Berkshire

<p>Really good advice, Geri. Thank you.</p>


<p>Anyone planning on wild swimming [as opposed to just splashing around in the shallows] at any of the above sites should wear a bright swim cap and have a tow float to ensure they can be easily seen &#8211; we river swimmers are all but invisible to most other river users, especially the rowers as they are travelling backwards [and at speed].<br />
They should also acquaint themselves with the basic safety information from the OSS &#8211; there have already been several drownings this year. Its a wonderful activity but not without risk.<br />
<a href="https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM.jpg" alt="SWAN AT STREATLEY WILD SWIM MOTHER'S DAY" class="wp-image-41710" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/02/SWAN-AT-STREATLEY-WILD-SWIM-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re melting like a Solero and the paddling pool in&#8217;t cutting it, head to our favourite outdoor swimming destinations in Berkshire. Sunscreen. Towels. Drinking water. Salty snack. Liberal amounts of common sense to stay safe. Go! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HEAD TO THE RIVER</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Streatley, River Thames</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley.jpg" alt="Coppa Club Streatley" class="wp-image-34788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Coppa-Clun-Streatley-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Say hello to wide stretches of the Thames with still waters. There are good swimming spots at Streatley but it is deep in places so walk the towpath to find an area that suits your abilities. The <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Swan at Streatley (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/whatson/wild-swimming/" target="_blank">Swan at Streatley</a></strong> offers a brilliant workshop – <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Introduction to Wild Swimming (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/whatson/wild-swimming/" target="_blank">Introduction to Wild Swimming</a> – if you&#8217;re keen want to find out the best swimming locations, how to be safe and other top tips. It&#8217;s also a good spot to paddle board. Don&#8217;t pass go without treating yourself to a drink, snacks in the Swan&#8217;s cafe/bar or book lunch with a view at the Coppa Club.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pangbourne, River Thames</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow.jpg" alt="Pangbourne river meadow" class="wp-image-28835" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/07/Pangbourne-river-meadow-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is one of the best wild swim spots in the county. Head upstream a few miles towards Upper Basildon and you&#8217;ll find a&nbsp;wonderful wild stretch of river with chalky banks, clear water – and not a building in sight. Alternatively lots of people access the water from Pangbourne Meadows. Boats do pootle up and down this stretch, so it&#8217;s something to be aware of. There&#8217;s also a car Park and public loos, so the meadows is a place your can spend the day and picnic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sonning, River Thames </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2017/08/Great-House-view-e1502014520312.jpg" alt="view of the large boutique hotel The Great House in Sonning from the banks of the river Thames surrounded by trees" class="wp-image-10133" /></figure>



<p>Fancy seeing George Clooney in his budgie smugglers? *Cue stampede*. Get yourself down to Sonning. Once you have crawled over Sonning Bridge there&#8217;s a path down to the riverbank. When the sun shines it is packed with families and teens, who love the easy access to the river. If you&#8217;re looking for peace and tranquility you won&#8217;t find it here, but the views are spectacular. Keep your eye out for passing boats and, if you can&#8217;t be arsed to pack a picnic, <strong><a href="https://www.greathouseatsonning.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Great House (opens in a new tab)">The Great House</a></strong> and Coppa Club are right behind you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hurley Island</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk.jpg" alt="hurley-lock walk" class="wp-image-27292" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/05/hurley-lock-walk-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hurley Lock is a great spot for families and swimmers to take a dip. This picture perfect village, just outside Maidenhead sits on a lovely stretch of the Thames and Hurley Lock is an island (offering sun and shade) with a shallow shelving beach. A little further out the water gradually deepens so swimmers can keep their cool. Park in the church car park, head down the alley and over the bridge. The cherry on top? The fact that there are toilets and a tearoom. It gets busy, so get there early. It gets busy, so if there&#8217;s no space in the car park, don&#8217;t block the road parking on the street – locals and emergency vehicles need to get in and out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://mstevents.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jubilee River Swim (opens in a new tab)">Jubilee River Swim</a>, Maidenhead to Windsor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM.jpg" alt="JUBILEE RIVER SWIM" class="wp-image-36505" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/JUBILEE-RIVER-SWIM-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you catch the open water bug, join the Jubilee Swim (date TBC). The man-made flood relief channel between Boulters Lock nr Maidenhead and Pococks Lane in Eton is free from craft and is a convenient length at 10km! There are three weirs along the rivers length that break up the swim nicely, and you’ll find our feed stations here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moulsford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5.jpg" alt="Moulsford River Thames" class="wp-image-44807" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Right on the Berkshire-South Oxfordshire border is a stunning stretch of river,  Moulsford is a relaxed wild swimming spot set beside a meadow. It&#8217;s a superb spot for picnic, the river is easily accessed via tracks through the grass that arrives at gentle shelving beaches. A little upstream, a swing rope dangles from an old large tree which you can swim over to and join the queue of people hurling themselves into the water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THIS WAY TO THE LAKE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wasing Estate (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wasing.co.uk/wellbeing/offerings/210-wild-swim-and-sauna" target="_blank">Wasing Estate</a>, Aldermaston</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2.jpg" alt="Wasing Estate Aldermaston Wild Swimming and SaunA" class="wp-image-44810" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you like your wild swim with a dose of exclusivity, then slip into your cossie and head to Wasing Estate for a Wild Swim and Scandi Sauna by their stunning woodland lake. You need to become a member to use it or book onto a swim and sauna event. Yup, peace, tranquility and facilities come at price. Worth it though.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.braylake.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bray Lake (opens in a new tab)">Bray Lake</a>, Maidenhead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/10/Bray-Lake-view-trees-reflected-in-water-e1600349574524.jpg" alt="Bray Lake Berkshire view trees reflected in water" class="wp-image-24014" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.braylake.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Bray Lake</strong></a>&nbsp;has it all going on – beautiful location and the largest independent water sports club in the country offering kids clubs and more water sports than you can paddle at. Join an early morning or evening Open Swim or sign up for swim coaching. For more water-based fun for all the family you can also learn to windsurf, sail, paddleboard or rent equipment to get out on the lake. The water is currently a balmy 22°C. There&#8217;s an on site cafe, changing rooms and lifeguards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cavershamlakes.co.uk/activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Caversham Lake (opens in a new tab)">Caversham Lake</a>, Reading</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake.jpg" alt="Open Water Swim CAversham Lake" class="wp-image-36502" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Open-Water-Swim-CAversham-Lake-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Open water swimming is available at <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Caversham Lake (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cavershamlakes.co.uk/activities/" target="_blank">Caversham Lake</a></strong>, where you can swim a 400m, 750m or 1500m course. Booking is essential but you can dive in from 6am-8pm (Tues/Thu/Sat/Sun) and 10am-8pm (Mon/Wed/Fri). If you&#8217;re wearing a swimsuit you have to wear a swim tow float, but it&#8217;s a small price to pay. This year you can book your spot on the Island for a sun lounger, private beach and a more exclusive swim. Need more of an adrenaline rush? Sign up for the Inflatable obstacle course, paddle boarding or kayaking. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://taplowlakeside.co.uk/">Taplow Lakeside</a>, Taplow</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/07/Taplow.jpg" alt="Taplow Lakeside" class="wp-image-118334" /></figure>



<p>Open water swims take place on Sat and Sun mornings and Tues and Thurs evenings at this family owned business on the Berks border. You will need a&nbsp;<a href="https://nowca.org/">National Open Water Coaching Association</a>&nbsp;(Nowca) membership to swim (membership is £12 a year including the wristband) and then single swims are £6.50. No children under 8 allowed and 8 to 12-year-olds will need to be accompanied by an adult.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Horsehoe Lake Activity Centre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">Horse</a><a href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Horsehoe Lake Activity Centre (opens in a new tab)">s</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Horsehoe Lake Activity Centre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank">hoe Lake Activity Centre</a>, Sandhurst</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666.jpg" alt="Horseshoe-Lake 1000X666" class="wp-image-36503" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/07/Horseshoe-Lake-1000X666-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another super-safe spot to get the open water swim bug is <strong><a href="https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre (opens in a new tab)">Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre</a></strong> in Sandhurst. If you an old hand at wild swimming you can book a morning or evening session for £7. If you&#8217;re keen to learn how to wild swim safely and effectively (available for adults and kids), they run group and 1:1 classes. For Duracell bunnies there&#8217;s also paddle boarding, kayaking, Aeroball and SUP yoga. Yikes!</p>


Splash! Best outdoor swimming spots

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