SEVEN CHOICE RIVER SWIMS

JUBILEE RIVER TAPLOW, BUCKS “A beautiful spot. No boats are allowed and the riverbanks are part of a nature reserve, so wildlife and plantlife is plentiful. There is only a little flow, which makes swimming easier and safer for beginners. Easy entry and exit points make it a lovely spot for longer swims or to dip and enjoy a picnic after.” Ella Foote, journalist and swimmer RIVER GELDESTON, WAVENEY NORFOLK “The Waveney at Geldeston is the stuff river swimming dreams are made of. A sweep of poplars on the far bank ensures plenty of shelter, with easy access to the water via a handy footbridge (which is excellent for jumping). It’s also right by the excellent Geldeston Locks Inn, perfect for a post-swim pint.” Joe A Life Minihane, Regained author of Floating: GREAT OUSE OLNEY, BUCKS “Olney, the old bathing place on the Great Ouse, is ideal and has been regularly swum for decades (pictured below). A beautiful rural location, with mowed grass for picnics located by huge willow trees. The river here is shallow with a firm shingle bed and is ideal for youngsters and adults alike; there’s terracing for easy in and out. Park for free at the long stay East Street car park.” Bryn Dymott, pied piper of swimming THE ESK LAKE DISTRICT “When the Lakes are heaving with summer visitors, I head west to the Esk. The river rises in the Scafells and travels through awesome rock gorges, before reaching a gentle meander through the valley. Its emerald dubs are easily reached from the Eskdale Trail – a low level route suitable for all abilities.” Suzanna Cruickshank, Lake District swim guide (suzannaswims.co.uk) RIVER ETIVE WEST HIGHLANDS “The River Etive runs between vast mountains, yet is still easily accessible. A variety of pools, waterfalls and channels make it a fantastic swim. Take care as heavy rain can swell the Etive wildly and attracts many kayakers. A popular glen in summer for both visitors and midgies!” Calum Maclean, film-maker and cold water swimmer LLUGWY CAPEL CURIG, CONWY “This beautiful pool in the Llugwy river in the village of Capel Curig, near Betws-y-Coed, is a popular spot with young people and families on hot summer days. You are treated to calm, gentle water, pond skaters, tiny fish bathing in the shallows and crystal-clear water. The pool is deep enough not to touch the bottom in places and wide enough to swim across and back with ease.” Vivienne Rickman-Poole, artist, film-maker and swimmer DART DEVON “Rivers are my first love and my most enduring. I love the way they change and age as they travel; I love being carried with the flow and the way sinking to water level changes your perspective. My favourites include the Dart and Mawddach, but there are suggestions for swimmers of all abilities at the OSS’s site.” Kate Rew, founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society (outdoorswimmingsociety.com/loveyour-river)