The City Baths

First time visiting Newcastle, home of my favourite band, the Wildhearts! (I went to see them for the umpteenth time at the Corn Exchange in Sheffield last year when I swam at Ponds Forge). I am here for a couple of days and keen to get my first North East pools on the list. I have managed to pick a freezing cold week in mid February, complete with ice warnings, sleet and snow.

I have a room with a view overlooking the three city centre bridges. The famous Tyne Bridge is currently undergoing maintenance so it is mostly covered in scaffolding. Still, there is enough exposed to say I have seen it.

A morning with the laptop trying not to be distracted by the view then time to head up the hill for a lunchtime swim at the historic Newcastle City Baths, a Grade II listed building that underwent a serious rejuvenation before reopening a few years ago.

The pool sits on the site of the original Northumberland Baths, which opened almost 200 years ago in 1838! The current incarnation of now named 'The City Baths' is modelled on a Victorian era styled Turkish Baths, opened in 1928. Ninety eight years ago!

It is a solid 20 minute climb up from the Tyne to upper Newcastle. The building is impressive, adjoined to the City Hall and adjacent to Northumbria University.

Into reception and pay the £9 entrance fee. Not cheap, but from what I can see the renovation definitely was not either. You do get access to the sauna included.

The changing rooms look fresh, although on my first attempt I somehow pick the world’s smallest cubicle.

Quick swing of the arms to wake up the shoulders, a polite dunk under the shower to keep the locals happy, then out onto a bright pool deck. A ceiling light runs the full length of the pool and combined with the uplighting around the deck it gives the place a light, positive feel.

I have no real plan for this swim. I am good for the hour but thinking it might just be a quick dip. The water is surprisingly clear. It is a tub style pool with rope lane dividers, so it does not take long before it turns into a choppy mess. There is a group of uni kids floating about on one side and a couple of swimmers on the other. I later realise I am in the slower lane.

I think I will just do a 1.6km plod. That somehow turns into 3.2km, and I finish up with a 200m warm down. 3.4km swim is more than I was expecting today!

Judging by the pace on my Garmin I am two to three seconds quicker than expected. I am guessing the pool might be closer to 24 metres - but not a problem, i've done more than enough to cover the minimum required distance!

Swim done. I am not too fussed about the sauna as I side step the uni kids daring each other to pull the chain on the ice bucket dunk! Time for a wander around Newcastle.