Hampstead Heath

[speedobilly]

Thanks for your response wetbear. I have been around Highgate ponds this summer, but only as I was passing through London (either on my way to or from Heathrow or Gatwick - usually have to stay in London the night before a flight, so have time to fill). Didn't get the chance to swim, although the water did look inviting (if a little murky!).
Here's a link to a couple of photos I took
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aomdrmzpi...2UU7HvxMa?dl=0
Glad to hear you were wearing speedos - the only way to swim

[speedobilly]

Chris Geary has a collection of photos taken at Highage Ponds, here's the link:
http://www.chrisgeary.co.uk/london/L...Heath/photo/#1

[Wetbear1961]

Thanks for posting the link for the Chris Geary photos, I had forgotten about them. The choice of men photographed is somewhat selective (and the speedo quotient is somewhat over-represented compared to normal life!), but the photos do give a good idea of the atmosphere at the Men's Pond on a sunny Summer's day.

Unfortunately the diving board was out of action during the late Summer this year but I am hoping it will be replaced for next Summer.

For anyone else who is interested in going, the pond opens around 07.00 each morning, all year round. Closing time varies according to the season and sunset times, but in High Summer (until around mid-August) it stays open until 20.30. Entry is free, as I believe it is part of a Covenant governing the Heath that swimming facilities be provided free of charge. There is a machine at the entrance asking for a payment of £2 but I have never seen anyone put money in it!

See you there in 2018, speedobilly?

[speedobilly]

Anything's possible. One question - where do you leave your stuff whilst you go swimming? Are there any lockers or anywhere else to safely store your clothes etc?

[Wetbear1961]

No there are no lockers. If you leave your stuff in the enclosure people will generally keep an eye on it, especially if you ask them.

I have never had anything stolen from there - touch wood. Thefts are rare, but it is advisable not to take valuables (when I go I usually only take a bit of cash and an Oyster card with less than £20 on it).

[speedobilly]

Thanks for the info. Roll on next summer...

[Torchwatch]

Things are getting nippy there:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...-invasion.html

[speedobilly]

... doen't bear thinking about... Although crayfish are edible, so you could get your revenge!

[Wetbear1961]

Just to update and bring this thread back to life, the swimming season at Highgate Men's Pond is now in full swing again and I have been a few times already - always in Speedos, of course.

Nasty shorts still predominate unfortunately, but there does seem to me to be an increase in the number of people wearing Speedo briefs this year - quite a few guys seem to have gone for the blue and the red Endurance briefs. Perhaps the tide is turning?

Oh, and I haven't been bitten by a crayfish yet.

[Wetbear1961]

Also forgot to mention, the diving board has been replaced and is back in action.