RIVER THAMES

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 - renowned writer, designer and socialist. Pill boxes, which were built to halt an anticipated German advance through England’s waterways in World War II, will guide our way. After arriving in Kelmscott, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the river bank prepared by your SwimTrek guides.

The afternoon is split into two swims through a landscape which has remained 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, the oldest bridge on the Thames, we reach our finish point at Ye Olde Swan.

We meet in the morning on the island opposite Ye Olde Swan, where we hold a pre-trip briefing to 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 for bird and animal life.

This section of the Thames is very rural, with fields lining both banks for most of the way and many old pill boxes visible in the nearby fields. We’ll stop for lunch on the river bank and provide you with a hearty picnic. After time to rest and relax we head off to Rushey Lock, one of the most picturesque of the Thames’ 45 locks.

The last swim of the day is one of the shortest, but most enjoyable, as we swim under Tadpole Bridge and finish on the lawns of The Trout public house, bringing our river swimming adventure to an end.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

Day 1

Day 2

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swims may vary according to local weather and river conditions.

Swimming Conditions

While this stretch of the River Thames is among the cleanest and healthiest in the country, water quality can sometimes be an issue due to water run-off from the fields. Blue-green algae can be present and there is a low risk of Weil’s disease from this type of river swimming. More information about Weil’s disease, including a handy information card, will be provided at the start of your trip. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately and tell them you have been river swimming.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 12. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.  Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and one inflatable boat to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

Tri Wetsuit Hire & Wetsuit Hiring Option

For all UK residence we have partnered with Tri Wetsuit Hire who offer different hiring options for our SwimTrekkers from 2 weeks or 4 weeks, to a whole season - Use 'SWIMTREK5' for a special discount on their website.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more on our Updated Packing List check out our Covid-19 guidance.

The easiest way to reach Buscot Lock or Ye Olde Swan is by car. However, you can travel here via train, bus and taxi, too. While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights or transport as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Getting There On Day 1

If you are driving to Buscot Lock, the best postcode to use is SN7 8DA. When you get to Lechlade, take the A417 to Buscot and follow the signs for Buscot Weir. The Lock is just behind the weir. There is a National Trust car park 200m before the weir, where you can leave your car for the duration of the trip for a small cost of around £4 a day. National Trust members should remember to have their proof of membership in order to obtain their free parking.

If travelling by public transport, we recommend taking a train to Swindon and then connecting with the Stagecoach bus to Lechlade Markets. For more details on bus timetables, please visit: Stagecoach. From Lechlade, you can either walk along the river path (approximately one hour) or catch a taxi, which takes approximately 15 minutes. To book a taxi, please contact CT’s Taxis on +44 (0)1367 252575. Alternatively, if travelling by taxi directly from Swindon to Buscot Lock (approximately 40 minute drive), we would recommend contacting V Cars on +44(0)1793 701701.

Upon finishing the trip, you will be able to share a taxi with other guests back to our Day 1 starting point at Buscot Lock, at a cost of approximately £20.

Getting There On Day 2

If you are driving to Ye Olde Swan, the best postcode to use is OX18 2SX. At Faringdon, follow the signs onto the A4095 towards Witney (there is a sharp left turn off Church Street onto Radcot Road). Continue on this road for approximately 5km, and as you pass over a small bridge after a traffic light, there is a field to the right which is where you can leave your car for the duration of the trip. This field sits opposite Ye Olde Swan and is where you will meet your guides.

If travelling via public transport, we recommend taking a train to Swindon or Oxford, then connecting with the Stagecoach bus to Faringdon. For more details on bus timetables, please visit: Stagecoach. From Faringdon, you can catch a taxi to Ye Olde Swan, which takes approximately 10 minutes. We recommend using Faringdon Cars, who can be reached on +44 (0)1367 243838 or via: www.faringdoncars.co.uk.

Alternatively, if travelling by taxi directly from Swindon to Ye Olde Swan (approximately 30 minutes drive), we would recommend contacting V Cars on +44(0)1793 701701. If travelling by taxi directly from Oxford, please contact 001 Taxis on +44 (0)1865 240000.

Upon finishing the trip, you will be able to share a taxi with other guests back to our Day 2 starting point at Ye Olde Swan, at a cost of approximately £20.

Accommodation

As this trip is offered on a one-day or two-day basis, accommodation is not included as part of your package. This gives you the flexibility to stay wherever you prefer before, during and after your trip.

If you would like to book accommodation in the area, there are some fantastic B&Bs available only a few minutes away from the river. Please see the below information on the B&Bs which our guests have often used in previous years.

Food and Drink

A picnic lunch on the riverbank is provided for all guests on both Day 1 and Day 2 of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please ensure that these are listed in the relevant section of your SwimTrek profile prior to your trip.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment and taxi fares. The local currency in the UK is Great British Pounds (£). We recommend bringing approximately £20 - £30 a day to cover your extra expenses.

In some countries tipping, gratuities, is not part of the culture in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information please visit: Sustainable Travel.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of UK require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter UK. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Health Information

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the UK, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip. Please check UK’s COVID-19 entry requirements and those of any country you travel through. Travellers may need to provide proof of vaccination against the virus and/or a negative test.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit World Standards.