Thetford Swim Walk

(Meet by the Jetty, Thetford Riverside, midway between the School Lane and Tanner Street car parks.)

Swim walks is a way to combine short walks and short dips in a river, to experience the environment from a new perspective – literally immersing ourselves in the river and landscape. Event open to those aged 13 and above whether new to outdoor swimming or experienced.

This organised swim walk will give people a chance to do two outdoor activities and enjoy the benefits of each and the beauty of the area. Participants will do two short swims at specific locations on this short walk (and it’s up to you if you want to join in all swims). The walk will be guided with some information about the long history of river recreation in the Little Ouse and an interactive safety briefing at the stops where we swim. It is open to adults and 13+, with or without previous river dipping experience. If you have any questions about accessibility please get in touch.

This walk is part of the Brecks Outdoor Festival September 2024. To find out more about the festival visit https://brecks.org/brecks-outdoor-festival/

The walk will be led by Imogen Radford and other project volunteers, accompanied by two lifeguards. Imogen is the project lead for Tales from the River, a BFER project uncovering a wide range of local stories about the Brecks Fen Edge and rivers including oral histories, myths and legends. Find out more . Contact details for Imogen Radford below.

Read more about Swim Walks on Imogen’s website, https://www.imogensriverswims.co.uk/blog/os-brecks-2/swim-walks/

When: Sunday 22 September

Where: Thetford, Norfolk

Time: 10:30 - 13:00

Meeting Point: Thetford Riverside: Meet by the Jetty, midway between the School Lane and Tanner Street car parks. Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2AG

What Three Words ///baroness.nature.teaspoons

Walking conditions: The walk is easy, but not fully accessible to all walkers. Please note that the riverside paths could be muddy in places if it has been wet. The walk is approximately 2 miles, with two swims.

Accessibility: The paths are mostly level, and of mixed terrain, most being well surfaced but some potentially being muddy if it has been wet, and we might do a small amount of walking on grass. Access to the swim entry points vary and include a riverbank and a ladder. If you have any questions about accessibility do get in touch.

Dogs: No dogs. If you use an assistance dog please get in touch to discuss (not all dogs can cope with you getting into the water)

Travel: Thetford train station and bus station are both within 15-20 minutes walk of Riverside. Find information about bus times and services on the bus times website, https://bustimes.org/localities/thetford-norfolk. Free car parks are available including School Lane, Tanner Street, and Cage Lane.

Facilities: Toilets (a few minutes away from the start and finish), in Cage Lane. The Kiosk on Riverside has a wide range of food and drink, and there are other shops and cafés in the town.

What to wear: Please wear clothing suitable for the weather, such as rain and sun protection, and warm layers. Please wear closed toe footwear, and be aware that some of the paths might be muddy under foot. For the swims bring at least one extra layer and some kind of swim shoes that stay on your feet.

We will contact those who are booked nearer to the event with essential information.

This event is hosted by the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme (BFER). BFER is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate and conserve the unique landscapes and heritage of the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. For more information, visit: www.brecks.org

For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact the walk leader, Imogen Radford: 07932 137 593; [email protected]

Host or Publisher The Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers LPS