Wild swimming.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2021 14:22 Page 1
HEALTH & RECREATION
In the swim
Don’t ditch all the outdoor socialising just yet – now’s the perfect time for a picnic, a wild swim and a playful day of wholesome pleasures at a city sun-trap
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herever you land on the wild swimming scale – flat refusal, willing when well-prepared in wetsuit, spiritously spluttering in nothing but swimwear – there seems to be no denying it’s damn good for us. Looking at the evidence stacking up – some anecdotal, some more scientific – it certainly appears that there’s plenty of value in it, perhaps even in clinical terms. It can help improve mental health – think of all the endorphins released when you plunge into cold water, plus there are few greater distractions from the mithering minutiae of the daily grind than wondering whether your lungs are about to seize up. The physical side is equally beneficial: it’s believed to improve muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost both circulation and immune system. Aside from all that, though, it’s a ton of fun even if you’re not generally a fan of being freezing. We’ve had to get our kicks where we can this past year and this hobby is (mostly) free and easy. Find our favourite open-air swimming locations below, from the closest to within an hour’s drive (taking Temple Meads as our starting point).
Publow and Pensford – 20 minutes
Pensford is well known for its picture-postcard pub The Rising Sun, which lays claim to what was voted Britain’s best beer garden not long ago and sits beside a small waterfall under the awesome arches of an imposing viaduct. To swim in the River Chew, head for the Publow church area, and dry off with a circular stroll around the millpond.
Henleaze Lake – 20 minutes
You’ll have to find someone in the inner swimmer circle and employ your best schmoozing skills to get into this exclusive freshwater haven established in 1919 in a former quarry and only open to members... with a maximum of two guests. Front crawl from May to September (there are some winter swimming sessions), glimpse moorhens, mallards and herons, and enjoy beautiful trees and a sauna – fancy! Membership is currently full so keep an eye on the website from next spring to find out if and when the waiting list is re-opening.
Conham River Park/Hanham Weir – 20 minutes
We’ve lumped these together as they’re only a four-minute drive from one another; why not combine on a warm day? When it’s sunny, both 58 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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areas – which have accrued a real community of year-round bathers – offer serious holiday vibes.
Clevedon Marine lake – 30 minutes
This man-made tidal marine lake, around since the 1920s, is about as natural-looking as infinity pools get. Plus you get Clevedon’s Victorian pier, where One Direction once filmed, to explore into the bargain. An £800,000 lottery grant in 2014 saw the seawater sanctuary restored to glory and open almost all year round (check the calendar) for SUP, canoeing, crabbing or simply paddling and doing a few lengths. Join the swim-run on 14 August, or the historic long swim on 28 August.
River Yeo, Yatton – 30 minutes
Heading to the beach? Why not stop off at Yatton for a more tranquil outer-city escape. On the way to Weston Super Mare, this North Somerset village awaits with its own watery oasis. Make the short drive out or hop on the train and pick a place to sunbathe – there’s plenty of grassy riverbank.
Warleigh Weir – 40 minutes
Kick off your shoes and join the kingfishers delighting in these cool Avon Valley waters between Bath and Bradford on Avon. Head in from the west bank, early doors, to get a picnic place in the meadow because this beauty spot can get busy. Pad carefully across the top of the waterfall and splash around in the sunshine. It’s probably best to cycle there if you can (an hour and a half via the Bristol and Bath Railway Path); make a proper day of it, eh?
Kensington Meadows – 40 minutes
For a relaxing recreational dip in the River Avon, try this quiet wooded area; a large riverside green space in Bath, about midway between Larkhall and Bathwick. Part of the pretty woodland is designated as a local nature reserve.
Farleigh Hungerford – 45 minutes
The Farleigh stretch of the River Frome has it all: parking, lovely lawn space that makes for a great picnicking area, a rope swing, even changing rooms and toilets. It’s home to aClevedon swim club, Marine and Lake: membership probably our is now open again. n favourite local infinity pool
