The Boulter’s to Bray Swim is one of the oldest open water swimming events, with a history dating back to the 19th century. Taking place on a picturesque stretch of the Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire, it was once a major annual event in the community. The original event stopped running in 1969, but was reinstated in 2012 by the Boulter’s to Bray Swim Trust. The Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that is keen to maintain the original community spirit of the event, so all proceeds are used to support and promote other amateur sports projects.
The course of the original swim is 2.8km downstream, starting at Ray Mill Island in the shadow of Cliveden House. Swimmers will pass under two Grade 1 listed bridges – the 18th century Maidenhead Bridge and Brunel’s world-famous ‘Sounding Arch’ railway bridge – before finishing opposite the Roux brothers’ Waterside Inn at Bray. The Boulter’s Mile (actually 0.9 miles – it’s like a baker’s dozen) was introduced in 2015. Taking place alongside the 2.8km version it finishes just downstream of the Sounding Arch. 2022 saw the introduction of the Historic Swim – 5km along the beautiful Cliveden reach, round the lock on foot and on to Bray.
