Wild Leisure at Cleveland Lakes
Open Water Swimming and Paddleboarding
Dive into the crystal clear waters of Waterhay Lake in the heart of the Cleveland Lakes Nature Reserve, a haven for well-being, health and community.
Every session you book helps fund our mission to preserve and enhance the Cotswold Lakes for wildlife and people.
Bookable open water swim sessions at Cleveland Lakes
Swimmers can swim either a clearly marked 200m, 400m, 700m or 900m course, or if you would prefer a more relaxing wild ‘dip’, there is plenty of space off the course to enjoy the wonderful lake, and its stunning surroundings.
Booking slots are divided into half hour arrival times and you can swim from your booked time of arrival until the session closing time 1 hour after the final booking slot.
Swims are available to both NOWCA members and non-members. The cost is £7 for NOWCA members and £8.50 for non-members.
Find out more about the benefits of being a NOWCA member.
November swim times
- Mondays -16:30 – 19:00
- Wednesdays -16:30 – 19:00
- Saturdays – 10:30-12:30
Find your swimming community at Cleveland Lakes
Open-water swimming is even better when shared.
Join us every Wednesday evening for our Social Swims – a relaxed opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the water and connect with fellow swimmers.
Join our 18:00 group swim, swim at your own pace and stay afterwards for a warm drink and slice of homemade cake around the fire.
Everyone is welcome, whether you come alone or with friends.
18:00 every Wednesday | Pay and register on site | All donations support Cotswold Lakes Trust.
Paddling at Cleveland Lakes
Self-Launch
Already have your own paddling equipment? You can now bring it along to launch on the lake. Paddling will be available for the duration of our current swim sessions; please see below for our opening hours.
You are booking the full slot so feel free to arrive any time during the opening hours of that day – the earlier you arrive the more time you get on the water.
£12.50 per person
Please email us at wildleisure@cotswoldlakestrust.org to book.
Paddleboard Hire
We have a limited number of paddle boards available to hire, perfect for anyone looking to try paddle boarding out for the first time, enjoy some quality time out on the water or simply to explore the lake from a new perspective.
Paddlers will be welcome on the water for the entirety of each session, so the earlier into the slot you arrive the longer you will get to paddle!
Please note that we have a limited number of paddle boards and will be available on a first come first served basis so we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
£22.50 per person
Please email us at wildleisure@cotswoldlakestrust.org to enquire about availability and to book.
How to find us
Address: Rixon Gate, Ashton Keynes, Swindon SN6 6QW
When travelling to the site, please use the following What3Words address, then follow the signs to the parking area
Facilities
- Designated swim and paddle zones
- Slipway and pontoon
- Lifeguard sessions
- Toilets & ample parking
- Refreshments
Safety First
- Swimmers: All swimmers must wear a tow float.
- Paddleboarders: Leash and buoyancy aid required
- Under-16s: Must be accompanied by an adult
- Please follow staff guidance and respect wildlife
Please note that, at this time, due to wildlife sensitivities, dogs are not permitted on this part of the site.
Regular slots will be released as the season progresses – the more of you that come, the more slots we can release, and we can utilise the full length of the 1.6km lake. Please remember that Wild Leisure is part of Cotswold Lakes Trust (registered charity 1120518) and all the profits will go towards funding our mission to enhance and preserve the Cotswold Lakes for wildlife and people.
There is so much more to come but in the meantime if you require any further information, please contact Will Trippett on 07597 100625 or email Will.Trippett@cotswoldlakestrust.org
Events and Community
A number of open-water events will be announced soon including exciting opportunities that make full use of the lake’s 1.6km length. Expect community swims, charity events and competitive races. Join the mailing list.
Sign up
Enter your name and email address below to join our mailing list for information on opening hours, events and other cool stuff.
"*" indicates required fields
For any questions or enquiries please email us:
