Kinder Swim Trespass 2023

My dog Ed and I made the journey over the Pennines on a grey Sunday on 23 April for the Kinder Swim Trespass. We trekked up from the village of Hayfields following groups of hikers and swimmers gripping ‘Go Swimming’ signs. The location of the trespass is not accidental and has roots in the historic trespass of 1932 in this area where there was an attempt to reclaim right of passage through the Peak District hills where many wealthy landowners had restricted any free movement. This resonates with the Swim Trespass which similarly is raising awareness about the lack of access to outdoor swimming. The reservoir for the trespass is nestled in the hills and offered a beautiful location for a swim. The reservoir is owned by United Utilities Group PLC who have used the usually ‘it’s dangerous’ as an excuse to ban swimming there. Yes, cold water swimming and reservoirs can indeed be dangerous, but this is one of the reasons why there is a need for greater access combined with education and training in outdoor swim areas such as reservoirs and rivers. It’s time to clean up the rivers, lakes and seas rather than allow them to continually be polluted for the sake of increased profits of private corporations who do not want to invest in conserving waterways. The Kinder Swim Trespass received lots of press coverage but was organised and supported by the Outdoor Swim Society. Please see their extensive report at: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/kinder-swim-trespass-2023/