Get fit - Swimming on Hampstead Heath
Swimming on Hampstead Heath used tot be free. Not any more - you need a ticket, though it’s still cheaper than most gyms at £2 for a full day ticket.
But it’s a completely different experience from a gym. You’re outside, in the middle of the heath, with trees and bushes around, no chlorine in the water, and the sky around you.
There are three ponds - one for men, one for women, and one mixed. Be aware though that the men’s pond is something of a gay meat market. If you’re okay with being ogled, fine; if not, the mixed pool might be more your style. Being female, I wouldn’t know.
‘Pond’ might imply something pretty small. Actually, these are quite expansive stretches of water and if you really want to stretch yourself you can swim quite hard and fast here. Or you can just paddle around the edges.
All the ponds now have lifeguards, which is what your day tickets goes towards paying for. And the council issues regular updates on water cleanliness, which seems to be pretty good - though you’ll still probably encounter some algae, it won’t do you any harm. However, you need to be aware of the fact that the water temperature is lower than in a heated pool - so if you start to shiver, get out before you get into trouble.
Actually, getting out is the worst bit. You’re going to end up trudging through a layer of mud and sludge.
If you really don’t like the idea of swimming in a natural pond, there’s also a Lido on Hampstead Heath - all the joys of outdoor swimming with no mud, no algae and a visible bottom.
Choose a nice day, take your cozzie, a towel, a friend and a picnic - what could be nicer? It may not be a serious option for getting fit, but combined with a walk or a jog on the heath it’s a great healthy way to use a few hours having fun.
Photo credit: Ben Hanbury
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Family Fun, Great Places to Unwind, Parks
0 opinions for Get fit - Swimming on Hampstead Heath
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: