Nearest train station: Rickmansworth
This swimming spot on the River Colne is a well-documented wild swimming gem due to it being within easy reach from London for those wishing to escape for a fresh dip. Indeed, Rickmansworth, although technically within Hertfordshire, is served on the Metropolitan Line on the Tube and lies inside the M25, though the area around the River Colne feels like you’re in deep countryside. There are also plenty of lovely walks around the River Colne for you to make a day of it.
Sadly, visitors are currently unable to swim in the large lakes around the area, though the spot we recommend is a couple of miles into the walk south from Rickmansworth in between Stocker’s Lake and Bury Lake by Willow Court (off Springwell Lane). Here, the water is relatively shallow though can get further along and depending on the time of year.
Along with the swimming opportunities and walks, this section of the River Colne is great for wildlife spotting and allows you to follow the Grand Union Canal or even more wild swimming adventures.
How to Get to the River Colne at Rickmansworth
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this great wild swimming location on the River Colneby by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode WD3 1NB into your sat nav, which will take you to the free car park at Rickmansworth Aquadrome on Frogmoor Lane.
From here, follow the path south along the canal until you go past Stocker’s Lake and come to Willow Court, where the River Colne flows in between the lakes. You can follow the Colne to the left (where there are signs to the Springwell and Inn Lakes) and take a dip along here.
There is also a car park at Springwell Lane (UB9 6PG) which is closer to the location though trickier to get to.
By public transport
The nearest station is Rickmansworth, served on National Rail and on the London Underground Metropolitan Line.
From here, access to the wider nature reserve (where this wild swimming spot on the River Colne lies) is about a 30 minute walk south as you go past the lakes. Enjoy the various walks and beautiful woodland scenery!
By bike
The area around Rickmansworth is known as the Three Rivers District and there are plenty of efforts to improve the cycle routes in and around the area.
The path along the Grand Union Canal offers cyclists the opportunity to follow the route either back into London or north towards Buckinghamshire as the route joins the Thames among other rivers.
What else is nearby the River Colne at Rickmansworth?
The wider nature reserve around this stretch of the River Colne offers plenty of walking opportunities by either following the river or indeed the canal.
Further south lies Denham Country Park with plenty of bodies of water for wild swimming, while following the canal north into the River Gade will lead you to Cassiobury Weir.