Beautiful lake suitable for for all abilities – great facilities – open all year

Race Hub is a fantastic open water swimming venue which welcomes swimmers at all levels of ability from complete beginners to athletes, and is used by British Triathlon, local triathlon clubs and hobby swimmers for individual and group sessions. We have great water quality and safety in place for every session as well as free parking and a cafe on site.

As well as regular swim sessions for individuals, we also host special swim events such as night swims and our Swim 6 race, and we can arrange one off or regular sessions for clubs and groups.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand during swim sessions to help and answer questions.

You can find full details of how swimming at Race Hub works plus FAQs below.

SUMMER/WINTER SWIM PROGRAMME.

We share each week’s swim sessions every Monday on our social media. Below is an example timetable.

Please check the Gymcatch app or our Facebook page for up to date session timings as these can vary depending on daylight, weather and demand.

SUMMER SWIM SESSION TIMES, APRIL-SEPTEMBER:

Monday 6:00 pm – (varies)

Tuesday 10:30 – 11:30 am

Wednesday 12:00 – 13:00 pm & 6:00 pm – (varies)

Friday 10:30 – 11:30 am & 6:00 pm (varies)

Saturday 8:30 – 12:00 am

WINTER SWIM SESSION TIMES, OCTOBER-MARCH:

Tuesday 10:30 – 11:30 am

Wednesday 12:00 – 13:00 pm

Friday 10:30 – 11:30 am

Saturday 9:00 – 11:45 am

(Please check on the Gymcatch app or our Facebook page as times may vary depending on daylight, weather and demand)

 

PRICING.

£6 per session (Members), £7 guest
Bulk buy: 10 swims £50

Annual membership £10

 

MEMBERSHIP AND BOOKING.

We use the Gymcatch app as our booking system for our swim members – it makes booking fast, convenient, allows changes and cancellations from your phone and can also send reminders and confirmations to help you keep track of your bookings.

You can sign up to our annual membership to view and book sessions, events, coaching etc through the app. Annual Membership Cost = £10. View our help video here.

Once you have signed up to a membership you will need to provide your emergency contact details and medical information and we can then track you safely in and out of the water every time you swim. You can also pre-purchase and bulk buy swims onto your account.

Download the Gymcatch app from your app store or register on the Gymcatch website, selecting Race Hub as your Fitness Provider. Membership is found in ‘available packages’. Swims are booked via the calendar tab.

Guest swimmers are welcome – see the FAQs on this page.

For more details and FAQs see below or view our help video here to get you started.

 

SWIM INFO.

To swim regularly at Race Hub you need to be a swim member; membership can be purchased for £10 per year via the Gymcatch app (see FAQs for more details).

Special events such as night swims and also our coached sessions can be viewed and booked by everyone, including non-members, via the app.

Swims for members should be pre-booked via the Gymcatch App. Members pay £6 per session when pre-booking and can also purchase and use swim credits via the app to reduce the cost to £5 per swim.

Guest swims are allowed if you want to try the venue before becoming a member or if you are visiting the area. Guest swims cost £7 – please see the FAQ’s for details.

There is a shortened swim loop of approx. 350m used through the winter and quiet sessions and a 500m loop used for our busier sessions.

Changing huts, rinse shower, free parking and toilets are available.

Wetsuit hire available subject to sizing availability – £6 per session.

Hot drinks/food available from the onsite cafe. Outdoor and indoor seating available.

Swim session times vary between winter and summer months and sometimes due to the weather. Please see our Facebook page for latest swim times.

 

SWIM FAQs.

How do I book a swim?

Special events (such as night swims) and coached sessions can be viewed and booked by everyone, including non-members, in the Gymcatch app (see below for instructions).

Only members can view and book regular sessions online or via the app.

View this video for help setting up your Gymcatch app and Race Hub membership/bookings.

Guest swimmers – see FAQ below,

Member Bookings: All member swims should be pre-booked via the Gymcatch App. In the app, click on Race Hub as your Fitness Provider and select the CALENDAR option to view upcoming swims. Click a date to view the swims available and click the session for more details and to book (you will need to complete the waiver when booking for the first time). You can choose to pay by card or use credits if you have them. You can also buy swim credits at this point by clicking the Buy a Package button. You will get a confirmation email and you can set up notifications to get reminders of your sessions. See below.

How do I become a member?

To become a Race Hub Swim Member first download the Gymcatch app from your app store. Search for Race Hub as a fitness Provider. Click Available Packages and select Annual Membership and complete the payment (£10 for one year). You will then be able to view and book our swim sessions in the Calendar tab and buy discounted swim packages. View this video for help.

Do I have to be a member to swim? Can I try as a guest swimmer before I join?

You can swim as a guest to try swimming at Race Hub before purchasing a membership or if you are visiting the area. This will be charged at £7 a session. If our session is sold out priority will be given to members. You cannot book normal swim sessions via the app as a guest – instead please come to the session before the start time and ask for a guest swim at the desk. You can find our current swim sessions on our Facebook page.

You can book special events such as night swims and also our coached and beginners sesssions via the Gymcatch app without a membership. See the ‘How do I get the Gymcatch app’ FAQ for help with this.

How do I get the Gymcatch app?

Download the Gymcatch app from your app store. Search for Race Hub as a fitness Provider. Click CALENDAR to view and book special events and coaching. If you have not purchased a membership you will not see or be able to book regular swim sessions.

To become a member Available Packages and select Annual Membership and complete the payment (£10 for one year). You will then be able to view and book our swim sessions in the Calendar tab and buy discounted swim packages.

View this video for help.

How do I book a swim for a child/register as child?

You will need to create a separate Gymcatch account and membership for each child who would like to swim.

Can I hire a wetsuit?

Yes we offer wetsuit hire at £6 a session. We have a full size set of Zone 3 wetsuits available including junior sizes. Please ask at the swim desk before the start of the session.

I can't see any sessions available for the days/times I want...

If your app isn’t showing all sessions first refresh your app by fully closing and reopening it. Then check you have a valid membership in your package purchases. Check you are logged into the correct account. Any further problems email [email protected].

Unlike some venues we have safety staff on duty and watching you every session. We won’t compromise these safety standards  meaning we only allow swimming during official sessions. We regularly review session data and try to ensure we cover the most popular times and also add extra sessions during periods of good weather or when we are fully booked if possible. Some of our sessions can get busy so we advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

Where can I view my bookings?

You can view your bookings in the Gymcatch app by clicking on the profile icon and then My Bookings. They also show with a tick in the calendar.

How can I change or cancel a booking?

You can cancel a session with 48hrs notice through the Gymcatch app.  Go to My Bookings, select the session and select cancel. A credit will automatically be added back onto your account. No refund is available within 48hrs of the session.

How can I get reminders/notifications of my bookings?

GO to your profile in the Gymcatch app and click Settings;Notifications. From here you can select email/push notifications for various events such as bookings, session reminders etc. We suggest you also change your notification settings onyour phone for the Gymcatch app to allow push notifications.

How do waitlists work for fully booked sessions?

If you try to book a fully booked session you will see the option to join a waitlist. If a space becomes available everyone on the waitlist will get a notification (depending on your notifications settings), it is first come, first served for purchasing the available place(s). 

How do I update my contact/waiver information?

It is really important these are kept up to date. In the Gymcatch app, in your profile select participation information; Race Hub, and then you will see your contact and waiver options to edit. If you or your emergency contact change address/phone etc or if your helath conditions change, please update immediately.

COACHED SESSIONS.

We will be running a series of novice and intermediate group coached sessions run by experienced coaches. We have been running these sessions for 8 years now and our aim is to make everybody comfortable and confident so that you can improve and enjoy your time in open water. Our coached sessions start late April/early May to ensure that the water temp is slightly higher to ensure you get enough time in the water.

Sessions will include correct donning and doffing of wetsuit, acclimatisation, sighting, swim technique, race starts, turns and swimming in a group.

GROUP SESSIONS
Beginners
Cost £20 per person (max 8 athletes per coach). Booking via the Gymcatch app for both members and non members (see the FAQs for help with booking)

1:1 SWIM COACHING
1:1 session with a coach to improve any aspect of your swimming you would like to work on
Cost: £40p/h email [email protected] to arrange a 1:1

VENUE FACILITIES.

Water tested monthly to meet EU bathing regulation

  • 500m swim loop (350m loop used through winter and quiet sessions)
  • Changing huts/rinse shower/indoor shower/toilets
  • Spotter and safety craft on the water/standby
  • Wetsuits/goggles/gloves/boots/hats/floats Swimzi XK/ to purchase in our shop
  • Wetsuit hire available (£6 a session) – Available on a first come first served basis
  • Junior swimmers welcome (8-15 yr old)
  • Free car parking
  • Cafe with stunning views of the lake serving hot and cold drinks and snacks
  • Outdoor seating
  • Coached sessions available (1:1 and group sessions)
  • Scenic waling route around the lake – approx. 30 mins and include 2 styles at approx. half way round when doing a full loop

Cold Water Swimming Information

We hold FREE Cold Water Swimming talks with experienced cold water swimmer Martin Westall to give you the knowledge to swim safely through the winter months. These are on Saturday mornings at 0915 – please check our Facebook events for dates.

Benefits of Cold Water Swimming

 

  • It boosts your immune system

The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defences.

  • It gives you a natural high

Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain, to help us cope with it.

  • It improves your circulation

Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold.

  • It increases your libido

Cold water was traditionally seen to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it increases libido! A dip in some cold water boosts oestrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and enhanced mood.

  • It burns calories

The heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. Overall, far more calories are burned during cold water swimming than swimming in warmer conditions.

  • It reduces stress

Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.

  • It is a great way of socialising and making new friends

Have you joined the Race Hub Open Water Swimming Facebook group? Meet up with other like minded swimmers, ask questions/advice etc.There is a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst cold water swimmers. There is nothing that brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a group.

Safety

  • Acclimatise

As the temperature drops, just keep swimming and your body will get used to the cold. Once a week as a minimum but more if you can. Some also find cold showers help on days when you are not swimming.

  • Be safe

Open water can be dangerous. Only ever swim where it is safe, and make sure you can enter and exit the water quickly and easily.  Never swim on your own.

  • Wear the right kit

Wear a swimming hat, or two, to help preserve body heat. You can also wear neoprene gloves, booties, balaclava or a wetsuit – whatever you feel comfortable with.

  • No diving

Do not dive or jump in unless you are used to the cold water.  Cold water can cause gasping of breath and cold-water shock, which can be extremely dangerous.

  • Know your limits

As the temperature drops, decrease the amount of time you spend in the water. In winter, swimmers often only swim for one or two minutes at a time. The general rule is that you can spend 1 minute per degree of water temperature in the water – obviously, you need to listen to your body too.

  • Warm up slowly

Don’t have a hot shower. Hot water can cool your core and it can be dangerous. Instead, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, wrap up well and have a hot drink.

And finally, spend the rest of the day on a high, trying to convince your friends and family that you’re not completely nuts.

Under 16?

Juniors can also swim so long as they are competent swimmers. A junior account must be setup on Gymcatch – please read the info above on the FAQ.

Not got a wetsuit?

Wetsuit hire available for £6 per session. 

New to open water swimming?

Why not book onto one of our novice courses with an experienced British Triathlon Swim Coach?

Parking

Enter through the gates at the Race Hub signs – there are bollards at the gate suitable for normal vehicle access. Please take care when entering and park sensibly.