On Saturday 12th December Brockwell Swimmers joined the Swim Walk Facebook Group for their Station to Station from Richmond to Hampton. As instructed by team leader Philip Nice, we all met at Richmond Station promptly at 9am before heading up the hill for Richmond Park.

First sighting of water proved tempting, but unfortunately swimming is not permissible in the Park. So instead we headed for Pembroke Lodge for tea and cake, always a pleasing substitute.

Taking in the view from Henry’s Mount we then headed back down the hill for our first swim of the day. 

Advised by the immaculate planning and map reading from Phil we headed for the upstream end of Eel Pie Island where there was a shallow beach and a bench, but no hot showers unfortunately!

So following a very quick change we waded out into the rather fast running waters of the Thames, dodging some surprised canoeists. The water proved surprisingly warm, at a very generous 9·9°C, and also relatively clear. Great fun trying to swim against the current, lots of effort to get absolutely nowhere. Bit like swimming in a training tank.

Top marks to Phil for staying in so long who was totally in his element, e.g. cold water, but some of us were already looking forward to our picnic in Bushy Park and the warmer waters of Hampton heated! Pool.

Then a quick drink a the Railway Tavern before catching the train home. A great day, a great walk and a big thank you to Phil for making it so special.

Future walk/swim events:

See next post Walk Swim January 2016