Club to Pub

In his youth, the young George Orwell was a frequent visitor to the banks of the River Thames near Shiplake, often casting his line into the water with the Buddicom family. While the author of '1984' once found quiet solitude in these stretches, today the river serves as a vibrant artery for swimmers gathering at the Henley Rowing Club. The Club to Pub is a summer evening event that transforms this historic waterway into a 1.5km course, drawing participants who share Orwell’s appreciation for the river, albeit with significantly more splashes and less silence.

## The River Course

The swim begins with a challenging 400m upstream push, a section that tests your endurance against the current before reaching two large marker buoys. Once the turn is made, the gravity of the Thames works in your favor, pulling you 1100m downstream. As you navigate the final stretch, you pass along the Mill Meadow bank, where the landscape is dotted with the remnants of centuries of industrial activity. In the distance, you may notice the influence of historic water mills that once powered the local economy, long since converted into residences or hotels. While the Loddon lily occasionally carpets the nearby wet meadows, your focus remains on the distinct finish at the Angel on the Bridge, where a medal that doubles as a bottle opener and a chilled beer await.

## Logistics and Community

This event is designed for those who appreciate the social side of open water swimming. With wetsuits being optional, the choice often comes down to personal comfort in the changing river temperatures. The race is a community-focused effort, with many swimmers choosing to support the charity Level Water, which provides swimming lessons for children with disabilities. If you are looking for more opportunities to test your endurance in this region, those interested in the local racing calendar often look toward the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta Swim in August, or the longer distance challenges offered by the Thames Marathon. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or simply enjoying the post-race BBQ on the terrace, the swim captures the long-standing tradition of human interaction with the Thames.