This year the Oxford branch of the Outdoor Swimming Society organised a swim at Port Meadow, as part of the Big Jump on 11 July. This is billed as a Europe-wide event “For Living Rivers”. The Oxford event was very popular – a great example of how attractive river swimming can be to a range of people.
It was a beautiful day, and Sefryn, the organiser, had arranged to meet people at the small car park just at the edge of Port Meadow. When we arrived all were exclaiming at how many people had turned up. We set off at a straggle along the path that runs through the Meadow, heading left to set up camp near to the white girder footbridge.
Medley footbridge at Port Meadow - photo from wikicommons, taken by Motmit
There were all sorts of swimmers: at least one family with kids; people who’d come along with friends just to try it out; impressively sporty types who told us they often went on river exploring expeditions, and idlers like ourselves. It was great (and unusual) to be swimming with a group of people – usually it’s just the two of us, or one or two others at most.
I am far too nesh to just jump into any water, especially the cold variety, but the area between the two bridges at Port Meadow is perfect even for the nervous swimmer. You can climb down from the arched bridge to stones which make handy steps – on the left as you stand on the arched bridge facing back over the meadow towards town.
Lots of local kids were already in the water, daring each other to jump off the bridge. I climbed in without too much shilly-shallying, not wanting to look like a wuss in front of other, bolder swimmers. The water, though murky, was a perfect temperature, wonderfully refreshing on such a hot day.
As the appointed “Big Jump” time approached, we all climbed over the railings of the arched bridge to jump in. I had managed to convince myself that the river would only be deep enough for safety at the middle of the bridge. The countdown began and I was still dithering over whether I would dare to do it. “3…2….1″ and I was left clinging on at the word “Jump!” as everyone else splashed into the water. I hastily shuffled a few feet along the rail towards the middle and jumped in – not as far to the water as I had been expecting. Sure enough, no bones were broken and there was plenty of depth to spare. I am now a convert to jumping in (only once I have checked the depth and made sure there are no obstacles, of course – I’m still a total scaredy-cat).
The jump accomplished, we decided to climb over the footings of the white girder bridge and swim up the river past the boats moored on either side. Beware, it is fairly spiky under this bridge and can be shallower than you think – mind your shins! On the other side, the rows of barges were a pretty sight, and the gentle current made for a sedate swim. I wondered aloud whether the water was as clean as it looked around the moorings. From aboard, a man assured us that boats there aren’t allowed to discharge waste into the water. Another worry laid to rest.
At the top of the small island, we turned and met the rest of the Big Jump party swimming the other way – at first my short sight led me to mistake them for a group of ducks bobbing on the water. Everyone was enjoying the festive atmosphere of the swim. Back at the arched bridge, more jumping in was in progress. It felt like one of those summer afternoons that could have gone on for ever. Alas, we had to be on our way to go to a barbecue – hard times. We left vowing to come back soon. Whilst some swim spots are somewhat specialist in their appeal, this was clearly a swimming hole in the traditional sense, a great place to bring friends and family on a hot day.
I once read that Port Meadow is Oxford’s oldest monument, an ancient piece of common land, and if you believe Wikipedia it has never been ploughed. It is a fair walk from the train station, but the path along the canal at least lets you go there as the crow flies. Jericho, the part of town that borders the Meadow, has some of Oxford’s best cafes and pubs (the Gardener’s Arms on Plantation Road serves both purposes with its lovely beer garden and cheap and cheerful veggie food). On the far side of the Meadow from town, the Perch and Trout pubs are traditional beery destinations.
Getting There
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From the train station it’s half an hour at a leisurely pace to the Meadow – mostly along the canal path. Drivers could park in the small car park off Walton Well Road. The map pin shows the bridge we jumped off - do not jump off the girder bridge as the water is very shallow there.
