Wild Guide Central England

XX3
river swimming
1 BRANDY WHARF, RIVER ANCHOLME
An interesting swim or kayak in the narrow,
diverted section of an old river that is now as
straight as a Roman Road!
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Take Waddingham Rd/B1205 from South
Kelsey 2 miles to Brandy Wharf. At second
bend after bridge, turn L down track to river.
Swim or kayak down to bridge.
2 mins, 53.4556, -0.4717 12h
2 BRANSTON ISLAND LOOP
Swim the loop past Mrs Wright’s former lock
house at Bardney, around the lush, green
fields of Branston Island, where the River
Witham and Old River Witham join. There
may be fishing: use discretion.
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Park in Bardney by Heritage Centre LN3
5UF. Cross road and follow Water Rail Way up
to Bardney Lock. Use metal steps down into
water on RH side to swim anticlockwise. Be
aware that you need to exit on L side after
the fishing site to navigate the weir before
re-entering the water to finish the swim.
20 mins, 53.2157, -0.3477 12`czW
3 HORKSTOW BRIDGE
The beautiful Grade II listed suspension
bridge is a fantastic place to leap into the
Ancholme. Popular with locals on a hot day.
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From South Ferriby take High St/B1204
S 1 mile, turn R onto Bridge Lane by DN18
6BE, drive to limited parking at end. Follow
footpath down to river near bridge.
2 mins, 53.6583, -0.5282 12T
4 LOUTH NAVIGATION CANAL
Despite its less than appealing name, this
river is no longer used for navigation and
is ideal for a long swim down through leafy
green pastures.
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From A1031 in Tetney, take Tetney Lock Rd
E 2 miles and over bridge to park near DN36
5UW. Walk back over bridge to take path L.
Enter river after 100m on bend. Exit at sluice
400m down, or continue on for a longer swim.
5 mins, 53.4976, 0.0196 12
lakes & springs
5 SWANHOLME LAKES
Wild spaces such as this offer a handy
escape from urban life and many
opportunities for fun. Beautifully clear
lakes (SSSI, No Swimming) with tantalising
islands and paths winding through the woods
dappled in sunlight.
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In Lincoln take Doddington Rd/B1190 opp
Methodist church (LN6 8RZ), after 1⅓ miles
turn R into Birchwood Av and park. Walk back
to footpath sign at bus stop on main road.
Follow R fork in path around fences to lake.
5 mins, 53.2051, -0.5940 zUD
6 TETNEY BLOW WELLS
Artesian springs once used for a watercress
farm and to provide the locals with water.
Crystal-clear waters, but be wary of very cold
temperatures and signs saying no swimming.
Pipistrelle bats haunt the trees at dusk.
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Park in Tetney close to footpath from
Church Lane, opposite Primrose Lane (DN36
5PJ). Follow path through field to first blow
well in front of you to L of field.
15 mins, 53.4872, -0.01035 1AU4
7 LOW POND, DONINGTON ON BAIN
A secluded lake, dappled by shade, offering
the perfect spot for skinny-dipping on a hot
summer’s evening.
,,
Follow B1225 south of Ludford 4½ miles,
past LN8 6JT, turn L signed Donington on Bain.
Follow ½ mile and park on verge R as road
bends L. Follow footpath over stile and R at
field end, past first lake.
20 mins, 53.3247, -0.1557 1zhW*
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