Last week I found the perfect spot for an evening wild swim – Hatchmere lake. After work, I drove to Delamere and relaxed in the refreshing chilly water.
Approach
None. The access to the lake is right by the road.
Lakebed
Sandy with some soft vegetation.
Water temperature
Chilly but warmer than any river. It is possible to stay in the water for quite long without a wetsuit in the summer.
Skinny dipping
Not recommended – it is a trendy spot for local swimmers, and people on the road can see you.
How to get there From Delamere train station, follow the signs to Delamere Forest. Get past Blakemere Moss, and you’ll find Hatchmere lake on your left past The Carriers Inn.
See the map here
The fact that the lake is right by the road can put off initially. However, once you’re in the water, you barely notice it, as not many cars go by.
The water was not too cold (especially compared to a river) but chilly and invigorating. You can’t really see the lake bed at all, and the water is of a brown color, but this didn’t put me off at all. Many lakes in Scandinavia are this color, but the water is ok to swim in.
The lake bed is easy to walk on as it’s sandy with some soft dead vegetation. It also gradually gets deeper, meaning that it’s possible to run into the water or just go for a quick dip or paddle. The vegetation around the lake is abundant and makes you feel like you’re in the wilderness. It’s a great feeling.
I had a wonderful time. Swimming after work outdoors on a warm evening was very relaxing. I bumped into some local swimmers who were doing lapses in their wetsuits. I suspect they swim in the lake 3 seasons a year. And I also saw a crested grebe on the water, which was pretty amazing.
After a long dip, I went to The Carriers Inn for dinner. I didn’t expect it, but it is a charming pub with a lovely beer garden and succulent food. I’d recommend a visit if you swim before lunch or dinner.
If you fancy reading about my wild swim in the Fairy Pools, read this post.
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