Hatchmere

Situated in the village bearing its name, Hatchmere Lake nestles in a sheltered hollow on the edge of the ancient Delamere Forest.  The lake itself is natural and is in fact a "sink hole" - a water-filled depression left in the ground after a lump of glacial ice melted at the end of the last Ice-Age - feels like it too at the beginning of April! Access to the water is from the little beach adjacent to the road and parking space has been provided for two cars - if possible please leave these free for elderly or disabled visitors.  Immediately adjacent to the lake is the Carrier's Inn, which is child friendly with a restaurant and large beer garden.  They serve full meals including Sunday lunch, and have large screen satellite TV.

During an average swimming season from May to September, the water temperature varies between about 17 ºC (63ºF) and 25ºC (77ºF).  Peat run-off from the forest gives the water a brownish colour, but doesn't affect  its cleanliness.  I started swimming in Hatchmere back in 1975 and have never had any health problems.  Furthermore there has never been any known instance of Weil's Disease associated with bathing in (or fishing) Hatchmere.  The water in the little bay is very shallow and gets quite warm on a sunny day.  With its gently shelving sandy bottom this is an ideal spot for the little ones to paddle, but as in all open water, children MUST be supervised.  The new owners, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, now welcome the public.  Volunteers from the Friends of Hatchmere try keep the little sandy beach and the bay clear of rubbish, so to prevent injury and help keep the site clean and attractive, put all your litter in the bins provided or take it home.  Dogs must be kept under control, and not be allowed to foul the grass or the bay.  Please remember - this is an area where children play and people are bare-foot.

The Carrier's Inn allows drinks to be brought to the lakeside but please return the empty glasses.  REMEMBER! NEVER SWIM AFTER DRINKING ALCOHOL!!!

The resident swans are tame, and are quite happy with swimmers.  In fact they'll sit on the grass and preen just a few feet from visitors.  However the male in particular is very streetwise.  If you're having a picnic or barbecue, don't turn your back on him or he'll have your food as quick as any dog would.

They will feed from your hand as long as you're wearing just swimming trunks, although the female will usually hiss a bit just to assert her authority.  They appreciate feeding, and recognise regular visitors - in fact I have my toes pecked if I dare turn up without bread!  And when the cygnets are growing the family will easily demolish a large loaf in a matter of minutes. They are also very partial to diced bacon fat!!

See the bijou mapette below for directions.  Just follow the brown signs for "Delamere Forest Park" and you'll soon find your way there.  A bus service runs between Northwich and Frodsham, with Delamere railway station (on the Chester-Manchester line) about 1 mile down the road.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey andOrdnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Back

For more places to swim go to Wildswimmer Pete Home