Today is expected to be the hottest May Bank Holiday on record, with temperatures set to soar to 34C.
And with such extreme heat comes one desire among Brits: to get outside – and, hopefully, find a way to cool off.
Enter wild swimming walks, an ideal way to immerse oneself in nature and find some natural pools, lakes and beaches to take a dip.
Venturing off the beaten track and finding wild waters in which to cool off is the ideal day to spend your bank holiday – and the UK is home to some magnificent trails and waters to sample.
These spots feature in the new book Wild Swimming Walks, both the Thames and West of London edition by Margaret Dickinson and Phillip Nice, and one dedicated to Norfolk and Suffolk by Eve Stebbing – both published by Wild Things Publishing, and available to buy now.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best from both for you to peruse…
THAMES AND WEST LONDONBuscot and Kelmscott Circular
The Buscot and Kelmscott Circular route takes you through fields of greenery
The five-mile Buscot and Kelmscott Circular swim-walk will take you on a journey through the English countryside that looks like a work of art – it even has artistic credentials, as the country home of famous designer William Morris.
Buscot National Trust is your starting point, and the walk takes you past Kelmscott Manor, which has many furniture items and fabrics designed by Morris himself.
The village of Buscot is a standout spot – with a church dating back to 1200 – while Buscot Weir pool is a great place for a quick dip.
Shillingford to Dorchester-on-Thames
Swimming spots are at their best on the Shillingford to Dorchester-on-Thames walk
From Shillingford to Dorchester-on-Thames, you can opt for an eight or six-mile walk – easily reachable from London, Reading and Oxford.
The route will take you through Shillingford village, a swim near Shillingford Bridge, an Iron Age fort and Little Wittenham.
But prepare for the ending, as Dorchester-on-Thames is the real highlight of the route – it’s even served as the backdrop for several episodes of the TV show Midsummer Murders.
Bursledon to Hamble
The Royal Victoria Country Park is on the route from Bursledon to Hamble
Yachts, ferries and waterways mark the walk from Bursledon to Hamble – this nine-mile walk (which can be shorted to just under three) takes you through elegant marinas and harbours.
Enjoy RHCP swimming spots – once the site of a Second World War landing craft training base – as well as plenty of others along the way, plus the Royal Victoria Country Park.
Shingle could make the waters uncomfortable to walk through, though, so you may want to bring appropriate footwear.
Winchester to Eastleigh: the Itchen Navigation
The Itchen Navigation, a former canal, is home to a popular swimming spot
Along the walk from Winchester to Eastleigh, you’ll find the Itchen Navigation, which used to be a canal – and is now home to a famous swimming spot, Compton Lock.
While signs nearby suggest it is unsafe to swim, it is nonetheless a popular activity among locals and visitors alike.
Other highlights along the route include Winchester Great Hall and Westgate Museum, Winchester Cathedral, City Mill, the Old Bishops’ Palace and the Hospital of St Cross – as well as Brambridge Park garden centre cafe for a quick bite to eat.
Frensham Ponds Circular
The Frensham Ponds Circular takes you past Little Ponds
The Frensham Ponds Circular is a family-friendly route with clear waters and designated swimming areas, perfect for a hot day.
Frensham Great and Little Ponds are your key landmarks in this Surrey walk, and there are outdoor cafes on offer at both.
Frensham Common at the end of the route is an important habitat for insects, reptiles, certain snakes and birds – great for wildlife lovers to observe.
NORFOLK AND SUFFOLKThe Waveney at Outney Common
The Waveney at Outney Common is a long river – with swimming spots galore
The walk in Bungay passing Outney Common and Falcon Meadow is a delight – as is its highlight, the Waveney, a meandering river with a multitude of swimming spots along the way.
Flooding in the winter means this is very much a summer recommendation – ideal for this Bank Holiday weekend.
Plus, Bungay boasts plenty of bakeries and historic sights, ideal for an outdoorsy day out.
River Nar
The River Nar is a must-see part of Norfolk, with secluded swim spots to trial
A double loop walk through Narborough and Pentney Abbey takes you along the River Nar and has two main swim spots to enjoy.
Firstly, you can take a quiet dip along the path – but there’s also another winning spot behind an ancient bridge with a view of Pentney Abbey.
There are more swimming spots in the area, too – nearby Castle Acre Priory is one example and, if you’re willing to pay, West Lexham offers wild swimming.
Pin Mill to Harkstead
Harkstead Beach offers spectacular views, as well as walks in the nearby area
The hidden beach in Harkstead is the crown jewel of the walk from Pin Mill to Harkstead – and it’s ideal for swimming.
Just be aware of the tide times or you could miss your opportunity.
There’s great dining options in the area, too, including the Butt & Oyster pub and the Wild Rabbit at Harkstead.
Winterton Dunes
The Winterton Dunes provide beachside views, swimming opportunities and great walks
Winterton’s dunes are an explorer’s paradise – especially if said explorer is a young one.
You can swim all along the beach, and other British beach holiday essentials are easily available – from fish and chips to coastal paths.
This National Nature Reserve, located near to Great Yarmouth, has a large seal colony, too – perfect for any animal lovers seeking to catch a glimpse of the creatures.
Burnham Overy Staithe to Holkham Gap – with Scolt Head
Scolt Head Island is a glorious – and expansive – stretch of sand, perfect for a swim
Walking along the North Norfolk coast promises three things – rugged beauty, excellent sea and river swims and windy weather.
A route from Burnham Overy Staithe to Holkham Gap has, of course, all of these in abundance, with swim spots such as Bank Hole and Holkham on the route.
A detour to Scolt Head Island is also unique and majestic – although ensure the tides are right as you don’t want to be cut off.
Wild Swimming Walks Thames & West of London highlights some top outdoor routes
Wild Swimming Walks Norfolk & Suffolk takes you on a journey through some of the UK’s best walks
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