Swim 20: Iffley Lock to Kennington

Another winter swim, this was a distance of about 1.2km starting where we left off at Iffley Lock and finishing at a convenient beach adjacent to Kennington.  This swim is the first half of Swim 31 in Michael Worthington's I ♥ the Thames book.


We met in the Health Centre car park – free parking – opposite The Tandem pub:

http://g.co/maps/ppy3a

There is a short walk from there, over the railway foot bridge, to the river, where we checked out the exit point before walking upstream to Iffley Lock:

http://g.co/maps/yrz92

At Iffley Lock we jumped in as near to the downstream side of the punt lock that mud allowed.  Use good judgement here.  If the entry looks unmanageable then get in further downstream by the exit of the lock.  We then swam down to our exit point here:

http://g.co/maps/fu4pv

Once under the road bridge, visible from Iffley Lock, that carries Oxford's Southern Bypass, there are plenty of exits points along the way to allow for an early escape, if the temperature is too challenging.

Returning to the cars we then repaired to The Tandem pub for a spot of lunch:

If done in the warmer months of the year, this swim can easily be combined with swims 18 and 19 for a total distance of 3.8km.

Swim 19: Donnington Bridge to Iffley Lock

This swim is the final part of Swim 30 in Michael Worthington's I ♥ the Thames. It was a winter swim so was shorter than usual at a distance of about 850m.  We met at this car park:

http://g.co/maps/v2kdt

off Meadow Lane, Oxford, second-left after the canoe club. Meadow Lane is the last right turn off Donnington Bridge Road before the bridge from the town side, or the first left from the Hinksey side. The car park is an unkempt wee council number with plenty of bushes for changing in. It was free when we swam but bring a couple of quid in case.

We jumped into the Thames just next to the car park.  Note that the slipway where we exited is on private property and you should get the permission of the rowing club first. There is an alternate exit point a few metres further on at a public slipway.  We then swam to Iffley Lock. 

http://g.co/maps/66gyr

The exit point is a boat ramp which is muddy and slippery so take care.  It might be best to pop out as soon as you get to the start of the slope.

Be aware that this stretch of the river is used extensively by competitive rowers who are fast moving and have limited visibility. You should take appropriate precautions.

If done in the warmer months of the year, this swim can easily be combined with swims 18 and 20 for a total distance of 3.8km.

Afterwards, we had a pub lunch at the Isis Farmhouse, just before Iflley Lock - a must-visit on the pubs of the Thames tour that we are also engaged in.

Swim 19 Track - Donnington Bridge to Iffley Lock

Swim 19 Map - Donnington Bridge to Iffley Lock

Swim 18 Track - Folly Bridge to Donnington Bridge

Swim 18 Map - Folly Bridge to Donnington Bridge

Swim 18: Folly Bridge to Donnington Bridge

This swim is part of Swim 30 in Michael Worthington's I ♥ the Thames.  It was a winter swim so was shorter than usual at a distance of about 1500m. We met at this car park:

http://g.co/maps/hr8ac

off Meadow Lane, Oxford, second-left after the canoe club. Meadow Lane is the last right turn off Donnington Bridge Road before the bridge from the town side, or the first left from the Hinksey side. The car park is an unkempt wee council number with plenty of bushes for changing in.  It was free when we swam but bring a couple of quid in case.

We walked up the towpath to Folly Bridge

http://g.co/maps/684v7

and swam back down.  Note that the slipway where we exited is on private property and you should get the permission of the rowing club first.  There is an alternate exit point a few metres further on at a public slipway.

Be aware that this stretch of the river is used extensively by competitive rowers who are fast moving and have limited visibility.  You should take appropriate precautions.

If done in the warmer months of the year, this swim can easily be combined with swims 19 and 20 for a total distance of 3.8km.