Soon the joys of a post-work swim will be taken from us – at least those who prefer to be able to see anything whilst swimming – but for the moment there is at least time for a quick dip before the sun vanishes.
So it was at Pangbourne yesterday – we scurried along the riverbank from the station to get to our customary swimming spot just beyond Pangbourne Meadows before darkness fell. The fields – busy in summer with dog walkers and general merrymaking – were empty and we quickly descended into the shallows. The river here has shallow banks for a couple of metres from the shore, which then deepen suddenly, so we were careful to avoid a quicker-than-planned entry into the water.
Swimming about was lovely in the dark water with only a grebe, watching confusedly, and several bats darting about above our heads. Afterwards, to the pub for a quick one before our train home.
NB: Pangbourne Meadows – the part nearest the village – is owned by the National Trust and swimming is forbidden on the sign on entering the Meadow. How enforceable this is is debatable given the navigational rights on the Thames, but in any case the stretch of river by the Meadow is usually full of moored boats, so it’s better to continue five minutes up the river.
Getting there
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From Pangbourne station, leave the main exit and head down the approach slope. Cross the road and head down the path opposite. Follow this along, briefly past the river and over the little River Pang. After an alleyway you come out on a road again; over and to the left is Pangbourne Meadows (the road crosses the river on one of Britain’s few remaining privately-owned toll bridges). Walk alongside the river and join the Thames path as it leaves the Meadow – there are plenty of places to enter the river soon after.
Interesting…. I went on a lovely walk from pangbourne station a couple of years ago. Combined with your swim spot that sounds like a great day out.