Water while riding

Where do you all refill your water while riding? I normally bring 2 700ml bottles which lasts around 3 hours if im conservative about it, but then the issue of either buying a bottle from a shop to refill and throw the said bottle away which seems wasteful.

Obviously in the time of covid asking a pub or cafe to refill is unlikely and dependent on actually finding one. Now finding outside water taps is great but there doesnt seem to be a map anywhere that shows the locations of them so seems to be hit and miss when out and about.

Refill app is rather good and you can add locations that you find.

I'll have to give it a look! how is it for more rural areas if you have any experience?

No rural experience with it yet and need to add some water fountains I've discovered in my home town-
https://www.water.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/refill/

Also London focused https://www.london.gov.uk//what-we-do/environment/waste-and-recycling/single-use-plastic-bottles/drinking-fountains-london

Just downloaded it! definitely seems like it will come in handy, thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Your very welcome 👍.

Churches are often a good place to look for an outdoor tap.

Obviously in the time of covid asking a pub or cafe to refill is unlikely and dependent on actually finding one.

Pubs are mostly open, cafes doing big business. IME they’ll always sort you out … or point you to a tap.

I’ve never had to buy bottled water to top up cycling in the UK.

I have had to buy coconut water to top up sugars/salts tho :)

Cemeteries are a great place to find water.

Rivers and lakes are a great place to find water

I've had no problems getting top ups in cafés, even though I'm sometimes not even a customer.

I even got a to up in a supermarket from the deli counter the other day.

I've also upgraded to 950ml bottles which is enough for four hours for me.

@Landslide that’s a good idea yeah, I guess most have an outside tap!

@miro_o @Alex_B I haven’t actually been in a cafe to ask since COVID didn’t want to be extra hassle so had just assumed that, but good to hear will have an ask around on my century solstice ride at the weekend!

The town beaches around here have drinking-water taps, or big campsites are pretty anonymous. Canal&River Trust sell keys for their water points for £7 but probably can find cheaper elsewhere.

Didn’t realise that the canal&river trust even had water points but definitely makes sense, is it just a radar style key?

Just a yale style key.

good to hear will have an ask around on my century solstice ride at the weekend!

Humans are typically awesome (outside of overbearing man-made, artificial environments such as cities). Just ask!

Enjoy your solstice ride. I have similar planned for The Long Sunday.
Looking at the forecast … there might be plenty of water about.