The United Kingdom is anticipating its hottest May Bank Holiday on record, with temperatures forecast to reach 34 degrees Celsius. In response to the extreme heat, interest is growing in outdoor activities that offer a chance to cool off, such as wild swimming walks.
These routes combine hiking with dips in natural pools, lakes, and beaches. Two new books, "Wild Swimming Walks: Thames and West of London" by Margaret Dickinson and Phillip Nice, and "Wild Swimming Walks: Norfolk and Suffolk" by Eve Stebbing, highlight several such destinations.
Thames and West London Routes
The Buscot and Kelmscott Circular, a five-mile route starting at Buscot National Trust, winds through the English countryside. It passes Kelmscott Manor, once home to designer William Morris, and includes Buscot Weir pool as a swimming spot.
The Shillingford to Dorchester-on-Thames walk offers an eight or six-mile option accessible from London, Reading, and Oxford. The route features a swim near Shillingford Bridge and passes an Iron Age fort, with Dorchester-on-Thames noted for its appearance in the TV show "Midsummer Murders."
The Bursledon to Hamble walk, which can be shortened from nine miles, traverses elegant marinas and harbors. It includes swimming locations at RHCP (Royal Hampshire County Hospital) and other spots along the coast, as well as the Royal Victoria Country Park. Appropriate footwear is recommended due to potential shingle beaches.
Along the Winchester to Eastleigh route, the Itchen Navigation, a former canal, is a popular swimming spot at Compton Lock, despite local signage suggesting it is unsafe. Other attractions include Winchester Cathedral and historic sites.
The Frensham Ponds Circular in Surrey is described as family-friendly, with clear waters and designated swimming areas at Frensham Great and Little Ponds. The route also passes Frensham Common, noted for its wildlife habitats.
Norfolk and Suffolk Routes
In Norfolk and Suffolk, the Waveney at Outney Common offers a long river with numerous swimming locations. This route, passing through Bungay, is particularly recommended for summer due to potential winter flooding.
The River Nar offers secluded swimming spots along a double loop walk through Narborough and Pentney Abbey, with an additional option behind an ancient bridge. Nearby Castle Acre Priory also provides swimming opportunities, and West Lexham offers paid wild swimming.
The walk from Pin Mill to Harkstead highlights Harkstead Beach, an ideal spot for swimming, though tide times should be monitored. Dining options in the area include the Butt & Oyster pub.
Winterton Dunes, a National Nature Reserve near Great Yarmouth, provides beachside swimming and walks. The area is also home to a large seal colony.
The North Norfolk coast route from Burnham Overy Staithe to Holkham Gap includes sea and river swims at locations like Bank Hole and Holkham. A detour to Scolt Head Island is also possible, with attention to tide times advised.
