Dip your toes...
If the recent hot spells have made you think about the appeal of open water swimming, thomas Cock & James brinsford have a round-up of some of the best places to try it out
If you enjoy the thrill of swimming but find the constraints of the local leisure centre pool is holding you back, there is only one way you can go. It is time to head to the great outdoors and take on nature by dipping your toes into open water swimming.
To help you make a choice of where to dive into the world of open water swimming, here are the best places around Somerset, Bath and beyond that will help you get hooked on the pursuit.
Battling the elements (and maybe a few fish) can be hugely rewarding for those who want to take the step up from family funtime in the local pool, but it’s important to understand what you are getting yourself into and make sure you are properly equipped, fully prepared and have a good understanding of the risks of open water swimming and how to manage them before you go.
Several of these spots are at professionally run centres where you can arrange training or supervision to make sure you stay safe if you are less experienced.
Vobster Quay Where: Upper Vobster, Radstock, Somerset BA3 5SD. Tel: 01373 814666
What better place to get to grips with open water swimming than at one of the UK’S best diving centres?
It is primarily a place to hone your diving techniques but there are plenty of times when you can push off into the calm waters and take on the elements for a little swim.
There’s more than 36 acres of fresh water and a 750m swimming course, so plenty of room for your breaststroke.
Waterland outdoor Pursuits Where: Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, Lake 32 Keynes Country Park (Cotswold Country Park), Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6DF. Tel: 01285 861202
Based at the popular Cotswold Country Park, Waterland Outdoor Pursuits provides wild water swimming in a naturally fed lake that is approximately 6ft in depth.
There are buoyed courses of 400, 750 and 1,500 metres along with popular aquathon events that can be entered once you have got to grips with the wet stuff.
tarr steps nature reserve Where: Exmoor National Park
THIS ancient stone bridge might not be the first place you think of when wanting to go open water swimming but this area of exmoor can be a beautiful and tranquil setting.
While children might enjoy paddling near the Tarr Steps, there is a deeper pool about 20 minutes upstream for those who would like to take on the open water.
bristol open Water Where: West Country Water Park, The Lake, Trench Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS36 1RY. Tel: 07811 108587
The West Country Water Park is set in a beautiful rural area that’s based in the ‘V’ of the M4 and M5 motorways.
It has an 11-acre clean water lake, which has a tropical colour appearance due to the lake’s clay content.
The lake is a big attraction for open water swimming, canoeing and jet skis but don’t worry, they each have their own time slots.
Claverton Weir Where: Ferry Lane, Bath, BA1 8EE
JUST south of Bath is Claverton Weir, which has some shallow paddling areas and some long, deep stretches for those who’d like a good swim. a picturesque setting for those who want to enjoy the views while having a dip.
Farleigh hungerford Where: Stowford Manor Farm, Wingfield, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 9LH
THIS place has one of the few open water swimming clubs in the UK, for those who get the bug for it. There’s membership or a pay-as-you-swim option for those who can’t commit to a regular session.
tellisford Weir Where: River Frome, near Frome
another weir and another amazing spot for a swim. Treelined banks and large pools make this a perfect place to take on the challenge of swimming in a natural environment.