Wild swimming spots

Where is that ?
Looks lovely

Just ventured out into for the first time myself this weekend. We are spoilt for choice round here. This is Helford river.
Absolutely loved it despite not getting on top of my breathing technique in the choppy water.

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That's Panshanger in Hertford, 3.5k run from my house. It's owned by Tarmac and they have staff living in the cottages on site. They start work at 8 and drive around checking for dodgy fishermen, the main lake has several cctv cameras to catch fishermen too.
I mix it up between here, Hartham Common or a short drive to Dobbs Weir 4/5 times a week.
Great for birds, too. A swim and seeing owls and hawks before work gets me through the days!

You’re Lucky , I’m by the Thames but you can’t move for whales and seals

I'm from around these parts originally but gave "London" a decade before leaving Forest Gate in 2019 for the little one. Both me and my fiancée wanted to go "home" which turned out to be a bloody good call during lockdown. Having this space has literally kept me alive and I feel exceptionally lucky!

Went to Slough for work. Detour on the way home to Marsh Lane and the Jubilee River. Fantastic, I now want to go to Slough again.

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Going to try get a swim in today. I’m in SW , anyone know of any good spots an hours train away? I was thinking Tilford if anyone knows some nice spots nearby ? I’m going bikeless but don’t mind an hours walk from station to a spot

Why not Frensham?

Jubilee River near Taplow station. 15 minute walk down Marsh Lane. There is an easy place to get in just up from the weir and there will probably be the odd other swimmer about.

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https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/elwp

This is really promising, let's hope the funding is completed.

Would be great for the area.

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Anyone know of any spots in the Salisbury/ Andover/ Basingstoke area?

Two I know off. Figheldean and river Nadder by Treffton Elis (spelling on both?).

Otherwise not sure. But I can tell you Basingstoke canal would not be on my list of places to swim!!

perfect, thanks!

As a former Basingstokeite, I second this. But I think Odiham Ford, just down from the canal is reasonably safe, if not particularly deep. My Dad used to take us swimming there as kids anyway.

There's also Longbridge Mill on the A33 between Reading and Basingstoke. There's a great plunge pool bit, out the back of the pub/restaurant of the same name, part of the river Loddon. I'm not 100% sure it's legal to swim there, but it never stopped us as teenagers.

And there's Bourley Lakes between Aldershot and Farnham on the Hampshire/Surrey borderline. It's absolutely beautiful there, it looks like something from the Pacific Northwest. I think it's ex-MOD land though, so it's probably worth checking whether you can swim there.

I have many times but, as you should have concluded by now, I was an idiot in my younger years.

Figheldean

I understand that swimming hole is at a weir which is being removed and you can't swim there anymore.

Oh really? Didn't know that. Removed how? Will take a Google.

Was worried when I saw that it was the bit (off bottom right) which is already beautiful and biodiverse. But it's not. Looks like a great project.

Apparently the site is fenced off with CCTV. This seems relevant: https://twitter.com/EnvAgencySW/status/1450379883612418050

We're working with @WessexRivers on improvements to the R Avon at #Figheldean, reconnecting the river to its floodplain & improving fish passage by removing an impoundment. Here's the outline concept design below.
Read more about our work on #ChalkStreams
https://t.co/fAUWFGuu7r https://t.co/4tLfCfLBHW

Bugger

Anyone know anywhere I might be able to sneak a swim in near Hungerford, Berks?

River Kennet just east of Hungerford was our go to spot when I was a kid.

Around here: Dun Mill Lock
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jHZ5QrWDwzQ4SezCA?g_st=ic

But @Arducius may have more up to date knowledge

Thought that might be a go-er. Will check it out on the weekend.
Thx.

Beautiful lakes in shepperton (1h journey from london Waterloo by train+cycle). Pm me for location (not the liquid leisure one) There are 2 lovely lakes next to eachother and all are clean with visibility down about 8-9 foot. Shingle/sand/stones, no weeds (there is a few weeded spots)

One lake has metal fencing in the quite a few swims so can lock your bike securely to it as well

Good for fishing too

Anyone know good spots in the Peak District? I'll be in Edale for a few days in a couple of weeks.