• "Best in" BED (fordshire)

• "Best in" BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

• "Best in" CORNWALL

• "Best in" DORSET

• "Best in" HEREFORDSHIRE

• "Best in" the LAKES

• "Best in" the NORTH YORKS

• "Best in" the PEAK DISTRICT

• "Best in" SHROPSHIRE

• "Best in" SURREY

• "Best in" WEST YORKSHIRE

• "Best in" WILTSHIRE

LOCATION:

• By the bridge at Felmersham, next to the Church (approx 9 miles north of Bedford).

GRID REF:

• SP990/578

FEATURES:

• Shallow and deep water, "arch swimming", "bridge" jumping (with extreme care) and the ability to park next to the location (record entry time is 6 seconds from parking to entry into river).

HAZARDS:

• Dog walkers and fishermen can be hostile. Occasion projectiles from passing cars (they can't actually see you and presumably think the river is a litter bin!).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2009

LOCATION:

• In-between the villages of Sharnbrook and Felmersham (approx 8 miles north of Bedford).

GRID REF:

• SP993/582

FEATURES:

• Reasonably deep water, but you can find slow or slow currents depending on what you prefer. There is good shade from trees and good stretches of swimming water. Also for a spot only 5m from a public footpath its surprisingly secluded!!

HAZARDS:

• Several swans have developed a fondess for this spot which is unfortunate as they don't always appear overly friendly. There are usually only two and you can hide from them, but on one occasion there was a gathering of 8!!!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2009

LOCATION:

• Immediately behind the Bell pub in Odell village (c. 9km north of Bedford)

GRID REF:

• SP966/576

FEATURES:

• Shallow and deep water, easy parking, fast flowing water and the pub.

HAZARDS:

• The pub can be a hazard (please visit it AFTER your swim, you know it makes sense). UPDATE: tragically some BASTARDS have erected a fence all around the river in this location which makes getting to the water very difficult (investigations as to WHY continue).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2001

LOCATION:

• There are actually two quite good spots close to Daisy Bank. Both are only c. 100m from the road between the villages of Felmersham and Carlton, there is a footpath but you could just walk down the sides of the fields (its what the anglers do).

GRID REF:

• SP981/577 (to East) and SP975/577 (nearer Red Barn)

FEATURES:

• Both swim spots feature shallow and deep water, easy parking and at the western one there are what appear to be diving boards (see photo above). Well thats what I use them for!

HAZARDS:

• Fishermen can be hostile and Swans are hostile.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2009

LOCATION:

• 0.5 km south of Sharnbrook (approx 8 miles north of Bedford)

GRID REF:

• SP996/588

FEATURES:

• Shallow and deep water, fresh running water input, small weir for exciting sounds (and swimming), along with attractive grass area for sun bathing (cows permitting).

HAZARDS:

• CURRENT STATUS: water a bit brown!!!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 21st April 2009

LOCATION:

• Walk along the footpath upstream of Radwell. The best swim is next to the railway bridge.

GRID REF:

• TL 008/570

FEATURES:

• Great for trainspotters (I would imagine!!)

HAZARDS:

• I guess there is a 1 in a billion chance that one of the trains will come off the bridge! But other than that watch out for fishermen and Canadian Geese. Neither are necessarily friendly.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 22nd July 2006

LOCATION:

• Approx 0.5km north of Milton Ernest adjacent to the A6. Park by the entrance to the sewage works (!) and follow footpath or just hop over fence.

GRID REF:

• SP017/572

FEATURES:

• Reasonable flow of water, but its main merits are that it is approx 1m walk from the A6 (but hidden from it).

HAZARDS:

• The only one of worthy of a mention are the large number of biting insects, that assuming that you go upstream of the Sewage Works!!).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 29th May 2003

LOCATION:

• Take the footpath that goes south of Pavenham towards Stevington. The swim is just before the footbridge over a field ditch to the north of Tuckers Islands.

GRID REF:

• TL 983/548

FEATURES:

• Shallow and deep water, Osier Beds, cows....

HAZARDS:

• Quite a few patches of weeds so don't go and panic if you feel something stroking your leg.... The cows looked interested in our clothes but they never stole them.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2006

LOCATION:

• Theres a river walk on the east bank (Biddenham Loop side) from which access is relatively easy. I used a fishermans area just opposite Kempston Box End.

GRID REF:

• TL 003/492

FEATURES:

• Good stretches of deep water and the knowledge that people have lived next to the river here for 10,000 years (buy the book "Prehistoric and Romano-British landscape at Biddenham Loop", when it come out).

HAZARDS:

• Watch out for fishing line and hooks (AND anglers) as this is a popular stretch of river for fishing.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2006

LOCATION:

• Centre of Bedford with best access from the road called The Embankment.

GRID REF:

• SP055/494

FEATURES:

• Handy for last minute High Street shopping especially cheap towells from Wilkinsons (should you have forgotten!). There is also an hotel called The Embankment which has a bar which is fine for ordinary people to go in.

HAZARDS:

• I suppose it would be negligent to mention the deaths and the deep cuts on legs from "underwater obstructions" (usually shopping trolleys).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Early July 2002

LOCATION:

• Take the footpath from Olney Church and follow the river bank. There are several places with easy access and deep water. Alternatively park in Clifton Reynes and take the pleasant 1km walk across the floodplain to the same spot.

GRID REF:

• SP 893 507

FEATURES:

• Deep and fast flowing water. Wonderful backdrop of Olney Church.

HAZARDS:

• The water was flowing quite fast so be careful and the cows were pretty frisky!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• July 2005

LOCATION:

• Lovely spot in a Country Park near Slough.

GRID REF:

• TBC

FEATURES:

• Easy access to the water (except when the rangers and police are in the area), plenty of shallow water near the edge but does get very deep, lovely trees all round the lake.

HAZARDS:

• No real hazards except splinters from the trees. However, in 2003 Bucks County Parks (B*stards) have banned swimming in this lovely spot on Health and Safety (ie fear of being sued). If you want to avoid an arguement/discussion just go when there are no rangers about.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 1st 2003

LOCATION:

• Best access is from the south bank having gone down the track next to the only pub (name forgotten but excellent) in Aston, approximately 3km north east of Henley-On-Thames.

GRID REF:

• SU788/845

FEATURES:

• This was once the location of the Mill End to Aston ferry. Once the closure of this "vital" service was announced (back in the late 1950's) members of the Anti Ferry Closure Action Group took to the water. Among the group were Mr and Mrs Digger. What other features do you need when the swimming spot has such history associated with it. Good deep water (if you want it).

HAZARDS:

• The current was a little strong in the middle and boats pass this spot at speed. Other than that the water is wet (and my attempt at transporting clothes across in a plastic bag can testify to this).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 7th 2003 (or was it 1953????)

LOCATION:

• This swim is on the north bank approximately 1.5km east of Marlow. However, I wandered along the River Thames long distance footpath from Bourne End (loads of parking near Cookham). Its just east of the little islands in the river opposite Winter Hill.

GRID REF:

• SU 874/866

FEATURES:

• Reasonably sandy beach, view of posh houses and boat houses. Good deep water (if you want it).

HAZARDS:

• Gets deep quite quickly and there are alot of boats in this part of the Thames.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 7th 2003

LOCATION:

• Next to the playing fields which a situated between the east side of the town and the river.

GRID REF:

• SP897/516

FEATURES:

• Has concrete steps (see photo) leading into the river. This must have been the old town swimming pool (and for some, still is). Excellent places for sun-bathing and even some shade.

HAZARDS:

• This isn't a quiet spot. Its one of the few places along the River Great Ouse where I have not been the only one swimming! Not really any extensive lengths of deep water for swimming.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2001

LOCATION:

• Park by Polbrock bridge, c. 3km SE of Wadebridge. Then take the "Camel Trail" (one of those paths that used to be a railway) south for 500m. When the path starts deviating from the river you don't. There are quite a few swims on the bends in the river.

GRID REF:

• SX 013/690

FEATURES:

• Lovely spot set in woodland with easy access and deep enough water for a swim on the bends in the river.

HAZARDS:

• There were quite a few branches floating around and some under the water so watch out. Hardly surprising hazards given its in woodland.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 1st July 2006 (day of England V Portugal)

LOCATION:

• Nearest village is Gwithian (6km north west of Hayle). Park next to the track that leads to the Car Park for Godrevy Point and follow the river until it meets the sea.

GRID REF:

• SW584/422

FEATURES:

• Shallow and deep water and handy for the sea (its only a few metres away). AS FEATURED IN WATERLOG

HAZARDS:

• Cadmium, copper, zinc, lead and arsenic. Well where do you think its name comes from?

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 1999

LOCATION:

• Half way between Sturminster Newton and Fiddleford Mill, Dorset. Parking is easy as theres a car park for visitors to the Mill (and river swimmers).

GRID REF:

• ST 795/137

FEATURES:

• Well, when I went in there was an awful lot of water, but it looked like it would be a good spot in the summer with plenty of grass.

HAZARDS:

• Was quite full, infact it looked bl**dy dangerous near the Mill. Quite a few fishermen about and the cows had been busy. I have to admit it was a bit colder than I was expecting.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 30th November 2003

LOCATION:

• The Warren is a wide meander in the river to the west of Hay-On-Wye. Its not signposted, but if you go down what looks like a farmers track from the road which goes past the main church there is even parking. Several spots are good for swimming.

GRID REF:

• SO220/426

FEATURES:

• Excellent facilities all round. Nice shingly "beach-style" access or even "jumps". Once in you have deep water going W or a "fun" weir going E. Picnic and sunbathing options available.

HAZARDS:

• Seems rather popular with rafters, but they seem friendly enough

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2004

LOCATION:

• Approximately 500m N of Hay-On-Wye. Park near the bridge and follow the footpath through some trees until you hit a pasture field.

GRID REF:

• SO232/433

FEATURES:

• An excellent spot to swim from Wales into England (or was that from England to Wales).

HAZARDS:

• Rocks a bit slippery near the bank. Not really a problem except for the number of cow pats.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2002

LOCATION:

• Just east of the village of Bredwardine c. 10 miles west of Hereford. The best spot is to the south of the bridge next to Brobury House.

GRID REF:

• SO337/447

FEATURES:

• Good access from the west bank of the Wye, fast flowing water and a bridge to swim under if you can.

HAZARDS:

• The most obvious was a swan, although he/she seemed quite friendly. The more hidden hazards are that the water does flow quite fast and that there a quite a few underwater obstacles under the bridge.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2004

LOCATION:

• Approximately 4km NE of Lyonshall (nr Kington). Adjacent the "Court of Noke", never did find out what that was all about. Park nr Gig Bridge and its c. 5 seconds away.

GRID REF:

• SO370/598

FEATURES:

• Lovely tree lined river bank which is also handy for picnics (beware the cows though). Seems to be a camp/caravan site on the N bank which could be handy.

HAZARDS:

• While it is fair to say access is easy (once committed there is no turning back because you are in), getting out is a little troublesome.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2002

LOCATION:

GRID REF:

FEATURES:

HAZARDS:

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• August 2004

LOCATION:

GRID REF:

• TL201/139

FEATURES:

• If you weigh under 5 stone you may be able to float!

HAZARDS:

• A bit like having a bath in dirty water when you have knocked plants in all around you. The river flows through Luton!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• TBC

LOCATION:

• Wast Water is in the SW Lakes near (but not too near) Sellafield. You can get in pretty well anywhere. My favourite spot (shown above) is just south of the junction of two minor road (the only one) on the west side of the lake.

GRID REF:

• NY 151/053

FEATURES:

• WHAT A SETTING. Surely the most dramatic of all the Lakes!

HAZARDS:

• In the past I remember the water always being icy cold, but it didn't seem overly cold on this occasion.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 23rd July 2004

LOCATION:

• Approx 1km due east of Grasmere. There are loads of pleasant walks up to it from the A591.

GRID REF:

• NY348/078

FEATURES:

• I'd like to say "remarkably warm (for the time of year)", but there may be photographic proof that it wasn't. Not that bad though. Good access and plenty of grass/moorland to sunbath on (in the Summer).

HAZARDS:

• SAGA walking groups settle down to their hampers and watch anyone stupid enough to go in.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Late January 2003

LOCATION:

• Situated 0.5km to north of Tarn Howes. Follow the Cumbrian Way footpath until it meets the dam in front of Arnside.

GRID REF:

• NY 332/012

FEATURES:

• Lovely quiet (ish) spot, surprising given its so close to Tarn Howes.

HAZARDS:

• Not as deep as it looks!!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 31st May 2008

LOCATION:

• Situated to south of Langdale and east of Wrynose Fell. Parking on typical Lake District tiny windy road.

GRID REF:

• NY 293/044

FEATURES:

• Fabulous setting with easy woodland access from the west side of lake.

HAZARDS:

• Watch out for weeds and more importantly branches at bottom of lake.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 24th July 2008

LOCATION:

• On very edge of Braithwaite (nr Keswick). Access is from the S bank of the river but difficult to find. Follow the track near the chapel/church and you will find parking.

GRID REF:

• NY228/235

FEATURES:

• Concrete access (they must get alot of visitors in the summer) into quite a large pool in the Coledale Beck. Rumours of VI form girls swimming here regularly proved false (even the 30something x VI form girl with me didn't join in!).

HAZARDS:

• Watch your feet. A few cans/bottles on the bottom and quite a few bits of wood.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Early October 2002

LOCATION:

• There is plenty of good access from a footpath that runs along the W side of Crummock Water. A few good places exist on the E side but its not as pleasant because the B5289 runs dead near the lake.

GRID REF:

• TBC

FEATURES:

• Nice easy access (a bit stoney) on the W side and a few places for diving/jumping. Reasonably warm even in October.

HAZARDS:

• None really

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Early October 2002

LOCATION:

• Located c. 2km west of Ambleside. Take a minor road from Skelwith Bridge and park where you can once you can see the Tarn.

GRID REF:

• NY 345/045

FEATURES:

• Easy and shallow access from pretty well anywhere on the east side of the Tarn. Despite being close to Ambleside it doesn't get too busy (for the Lakes that is!!)

HAZARDS:

• None more than the "usual"

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 30th May 2008

LOCATION:

• To the east of Helvellyn probably best accessed from Glenridding.

GRID REF:

• NY350/153

FEATURES:

• Fabulous setting with view of the Striding Edge and Swirral Edge routes up Helvellyn. Surprisingly there are even small beaches so access is easy.

HAZARDS:

• I remember on other occasions its been quite cold (its deep and shaded from the sun most of the day).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 30th August 2003

LOCATION:

• Situated about 1km east of Grasmere so park where/when-ever you find a place. Footpath on west? side of lake that provides easy access to the water.

GRID REF:

• NY 355/065

FEATURES:

• Easy access, quite shallow (so relatively warm) and two islands to swim round (what more could you ask for?!!)

HAZARDS:

• Watch out for two swans that seem to patrol the Lakes trying to deter swimmers!!!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 25th July 2009

LOCATION:

• Its about 3km NE of Coniston on a C-road off the A593

GRID REF:

• SD998/328 (you can actually swim from OS 100ha square SD to NY)

FEATURES:

• Lovely, lovely, lovely. Great setting and I swear the water sometimes seem heated.

HAZARDS:

• Very popular (avoid the middle part of day).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• June 2008

LOCATION:

• Ullswater is big and I'm sure there are plenty of swimming spots. I went in on the east shore just north of Devils Chimney where the footpath gets quite close to the lake and theres a small beach.

GRID REF:

• SH394/178

FEATURES:

• Good views and easy access (you commit quite quickly due to the shelf).

HAZARDS:

• More weeds than I was expecting.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 31st August 2003

LOCATION:

• Approx 4km north-east of Ilkley, close to Beamsely. Theres a reasonably nice river walk from Bolton Abbey down to Ilkley (except for the bit along the road of course).

GRID REF:

• TBC

FEATURES:

• Easy access from a stoney "beach". Lots of deep water for quite along way. Nice wide river. What more do you want.

HAZARDS:

• None really although the dog we "borrowed" tried to escape in a field full of sheep. Incidentally, the said dog didn't seem to want to join me in the water: wimp.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Mid April 2003

LOCATION:

• At north end of Howden Reservoir (near the better known Lady Bower reservoir) **km west of Sheffield. Park at the "top car park" by the National Park Information Centre and walk or cycle all the way to the top of Howden. The River Derwent flows in to the reservoir at the very north end. There is a pool c. 100m to the north of the footbridge over the river at Slippery Stones. Strangely its not a spot that is well known despite being so near to the footpath.

GRID REF:

• SK168/955

FEATURES:

• Good depth and quiet spot. Only small but with plenty of sunbathing grass.

HAZARDS:

• None really.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 3rd August 2003

LOCATION:

• Take the footpath along the river from the minor road that goes south next to the Church in Hope to Castleton cement works. The majority of the bends in the Peakshole Water (what a name!) for the next 1km have pools deep enough for a swim. The Peakshole Water (what a name, again!!) feeds into the River Noe.

GRID REF:

• SK 170/833

FEATURES:

• Easy access and plenty of grass for sun-bathing. One of the meanders even has a rope swing.

HAZARDS:

• Unfortunately many picnic goers leave their rubbish behind. I removed a bottle of red wine (sadly I was driving as it still had some of its contents) from the river and the bank in places has a sprinkling of rubbish.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 24th April 2004

LOCATION:

• The River Wye runs in gorge near Millers Dale (about Buxton near Millers Dale)

GRID REF:

• TBC

FEATURES:

• A lovely spot set in a gorge with easy access from the adjacent footpath.

HAZARDS:

• The bottom of the river is a bit on the silty side, its a bit on the shallow side and the proximity of the footpath means you are never short of a wisecrack or two.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• July 2002

LOCATION:

• About 4km NW of Bakewell. Park in the car park with the toilet and follow the footpath on the opposite side of the main road downt to the river.

GRID REF:

• ?? 170/709

FEATURES:

• Nice grass for sunbathing, easy access, reasonable depth.

HAZARDS:

• Some stones were a bit sharp (but what do you expect)

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Mid June 2002

LOCATION:

• Approx 500m from the village of Cressage (c. 10km SE of Shrewsbury). Parking by bridge and enter the field on the N side.

GRID REF:

FEATURES:

• Easy access from most of the bank to the north of the bridge (watch out for nettles). Gentle stones underfoot and then it get deep. Nice strong current. JUST LOOK AT THE VIEW

HAZARDS:

• Ignoring the current (not too bad when I was there) and the nettles the only real hazard are FISHERMEN. I had to forfeit a self-photograph of me with the Wrekin in the background because of such chaps (I thought they didn't catch fish on sunny days, oh, sorry, that not the reason they "fish").

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 10th August 2003

LOCATION:

• Approx 2km east of Shrewsbury near the B4380. Access is from the south bank which is a footpath known as the Severn Way. Several spots are ok for swimming but the best access from at the top of the meander NE of Emstrey.

GRID REF:

• SJ533/108

FEATURES:

• Good long swims are possible around here (even in the summer when the water level has dropped alot).

HAZARDS:

• Alot of fishermen can be found in this stretch. They don't seem a happy lot but at least there fishing spots provide access to the river which otherwise can be quite difficult.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 8th August 2003

LOCATION:

• Approx 15km west of Shrewsbury just north of the village of Crewgreen. Park by the bridge for the minor road that crosses the river here.

GRID REF:

• SJ332/155

FEATURES:

• Well where to start. This is one of those places where you can swim from England across to Wales, or from Wales across to England (ie the river is the border). Theres a strange looking metal bridge for the minor road to swim under. You can swim upstream to the confluence with the Afon Efymwy (and therefore clock another river). Its a lovely setting. It was warm.

HAZARDS:

• Access to the river is a bit difficult in the summer (judging by the tree trunks attached to the upper reaches of the bridge this isn't a problem in the winter!!).

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 9th August 2003

LOCATION:

• Fresham Great Pond is to be found close to the A287 approximately 5km south of Farnham.

GRID REF:

• SU 845/403

FEATURES:

• WHAT CAN I SAY. Sandy beach, easy access, pleasant surroundings, toilets, nearby drinking water and, and, and, swimming is even allowed.................................. (Digger died of shock!)

HAZARDS:

• Difficult to believe but, too many people!

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 31st May 2003

LOCATION:

• To the east of Shalford church, c. 1km south of Guildford. Park on the A248 by the bridge over the river and walk north. The spot I went in was c. 200m south of the locks.

GRID REF:

• TQ 995/476

FEATURES:

• Easy access from the eastern bank, grass for sunbathing and even a tree for shade.

HAZARDS:

• This stretch of the Wey has been canalised so is quite popular with boats. As the river is quite narrow you need to keep your eyes open.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 13th September 2003

LOCATION:

• Approx 1/2km south of Fittleworth. Park on the verge of the B2138 by the bridge and take the footpath heading eastwards on the south side fo the river.

GRID REF:

• TQ 014/181

FEATURES:

• Relatively easy access if you go in near the bends and good lengths of deep water for swimming.

HAZARDS:

• The current is a bit "odd" if you go in near the bridge, but downsteam its fine although there are cows in the field.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 4th June 2006

LOCATION:

• Approx. 1km west of Wessenden Reservoir in a stream known as Short Grain.

GRID REF:

• SE051/084

FEATURES:

• Decent depth of water, good views and handy for the Pennine Way are the main attractions of this pool.

HAZARDS:

• Stony base causes instability on entry, restrictive swimming area, in the shade alot and if this was the quantity of water in May its not going to be a good fall in the summer.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Early May 2002

LOCATION:

• Adjacent to the Stonepit Lee Clough by Hey Green (1.5km W of Marsden)

GRID REF:

• SE027/122

FEATURES:

• An excellent "cold plunge" provided by Yorkshire Water (I assume it was to make up for all their silly signs telling you "No Swimming").

HAZARDS:

• Well I think it was Yorkshire Water and not the Electy Board.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Summer 2001

LOCATION:

• Approx 2.5km west of Digley Reservoir in a stream known as Dean Clough.

GRID REF:

• SE082/067

FEATURES:

• Easy access (once your've climbed down the vertical sides of the valley) and nice flat stones to stand on while changing.

HAZARDS:

• No real hazards although the lack of water will be a problem in the summer.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• Early May 2002

LOCATION:

• Several places are suitable for swimming near the lovely pub at Avoncliffe that overlooks the River Avon (but whose name I have forgotten). Approximately 1.5km west of Bradford Upon Avon.

GRID REF:

• ST806/600

FEATURES:

• You can swim at the bottom of the beer garden (although swimming is the one thing Digger doesn't do after alcohol- its just unsafe and stupid). Other than that the river here is in a nice valley crossed by the Kennet and Avon canal viaduct.

HAZARDS:

• Access to the river is a bit tricky with too many bushes and scrubs. However, those friends of river swimming, the fisherman, have several terraces in the bank that prove very useful (best not to use them when they are there). The rowing boats appear even faster and unobservant than in Bedford or Cambridge.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• July 15th 2003

LOCATION:

• Only 50m south of the M4. Unfortunately, apparently its illegal to park on the hard shoulder and go for a swim in the adjacent river. So come off at Junction 17 (Chippenham), take the B4122, then B4069, in the middle of Sutton Benger head north along a C class road and park on the right shortly after the bridge over the M4. Take the footpath down to the river. You can swim to the north of the M4, but I'd recommend going under the nasty motorway bridge over the the River Avon and continue for 100m where the bank has been eroded by cows.

GRID REF:

• SU 953/793

FEATURES:

• Despite its proximity to the motorway this is an idealic spot. The edge of the river was a little muddy but there was reasonable shallow access. It gets quite deep in the middle. Apart from listening for the motorway, you will be entertained by the RAF Hercules transport planes flying circuits over you from nearby RAF Lyhham. I restrained myself and didn't "moon" at them (you never know what they might drop on you).

HAZARDS:

• If you discount the RAF planes, the only other hazard was a rather territorial swan.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 14th July 2003

LOCATION:

• At Farleigh Hungerford, just off the A366, 4miles west of Trowbridge, Wilts.

GRID REF:

• ST805577

FEATURES:

• Parking, nice grass (on the ground), a ladder to get in and 50m of deep water. What more do you want?

HAZARDS:

• Membership river swimming club so watch out for "debt collectors" like Rob Fryer. If you are asked to pay, YOU PAY, or else..........

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• 18th July 2003 (Sorry Rob, but I didn't have you phone number)

LOCATION:

• Known as Tellisford Weir its not surprising this spot is near the village of Tellisford. Access if via the footpath on the east bank of the river which can be gained from Vaggs Hill (off a minor road from the B3109) approx 5km south of Bradford On Avon.

GRID REF:

• ST806/553

FEATURES:

• Excellent spot for a picnic and sunbathing (watch out for cow pads and an annoying amount of litter). Good swims up stream of the weir. Seems popular with the Youth: I felt old!!!

HAZARDS:

• None really.

DATE OF LAST SWIM

• July 15th 2003