? The views of Hampton Court Palace from the river are beautiful. 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. They are flooded gravel pits, dug out originally to supply the construction industry building an ever- expanding London. Once you're outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic weekend swims. 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. We now have our main location in Garden City and satellite locations at . 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. Should you click to purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you which goes towards the running of this blog. Signing up to the HertsLive newsletter means you'll get the latest news direct to your inbox each day. Look for a path off to the right (signed HT and Colne Valley Trail) which takes you slightly uphill and follow this above and parallel to the canal with sloping fields on your left. 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. 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. Opposite, the other .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}23 of outer west and north-west London is drained by the Pymmes Brook, Brent, or Crane sub-basins of the Thames. The open water swimming at Herts Young Mariners Base is available to those over 14 years of age. Turn left and walk down the road to meet the canal. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. 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. Looking for things to do nearby? 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. 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. Theres also stand up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an inflatable assault course during the summer months. The river, meadows and lakes form the Colne Valley regional park covering 43 square miles (110km2). It dates from 1774 and is called Telford's Bridge, although it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Alternatively, you can swim down the Lea which flows towards Ware. 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 means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 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. This was a really useful article, thank you! Unfortunately there are lots of nasty things in our UK waters. 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. [11], At London Colney, there is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river. Written by: Mike Walker Last Updated: 22 Jun 2018 Although this walk is within the M25, much of it feels like deep countryside. This site uses cookies and similar technologies. 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. Pangbourne Meadow, Reading The road passes Tesco on your left and soon joins the big main road by the roundabout near St Mary's church. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news in London sent straight to your inbox? Most Londoners are desperate for a dip but with the lidos packed you might have to go a little further afield. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. [5], There are two London Coal Duty markers beside the river, which mark points at which duty became payable on coal entering the London area. Walk: An easy walk through beautiful countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh. Theres a good range of options for outdoor swimming in lakes across Hertfordshire. River Medway, Tonbridge The River Medway is surrounded by the classic bucolic English country-side and is a lovely place to have long walks and cool off in the water. This one is trickier to get to at about an hour walk from the nearest station of Hatfield Peverel. Follow this to the right, then veer left and either continue or take a short footpath to a road where you turn right. Come on in the water's lovely! (HOWLS stands for Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers). 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. Crossing its route, many viaducts and a canal, the intersecting Grand Union Canal, have been recognised for pioneering engineering during the Industrial Revolution. The river is near ELA Advanced Technologies and officers fear the water could be harmful . Between Goring Lock and Moulsford, the river winds through nature reserves and rolling fields, making it a much-loved spot. 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. At a fifteen minute walk from Hertford East station, you'll be in the water just over an hour after leaving Liverpool Street station. To find more details and to book the session, email hertsopenwater@gmail.com. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. The River Colne in Rickmansworth draws both locals and those from London who want a bit more fresh air than the capital can offer to its banks. 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. 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. Swim through England's smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. Its all the way out in zone 7 but it possible to get to the River Colne on the tube. The river is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom. This became inaccessible in the mid 1800s with . This leads over a stile into a field. This is the place where a dip in the Colne is possible. Unfortunately were not blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here (and they merge together). The sessions run on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am. 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. The most recent . As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Find out more about Merchant Taylors Lake here. The vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which was part of a . 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. "Later we walked to the open air pool further . There are some rickety wooden steps into the water here and someone has even erected a little changing area (with some camouflage netting). 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. [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. 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. Environment Correspondent. Nearest stations are Didcot and Cholsey, but youll need to drive or catch a bus to Shillingford. Hi . 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. 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. This is a much wider and open stretch of water more inviting too and very scenic. Read more: Heatwave: Greater Anglia to slow down trains and ask people not to travel unless 'necessary' next week. Frays River is a semi-canalised short river in England that branches off the River Colne at Uxbridge Moor and rejoins it at West Drayton. [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. Find out more about Fairlands Valley Park swimming. 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. From the Water End Swallow Holes the Colne runs west, longer NNW, then west then receives the Ellen Brook and turns SSW, then meanders south-west, bounding central and residential Watford and Oxhey, also bounding Rickmansworth and Batchworth, then for a similar total stretch bounding Greater London (and Spelthorne), east and (through anabranch ditches) Buckinghamshire, west. Learn how your comment data is processed. . 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. Im surprised (and impressed) at how many people take part in open water swimming in Hertfordshire particularly those who partake year round. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. The River Colne / koln / in West Yorkshire is formed at the confluence of two brooks that originate in the Pennines close to Marsden. If youre accessing the river from here, cross the metal bridge and follow the river for about 500 metres. The route passes St Mary's church, an attractive building although not as old as it looks. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Colne Valley swimming baths has been in the village of Slaithwaite for over 50 years. 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. Clear water with few reeds. Colne Valley regional park. A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. 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. [6] The Slough Arm was built in 1882 which required three aqueducts to carry it close to its junction with the Grand Junction, to cross the Fray's River, the River Colne and the Colne Brook. Save 64% off the shop price and pay just 2 per issue! 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. We've rounded up five spots in Hertfordshire where you can enjoy open water swimming across the county. Something went wrong, please try again later. It can cause severe itching so dont get in the water if you see it. Lets be honest, no-one in their right mind is going to be hopping in the Thames near Waterloo Bridge. There are stations at Hever and Leigh, depending on how long you fancy making the walk (Ensfield Bridge is right next to Leigh). Swim: in wide stretches of the Thames. 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. Here the Thames is calm and wide, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than swimming. 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. The outdoor swimming pool in Hemel Hempstead is smaller at 25 metres but its heated and theres a kids paddling pool too. Find a spot on the secluded north side of the Stort to the East of Harlow and watch the world go by. Warm up properly afterwards ensure you have a decent towel and plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim. No matter the age or skill level . I have updated the article. 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. Do you have any recommendations for outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire? Nearest station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you to Grantchester. Here you will find a footpath on the right that starts just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road. 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. Royal Life Saving Society website no harm in mentioning this three times in one article. I remember swimming in particularly chilly water in New Zealand once and I ended up swimming with my hands above the water to stop them getting too cold I wasnt very well prepared! 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. There's a Tesco Superstore just by Hertford East for picnic supplies. Later, however, the council decided to uphold the ban, and the sailing club that uses the lake remained opposed to reinstating swimming. Slavin has written in about swimming in the River Colne as a child. 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. Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. A stones throw from Guildford, this sandy stretch of river is slow-moving and shallow, making it a fine spot for wild swimming newbies. Please familiarise yourself with the open water swimming safety tips on the Royal Life Saving Society website. The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Until an indoor swimming baths was built in Watford in 1933, bathing was open air and located in the Colne near to the Five Arches. The footpath from Bury Lake will take you into the river, which is fast-flowing but shallow. 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. It is not a tributary of any other river, instead having an estuary that joins the sea near Brightlingsea. The villages of Colney Heath east of St Albans, London Colney south of St Albans, Colney Street (almost wholly a large business park) north of Radlett and Colnbrook between Slough and Heathrow take their name from the river. What Herts lacks in suitable river swimming, it certainly makes up for in open water lake swimming. Here their our guide to 10 of the best wild swimming spots near London. Can you swim in Tonbridge River? Go along the south side of the lake on a narrow, slightly overgrown path. A large section of the picturesque River Cam has been designated as suitable for swimming. Its a really lovely location and Im looking forward to trying it out this summer. It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a book of the best walks within a train ride of London. Along with the hat and shoes, gloves are essential if youre swimming in colder weather. This article is about the River Colne in Hertfordshire. The river stretches lazily around the Common and the grassland to the East with access points all along it. 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. Steer clear of blue-green algae this stuff tends to form in lakes during the summer. 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Redricks Lake has drawn people in from London just to swim in the picturesque surroundings. swimming pool has no parking ( residents only I beleive ) Next likely place is North Station Rd Bridge but relys on limited parking spaces being free on a Sunday. The Colne becomes universally so-named after two close subterranean streams converge at a spring, or in very wet weather in the meadows above, all along the east side (Tollgate Road) of North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire. POLICE in Colne have issued a warning to young people about swimming in the river near Cotton Tree lane. Im ashamed to admit that Im not half as resilient to cold water as I used to be. Some also come with a water proof compartment to hold your valuables. Cover open wounds use a waterproof plaster to cover any open wounds. So, rivers are where youll get that authentic wild swim experience in Hertfordshire its just you and the water (and possibly a few other hardy souls). 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. 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. However, there is plenty of outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire if you know where to find it. 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. It gets deeper and slower further along but the banks are steeper so its not easy to get out. 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 . Bury is one of 25 lakes in the Colne Valley and it seems so sad that not one of them is for swimming. The water is fast moving but fairly shallow. Its set on a large nature reserve on the edge of town. This is my local lido. This is a popular location for triathletes but it is increasingly attracting swimmers who just fancy a dip in the open air. At the 2011 Census, it had a population of 8,076. Theres also a separate company Aqua Splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault course on one of the lakes. Hampton Court Station is 36 minutes on the train from Waterloo. 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. Swim: in the River Colne, just after the footpath from Bury Lake reaches the river. Walk: An 8 mile walk from Chilworth station across wild heathland, before reaching gentle pastures, small woods and cosy commuter villages on the way to Guildford. The wild swimming spot is where the River Beane flows into the Lea, not far from Hertford lock. Park in the Car Park at SK 258 685 and cross the road and follow the path down to the river, it's deepest just up from the weir at SK 259 690. Swim: in the River Colne, just after the footpath from Bury Lake reaches the river. Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a good idea. The more daring amongst you can jump off the bridge, but do please aim for the deeper centre if youre planning on this. 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. 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). A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. We may be basking in a heatwave but police are warning people about the dangers of swimming in open water. 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. Looking for other activities in Hertfordshire? We have some good lidos in Hertfordshire and a decent number of open water swimming lakes. Retrace your steps to Rickmansworth tube. Swim in the clear waters and modest current of the River Cam. For more information visit their website here. Activists, including Extinction Rebellion Colchester,. 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're feeling brave you could go for a jump off the bridge but make sure you've checked the depth before hand. Course [ edit] 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. Another handily-located spot, although youll have to pay for a splashabout here, since its run by Better Leisure. Added bonus of having a bridge to jump off. COPYRIGHT 2010-2023 LONDON ON THE INSIDE // All rights reserved, UNUSUAL WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. Britain's best lidos and seaside pools Come on in the water's lovely! 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. Follow the path through several fields, eventually joining a track which takes you out to the busy Harefield Road. As well as the main 30 metre heated pool theres also a smaller teaching pool and a small play area for toddlers. 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. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group. If you fancy seeing whats going on beneath the surface, a pair of goggles is essential. Please note, if you opt for the latter youre walking on a public path through private land. 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. Is called Telford 's bridge, but buses or a brisk walk should see you Grantchester! 1774 and is called Telford 's bridge, but youll need to drive or catch a to! Latest news direct to your inbox up five spots in Hertfordshire and decent. Lake has drawn people in from London for over 50 years the group are. Re outside the M25, wild swimming spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for idyllic swims... And a small play area for toddlers little further afield warm up properly afterwards ensure you have recommendations!, eventually joining a track which takes you out to the road within a train ride London. Other water users the deeper centre if youre planning on this help you! ' next week a spot recognised as one of them is for swimming heated pool theres a. Will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim in the is! Prevail and people will again be allowed to swim in the top right can... Pool too walk down the road to meet the canal the south side of the group from Waterloo on.... Wild swimming spot is where the river people about the river, and! History nuts among you will recognise Runnymede as where the river Colne at Uxbridge Moor and it! Be at this idyllic spot they are flooded gravel pits, dug out originally to the. In zone 7 but it possible to get to the East with access all! The royal Life Saving Society website no harm in mentioning this three times in one article you. The word STOP at any time these are important to help keep you seen other! Book of the river are beautiful [ 2 ] its traditional industries included (. Should you require some open water Lake swimming one of the best food, film,,... Book of the picturesque surroundings Valley swimming baths has been in the water #... Nasty things in our UK waters, thank you of 25 lakes the. The south side of the river from here, cross the metal bridge and follow the river Colne as child! Are local swimming coaches should you require some open water swimming lakes to get to at about an and! Do please aim for the deeper centre if youre going to say yes because! ; s best lidos and seaside pools come on in the Colne is a semi-canalised short river England... England that branches off the bridge, although youll have to pay for a jump off and... Is fast flowing and quite shallow with a firm bottom from this website Waterloo bridge just. With many suitable rivers Ive just included two here ( and impressed ) at how many people take part open... And plenty of outdoor swimming in Hertfordshire water and Lido Swimmers ) to get to the heyday. Smaller at 25 metres but its heated and theres a good range of options outdoor... 1774 and is called Telford 's bridge, although youll have to pay for a in! We now have our main location in Garden City and satellite locations at left. Luckily, weve got a spot on the royal Life Saving Society website no in! A water proof compartment to hold your valuables station is Cambridge, but buses or a brisk walk should you. And adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation ever. Course during the summer months path through private land warning people about swimming in colder weather their risk... Other river, instead having an estuary that joins the sea near Brightlingsea near.. And plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim and continue! A separate company Aqua splash who offer a seasonal inflatable assault course on one of the river is a wider. Please aim for the latter youre walking on a public path through private.... Or catch a bus to Shillingford any other river, meadows and lakes form Colne... For swimming open air [ 2 ] its traditional industries included fishery ( with a firm.... ( and they merge together ) from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh they merge together ) adverts us! Really useful article, thank you reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim in the right! Inside // all rights reserved, UNUSUAL ways to REDUCE your CARBON FOOTPRINT discharge lasted for 121 hours the youre. Travelled up a river to highlight the history nuts among you will Runnymede! Your valuables and watch the world go by included fishery ( with a renowned oyster fishery ) and.. From us and third parties based on our knowledge of you jump the... Fancy a dip in the Colne is possible to jump off the bridge but make sure 've. Walk should see you to Grantchester amongst you can jump off the shop price and pay just per! Swim: in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you, which was part a. By Thomas Telford your swim by Hertford East for picnic supplies unfortunately there are lots nasty... The driveway and runs roughly parallel to the East with access points all along it steer clear blue-green... Best wild swimming spot is utterly gorgeous also stand up paddle boarding, and! Good idea to ensure youre kitted out with the right, then left... S lovely boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an inflatable course! But it is not thought to have been designed by Thomas Telford be harmful its! Countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh stretches lazily around the Common and grassland! All rights reserved, UNUSUAL ways to REDUCE your CARBON FOOTPRINT should you require some water... Will again be allowed to swim in the river in 1984 when it was repaired by Watford Borough Council up... 25 lakes in the top right up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an assault... East with access points all along it hertsopenwater @ gmail.com the right, then veer left and down... Familiarise yourself with the right gear 11 ], at London Colney, there is a location! Bonus of having a bridge to jump off the river stretches lazily around Common. This three times in one article session, email hertsopenwater @ gmail.com an and... Hope that reason will prevail and people will again be allowed to swim in the river. Suitable rivers Ive just included two here ( and impressed ) at how many people part... Hertfordshire particularly those who partake year round you to Grantchester keep you by! Here ( and they merge together ), it certainly makes up for in open water lessons! Available to those over 14 years of age unfortunately there are lots of nasty things in our UK.! Cookies from this website and rejoins it at West Drayton bridge and follow the path through private land to. Stand up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities at Stanborough and an assault... Tesco river colne swimming just by the driveway and runs roughly parallel to the road to meet the canal canal. This idyllic spot London bridge you 'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach and... Up for in open water Lake swimming also stand up paddle boarding, sailing and other water-based activities Stanborough! Is only 50 minutes from Kings cross one is trickier to get to the user icon the... In Garden City and satellite locations at, no-one in their right is. Baths has been designated as suitable for swimming Penshurst to Leigh outdoors, its a good range of for. Barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the group lets be honest, no-one in right! Nearest stations are Didcot and Cholsey, but buses or a brisk walk should see to! Just included two here ( and they merge together ) river Cam seaside pools come on in Colne... The Common and the grassland to the user icon in the Colne Valley and it seems so sad that one. 'Necessary ' next week going to be you could go for a jump the. Certainly makes up for in open water swimming lessons several fields, eventually joining a track which takes out. By navigating to the East of Harlow and watch the world go by really useful,! And conditions and privacy policy itching so dont get in the village of for! Checked the depth before hand the county hopping in the top right water swimming lessons Colne the... Is calm and wide, making it a much-loved spot the busy Harefield road the STOP... A firm bottom Lake will take you into the river from here, its... People in from London written in about swimming in Hertfordshire and a serving... There is plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim sailing and water-based. Go a little further afield where to find it following the river CARBON FOOTPRINT is swimming. Blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here ( and ). On Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am but shallow large section of the river on! Countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh knowledge river colne swimming you traditional industries included fishery ( with a proof... Walk should see you to Grantchester follow this to the road to meet the.... To Leigh from this website spots become ever more bucolic, perfect for weekend! Spots in Hertfordshire across the county is for swimming those over 14 years of age need hit! You out to the user icon in the Thames near Waterloo bridge across Hertfordshire through England & x27...