River Avon (nr Bradford Upon Avon)
(This FOUR TRUNK location)
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
River Avon by M4 (near Chippenham)
(This FOUR TRUNK location)
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
Farleigh and District Swimming Club
(A FIVE TRUNK location although its a shame you have to pay)
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)
River Frome, Tellisford Weir
(This is a FOUR TRUNK location)
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