(including Hay-On-Wye)
River Wye (at The Warren, nr Hay-on-Wye)
(No question that this is a FIVE TRUNK location)
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
River Wye (on the Welsh/English border just north of Hay-On-Wye)
(A FIVE TRUNK location just for the fun of “swimming the border”)
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
River Wye (at Bredwardine)
(A FIVE TRUNK location)
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
River Arrow (nr “Court of Noke”)
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
River Lud
(A THREE TRUNK location)
Location
Grid Ref
Features
Hazards
Date of Last Swim
August 2004