Brockwell Swimmers only managed one Swim/Walk this year, but it was worth the wait. As usual, this was taken from the excellent Wild Swimming Walks Book, walk number 15. This is one of their shorter distance hikes of only 4 miles, though we made it six.

Despite the gloomy weather forecaste, the crew met at Paddington Station early on the morning of Sunday 8th September and set off for the start of the route via Reading station.

Arriving at the picturesque village of Goring the group of eight crossed over the bridge and stopped for a quick refresher at the Swan in Streatley, a charming place with excellent river-side dining (and bloody marys). Then a quick visit to the flint church of St Mary’s where author Lewis Carol used to preach. The route continued on to the Thames Path and, of course, a quick dip in the river, to the surprise of passing rowers. Temperature just over 18°C, so very pleasant indeed.

Despite the predictions there was still not a drop of rain or thunder, so the group stopped for a picnic lunch. Pleasant company, home made sandwiches, blue sky, fluffy clouds, the british countryside… pure joy.

Another well deserved refresher at the Beetle and Wedge, then onwards to the end of the path for one more quick dip before heading for Cholsey station and back to London.

This was a great day out ‘going wild’ with the Brockwell Swimmers and hopefully more will be planned for next year.