Summer is finally here which also means the arrival of open water swimming season. Whether you're training for a triathlon or simply fancy experiencing the great outdoors, swimming outside doesn't have to wait until your holiday and can be done right here in Greater Manchester. Take a look at some of the places where you can go for an open water dip nearby.
Helly Hansen Water Sports Centre, Salford Quays
The Water Sports Centre at Salford Quays has teamed up with Great Swim to bring you Great Swim local. Register online and you will receive your personal wristband which allows you to track and time your swims and see how you progress over time. The water is clean and two length courses are available; both 300 and 500 metres. Safety boats and kayaks keep an eye on swimmers and everyone is very welcoming. Lockers, changing facilities and very inviting warm showers are also on offer, as is wet suit hire. Sessions run five days a week and each swim costs £5 but cheaper bulk buys are available.
USwim, Salford Quays/Boundary Park
Just one dock over, the Quays is also home to USwim in Dock 9 overlooking The Lowry. The sessions here run Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings and changing facilities and a rinse shower are again available, although should be noted that these are outdoors. Two course lengths are also available here - 400 and 750 metres - and you get to swim under the big red bridge. Meanwhile, if you fancy a visit to Cheshire you can pop over to USwim's other location in the lake at Boundary Park.
Virgin Active, Middleton
If swimming in the quays and lakes makes you feel a bit squeamish, but you're still keen to swim outdoors then head over to Virgin Active in Middleton. Members here can enjoy a heated outdoor pool among the other classes and gym facilities. You do have to be Virgin member, but this is the closest to a lido we currently get in Greater Manchester.
Pennington Flash, Warrington
In Warrington, Pennington Flash is home to the Ironman UK swim but you don't have to be a triathlete to enjoy the lake here. Found in Pennington Flash Country park, the organised swims here take place Monday and Thursday evenings, and Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Pre-register before you arrive and you can also pre-book a wet suit.
Hathersage Swimming Pool, Hathersage
If you're willing to travel a little further afield, the heated outdoor pool in Hathersage is a good call for an outdoor pool swim. As well as normal swimming sessions they also hold evening events, including live music sessions with drinks on the veranda - you could almost believe you're on holiday.
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.