The Dawn Swim Walk

A walk designed around the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds — arriving at the Mixed Pond for an early swim, then walking the circuit of all three ponds (Ladies', Men's, Mixed) before heading back through the Heath as the rest of the city wakes up. Best done between May and September when the ponds open from 7am; in winter the experience is possible but the water temperature will be between 3°C and 8°C, which requires specific preparation. Start at Hampstead Heath Overground station at first light and walk north along the eastern edge of the Heath. The path rises gently through birch woodland before opening out onto the meadow above the ponds. Arrive at the Mixed Pond — entry £4, towel and goggles essential, no changing facilities beyond basic benches — before 7:30am on summer weekends to avoid the queue. After swimming, walk the chain of ponds from south to north: Mixed Pond, then Ladies' Pond (no entry for non-swimmers, but the path runs close enough to see the willows and the lifeguard tower), then the Men's Pond and the fishing ponds beyond. The path continues north to the Vale of Health — a curious enclave of private houses on the Heath, accessible by footpath but feeling entirely separate from the surrounding city — before looping back to the station via the main Heath path.

Highlights

• Mixed Pond open-air swimming — open 7am year-round
• Ladies' Pond — most secluded
• willow-fringed
• Men's Pond — coldest
• quietest
• year-round swimmers
• Vale of Health — private enclave on the Heath
• Dawn light on the open Heath meadows

Route Map

Route Waypoints

1. 1

   Hampstead Heath Station

   Overground — arrive 15-20 min before the pond opens

2. 2

   Mixed Bathing Pond

   Open to all — entry £4, open 7am daily, lifeguarded. Busiest Sat/Sun mornings

3. 3

   Ladies' Pond

   Women only — most peaceful of the three, willow-fringed banks

4. 4

   Men's Pond

   Coldest water — year-round swimmers only in winter, open daily

5. 5

   Highgate No.1 Pond

   Fishing pond — no swimming, but good for herons and kingfishers

6. 6

   Vale of Health

   Private enclave on the Heath — D.H. Lawrence lived here in 1915

7. 7

   Hampstead Heath Station

   Return — café nearby at South End Green

Today's Weather