(home of the “sometimes but not often” mighty Wycombe Wanderers Football Club!)
[clear]
River Great Ouse (Olney)
(A real THREE TRUNK location.)
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
[clear]
Black Park (Nr Slough)
(once a FIVE TRUNK location. now due to stupid decision a “swim if you can” trunk location)
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
[clear]
River Thames (Nr Henley On Thames)
(A real FIVE TRUNK location.)
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
First swim 1953. Last swim September 2016.
[clear]
River Thames (Nr Marlow)
(A FIVE TRUNK location)
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
[clear]
River Great Ouse (at Olney Sportsfield)
(A THREE TRUNK location because weeds hinder good swimming.)
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
First swim: September 2011. Last swim: August 2019