In the centre of England you’ll find the East Midlands county of Leicestershire and Rutland. With charming villages and beautiful countryside surrounding the multicultural city of Leicester, wherever you are in the county, there’s somewhere nearby for you to have a dip in the refreshing open water.
It’s important to remember that swimming in open water has its risks. To make the most of the physical and mental benefits of wild swimming while staying safe, you need to be aware of the safety advice.
Race Hub
- Location: Melton Mowbray
- Price: £6-7
- Swim course length: 350m or 700m
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: None
Available all year round for both recreational swimmers and triathletes, Race Hub runs supervised wild swim sessions at Frisby Lakes. To swim here you’ll need NOWCA membership as well as Race Hub membership (£10 annual cost). Members can then swim at Frisby Lakes for £6 a swim. Don’t want to commit straight away? You can do a £7 swim before buying membership to see if you like the venue first.
During busier summer sessions, the 700m swim circuit will be open, however during quieter winter sessions, the 350m loop will be open instead. 1-2-1 and group coaching sessions are available for swimmers of different abilities to improve their wild swimming skills including sighting and swim technique. This venue doesn’t have any equipment requirements due to a safety team being on hand. However, despite the supervision, we strongly recommend wearing a bright swim cap and a tow float or dry bag to help the safety team see you in the water.
Rutland Water
- Location: Whitwell
- Price: £8
- Swim course length: 250m & 500m
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim cap & wetsuit (in water temperatures under 14°C)
Inspire2Tri organise swim sessions at Rutland Water throughout the summer season with the choice of a 250m and a 500m swim circuit. With facilities like showers, changing rooms, and toilets, Rutland Water has everything you need for an enjoyable wild swim. Lockers are also available to safely store your belongings while you’re in the water (although we would recommend leaving your valuables at home, in your car, or bringing them in your dry bag).
Swim sessions cost £8 and must be booked in advance. If you feel like your swimming skills and technique could use some work, coaching sessions are available at Rutland Water. However, if you’re taking part in a coaching session, you may be required to bring a tow float as well as the usual venue equipment requirements.
Stoney Cove
- Location: Stoney Stanton
- Price: £6
- Swim course length: 1000m
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: Tow float/bag, emergency whistle, light (when swimming at night), & a swim buddy
This 13 acre, spring-fed wild swimming venue offers all year round supervised swimming sessions. The 1000m swim circuit takes you on a journey around the perimeter of the lake (although, you should swim 10m clear of the edge of the lake in case any debris falls from the surrounding cliffs).
To swim here you will need to use a tow float or dry bag as well as an emergency whistle. If you’re partaking in a night swim, you’ll also need to bring a light with you. Although not required, Stoney Cove strongly recommends also wearing a wetsuit and a swim cap. Another requirement at Stoney Cove is to not swim alone. This means that you have to swim either in a group, with a swim buddy, or with a spotter on land.
Stanton Lakes
- Location: Stoney Stanton
- Price: £6
- Supervised?: Yes
- Requirements: Bright coloured swim cap
Stoney Cove isn’t the only swim location in the south-eastern village of Stoney Stanton. Just down the road from Stoney Cove you’ll find Stanton Lakes. Swimming sessions run at Stanton Lakes between May and September with coaching sessions available for improving outdoor swimming technique and confidence. Swim sessions cost £6 and must be pre-booked before your swim.