Plunge into wild swimming lakes in Worcestershire
Take a dip in clean swimming lakes of Worcestershire
Wild swimming has become really popular especially with the growth of cold water immersion therapy and a growing desire to get out in nature as much as possible.
Worcestershire has many epic rivers winding their way through the county and that of its neighbours. The Wye and Severn touch the edges of the county whilst the Avon goes through the heart of the city of Worcester.
However with many f us being less than confident in water, and the unfortunate demise of water quality in our rivers, swimming lakes with bathing quality waters are a great alternative. Plus many have life guarding on site and ensure you are safe in the water.
Luckily we have a fair few new and established lakes in and near the county which offer not only swimming but also yoga, sound baths and meditation activities which offer a retreat experience to your visit.
Here are our favourites.
The benefits of mind and body of cold water swimming
There is a great deal written of the benefits of wild swimming. Some maybe more anecdotal rather than proven, but who cares if it makes us feel better and poses no harm, its worth giving it a try. Here are a few of the many feel good factors attributed to wild swimming.
- Helps to calm inflammation, relieving headaches, aches and pain
- promotes mindfulness helping to quiet negative thoughts
- Helps with sleep
- Improves circulation and metabolism giving us an energy boost
- Reconnects us with nature and others improving our happiness hormones
Above all, the feel good glow that comes from trying something new, along with all the giggles along the way makes it worth giving it a try.
Watersedge club
From Elsie's cottage this is about a 50 minute drive, but worth the trip. Watersedge Club offers social swims, swim coaching and training. So perfect if you are feeling a little out of your depth.
It is wonderfully managed and organised with social swims throughout the week. But much more than that, their stretch tent is the perfect spot for yoga, sound bath and meditation sessions which run regularly on site.
There is plenty of parking, pus toilets and rubber matted entry to the water. Choose from a leisurely half circuit or the full 800 metre route.
You will feel thoroughly looked after here, with rescue Kayaks, and registration bands. You'll get scanned in and out of the water too.
It is worth packing a changing robe - The stretch tent is shared with all swimmers. Also pack crocs or similar to leave by the water and save you walking barefoot on gravel and mud.
After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake from their horse box watering hole.
Escape to the lake swimming Worcestershire
Just 30 minutes from Elsie's cottage Escape to the lake lake offers social swims Tuesdays and at the weekend. With well organised sessions to enjoy dipping in the wild with the safety of knowing there's a lifeguard to look out for you.
They also offer a range of activities from painting classes to yoga and meditation in a stretch tent.
A smaller lake but lovely for a leisurely swim in gorgeous Worcestershire countryside.
Take a changing robe - After your swim warm up with a hot drink and piece of cake.
Other swimming lakes in the three Counties
There a re a few other alternatives to choose from in and around Worcestershire for wild lake swimming.
Just into Gloucestershire on the foot of May hill is Barefoot and Bower. A stunning lake set in thick woodland.
A stunning secluded spot where you can buy swim slots for two or more. You will have to be registered with NOWCA which is an open water swimming association, where you register and book swim slots at a number of lakes in their network.
Drop a pin and share it with the owner and nearest and dearest for safety then enjoy a quiet paddle in the cool waters of this magical spot.
Or if you would prefer tuition with a guide then Angel Jones offers open water swimming tours in Usk and on the River wye