4 Heated Outdoor Pools for Cool Spring Days

Lehon swimming pool France

There's nothing better than finding an nice outdoor pool on a cycle ride or walk. Even better if its heated and its one of those cool spring days or even a cold winter day.

So here's our list of 4 wonderful heated pools, all open throughout the winter and all on biking or walking  tours we offer year round. 3 are in Britain and one in France.

• .Hampton Pool close to Hampton Court Palace and on the perimeter of Bushy Park. Accessed from any of our Lower Thames cycling and walking tours
• Chesham Moor in the Chiltern Hills. On our Chiltern Challenge Tour
• Bath Spa Thermae  The original and only natural spring in Britain first discovered in 863 BC. Heated by high temperature rocks 2km below the earth's surface, the waters rise through a city centre spring which until recently ran very wastefully into the River Avon. Since 2006 you can swim at roof top level in the waters which are 33C. On any of our tours going to Bath
• Lehon Pool, France. Minutes fromDinan this charming village and its pool are adjacent to the Rance river. On our Emerald Coast Tour

A Deli to Die For

Last night we attended a networking event organised by Tourism Southeast.  Over 30 people were there including representatives from hotels, tourist attractions, and tourist boards.  It was a great opportunity to meet other people working in the same industry in this area.  The added bonus was the location.  No 2 Pound Street in Wendover is a deli with a difference.  It stocks a huge selection of wines, cheeses and meats which can be taken away or enjoyed on the premises.  They recently won Best New Retailer at the British Cheese Awards which is not surprising when you see the interesting selection on offer including Stinking Bishop which should be handled with care.  The deli sits in the pretty Chiltern town of Wendover which is at the end of our new Challenging Chilterns tour.  We recommend leaving some space in your panniers for a few goodies.

Cycling on Cold days

It's not something I love but it's easier if there's a reward somewhere other than just excercise and fresh (very cold) air, as here at present -. barely above freezing all day.
We're lucky here as we have Rumsey's Chocolaterie an ace establishment with cafes in Wendover and Thame where their hot chocolate goes down really well on icy days. Ride into Thame along the 8 mile Phoenix Trail from Risborough or if narrow bridge holes don't spook you, follow the Wendover Canal to find their other shop. Of course you'll be tempted to leave with a bag of their exquisite handmade delights and maybe sign up for one of their chocolate workshops.
You can also visit them on our new tour - The Chiltern Challenge.

Chiltern Hills Cycling and Walking

We have taken advantage of the wonderful September weather and spent some time cycling in our local hills - The Chilterns.  Far less known than the Cotswolds, the Chilterns offer just as much with glorious villages. hidden valleys and great vistas often dotted with beech woods. We explored the Ashridge Estate recently - owned now by The National Trust but conceived originally by the Duke of Bridgewater who was responsible for constructing many of our canals.His estate lies close to the Grand Union Canal at Tring so you can combine cycling on the towpath with the excellent bike tracks within the estate. These can be downloaded from their website. Tring is just 45 minutes by train from London and if you leave by turning right out of the station you will reach the pretty village of Aldbury before a couple of miles have past. Sink a drink from the local pub to encourage you up the hill and from there on, its flat or downhill. Whether on foot or two wheels you can enjoy Ivinghoe Beacon., a great value cafe on the estate and woodland descents into Berkhamsted for a train ride home.