River Thames

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River Thames Overview

Duration:	1 or 2 Day(s)
Package Type:	Classic British Swims
Swim Distance:	6km

Trip Notes PDF

Google Map

New for 2013, we are excited to offer 2 different day trips on the Thames.

Swim down the upper part of the river, currently the cleanest in living memory, with salmon, otters and kingfishers common on many stretches.

We are offering the opportunity for people to join us just for one day on the Thames or if you fancy seeing more of the river, why not join us for the 2 days.

Justifying its original Celtic name (Tamese) meaning "Tranquil River," the Thames has witnessed many important events through English history. In fact there are some 140 sites of special interest within reach of its banks. It has also been a source of inspiration for writers and poets throughout the ages.

From its source in the Cotswolds this famous river winds its way through some of the most picturesque countryside in England, before ending its journey in the nation's capital and out into the North Sea.

On this trip, we let the water take the strain, as we swim downriver, allowing us to cover greater distances than could be achieved in the sea.

It is a fabulous way to explore this historical river. Our rate of progress is determined by the current on each of the days. Our support boat allows us to moor up and spend time enjoying the essence of the river and of life alongside the riverbanks.

What's included?
- Whether booking Day 1, Day 2 or both days, the trip includes a full safety escort and swim guiding
- If you are booking Day 2 - lunch is also included

What's not included?
- Travel to and from the tour
- For those booking Day 1, lunch is not included
- For those booking both days, evening meals and accommodation are not included

Tour Itinerary

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Day 1
We meet in the morning at Buscot Lock near Lechlade, where we will hold a pre-trip briefing in which we discuss in detail the plans for the day. From here we start our first swim to the tranquil village of Kelmscott, the summer home of William Morris the renowned writer, designer and socialist. Pill boxes, left standing from World War II, built to halt an anticipated German advance through England’s waterways will guide our way. We take lunch at the Plough Inn built in 1631.

The afternoon is split into 2 swims through a landscape unchanged for centuries. The picturesque Grafton Lock is an ideal rest and refreshment point which separates the afternoon swims.

On swimming around a bend in the river and under Radcot Bridge, we reach our finish point at the Swan Hotel, a welcome sight!

Day 2
We meet in the morning on the island opposite The Swan Hotel, where we will hold a pre-trip briefing in which we discuss in detail the plans for the day. From here we begin our first swim to Radcot Lock. From Radcot, the Thames meanders in an array of oxbows which are a haven of bird and animal life.

This section of the Thames is very rural with fields lining both banks for most of the way, with many old pill-boxes visible in the nearby fields.

We stop for lunch on a suitable river bank and provide you with a wholesome picnic. After time to rest and relax we head off to Rushey Lock, the most picturesque of the Thames’s 45 locks.

Caveat

For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence, open water swimming does require an inherent degree of on-trip flexibility, so required changes in the planned itinerary will not be uncommon and will undoubtedly add to the uniqueness of each tour. In extreme circumstances we may have to swim in other bodies of open water in the nearby vicinity

Environmental / Safety Factors relating to River Swimming

This part of the Thames is very clean. However, water quality can be an issue with water run off from fields, Blue Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them what you have been doing.

Image Gallery

Time for Lunch !

Swimmers by Radcot Lock

River Thames Swimmers

Pre-swim briefing

Passing under a bridge

Guides giving a briefing

Entering the Thames

Biscuit Break!

Swimming the Thames

Resting under a Bridge

A scenic swim

Swimming up the Thames

Customer Feedback

Good company and excellent guides
This was my second trip with SwimTrek. Its great being able to enjoy swimming, and not have to worry about organisation and safety. You know you can expect good company and excellent guides.

Jackie S, August 2012, UK

I loved every moment
I loved every moment. It was a privilege to be swimming through the beautiful countryside. It was also really fun. I hadn’t expected to be doing handstands and somersaults or covering my feet in a Thames mud pack. We just laughed for 2 days.

Vicky, August 2012, UK

A great trip!
A great trip, great people, lots of laughing, great swims, so beautiful and the current makes you feel like challenging Phelps. Great pubs, great fun and all over too quickly. Thanks SwimTrek.

Sarah C, August 2012, UK

Life Affirming!
A real adventure fantastic swimming, great group and mix of people to swim with and friendly guides. A life affirming experience. Hope to be back for more.

James H, July 2010, UK

Ideal for Open water Novice
The Thames trip is ideal for people new to open water swimming as the current helps you along through beautiful scenery, but it also offers enough variety to entertain those used to plunging into every available stretch of water.

August 2009

In Nature
I really appreciated the input in improving my technique. I loved being 'Inside' nature rather than just looking at it.

July 2009

Fantastic
This was a fantastically organised and enjoyable trip. I was very impressed with the guides and all the other swimmers were nice. Very keen to do it again.

Nicky M, August 2010, UK

Great Group Trip
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and it definitely won't be the last. I have never been on a group holiday before without knowing someone else and was really worried about almost everything but it was really good from the moment I got into the water to the very last stroke.

Victoria J, July 2010, UK

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Tour Highlights

Explore the mythical River Thames with a swans eye view.

Cover long distances as the water flow carries us down the river.

Experience the tranquil and relaxed river life.

River Thames Overview

Trip Schedule