Stratford Park Lido

After passing the 200 mark yesterday in Cirencester, I thought I'd keep them coming with another new pool on my way home at the outdoor 55 yard pool at Stratford Park in Stroud, Gloucestershire – two Cotswolds pools in two days!

Stratford Park Lido first opened in 1937 and has been a summertime favourite in Stroud ever since. Despite upgrades over the years, it retains its classic open-air charm – essentially a big outdoor tank of cold water framed by the surrounding park. A true survivor of the UK’s lido era.

I booked the 6pm session and, for once, arrived on time. Cloudy, grey skies and drizzle set the scene. Unsure how busy it might be, I’d booked a slot online earlier. The season is almost over and the pool will close in the next couple of weeks. I’d did try to swim here years ago. The adjacent indoor pool is already on the list (Pool #40, back in May 2018), but back then the lido was drained and closed for the season.

Into the fairly modern changing village – moment of panic as it seemed full of women, until a guy wandered in and I relaxed. Out to the pool, bag tucked under a bench out of the rain. The pool measures 55 by 18 yards, roughly the same as a 50m pool. The big difference compared to Cirencester yesterday: this one is unheated. Jumping in confirmed it – a bracing shock! My watch only records water temperature for open water swims, so I don't know exactly the pool temperature, but I’d guess around 18°C. Not unbearable, but definitely not cosy.

There are eight lanes. Most had two or three swimmers, but I nabbed the only empty lane, right in the middle. The first few laps were numbing, but soon settled into a rhythm. Over the course of 2,200 yards, a few others dropped in and out of my lane, while next door a couple in wetsuits were sprinting short repeats – probably just to stay warm! I think my chosen lane was empty for a reason! At the far end of the pool there is a strong jet of water from the filter return, the last couple of meters were like swimming in an endless pool (which I've still yet to try!) - nearly missed a couple of flip turns as the flow pushed me so far back mid-turn!

Afterwards, I headed for the showers (flooded sowers) to thaw out before dealing with some electric car range anxiety. I’d forgotten to plug in the car yesterday and rolled up with 15% battery. Luckily, Gloucester Services on the M5 isn’t far – and frankly, the lure of jelly spog bon bons is worth the risk. Heated seats on, sugar rush incoming.