Tuesday

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Thursday

5.30pm - 7.30pm

Saturday

7.30am - 9.30am

Swimmers entering the water, one in a wetsuit the other in swimsuit.

Welcome

Welcome to Swim Pennington, a NOWCA registered open water swim venue operating from Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club, replaceing My Open Water Swim, situated at the western end of Pennington Flash, close Leigh in Greater Manchester. The site is within easy reach of the A580 East Lancs road and the M6.

The site is perfect for open water swimming, offering simple access to the water, ample free parking and changing rooms with toilets and shower facilities.

Sessions run every Saturday morning throughout the year, with evening sessions available from late April to the end of September, open to skins or wetsuits, whether it's a quick dip or a 3.5km swim.

High level veiw of Pennington flash.

The Water

Pennington Flash, a 70-hectare lake nestled in Greater Manchester, is part of Pennington Flash Nature Reserve, which Natural England officially designated as a National Nature Reserve in October 2022.

This lake formed from mining subsidence, exemplifying how areas can recover from industrial impacts.

The Flash also hosts the Bolton IRONMAN, where competitors swim a 1.9km course before transitioning to the tarmac.

map of the lake and the swim courses

Courses

Our swimming courses vary from 200m to 1.9km. The courses open on the day will be displayed on the notice board before entering the water. Please familiarise yourself with the layouts before entering the water.

Know your limits, if you are new to open water swimming start on the small courses and build up to the larger courses. Enter the water slowly & let your body get accustomed to the temperature.

Red NOWCA bands sat on a bench

NOWCA

At the heart of the NOWCA system is the wrist band which is scanned when you enter and exit the water, allowing us to track who is in the water, plus gives us access to your data.

ACTIO App Manage your membership, account, medical info, emergency contacts, event & activity bookings, and swim stats – all in the palm of your hand.

Your NOWCA membership gives you access to over 40 stunning open water locations nationwide.

All included in your NOWCA membership.

Group of swimmers, warming up after a sub 10 swim, on a fresh winters morning

Take The Plunge


    One time swimmers, taster sessions

  • Read the disclaimer
  • On arrival report to shore team
  • Complete visitors form
  • Pay for the session
  • Enjoy your swim

    Join NOWCA

  • Go to ACTIO site
  • Click book now
  • Create membership
  • Make sure band pickup is set to Pennington Flash
  • Book your first session