The Warleigh Weir, Island Field and River Avon are not safe places. This is working agricultural land which presents various hazards and risks. The river is not a designated swimming spot, there are no lifeguards and there may be no assumption of safety at the site whatsoever.
In order to get to Warleigh Weir and the river island you must first:
- Walk down a steep and narrow track with passing vehicles
- Cross over the warminster train line (trains travelling at 90+ mph) which does not have a bridge or level crossing. Trains come in both directions and there is a risk of tripping or even feet getting stuck
- Walk past cows which are NOT pets and could potentially charge
- Climb over a fence stile which is not intended for pedestrian use
- There are other risks also
Note there is no designated parking in the area yet some people decide to park on the side of a busy A-road.
If you decide to access this land it is up for you to decide whether you are prepared to accept these hazards and any other hazards that may present themselves.
The field itself has various potential risks:
- Stinging nettles
- Sharp plants such as blackberries
- Flooding up to 1m in depth
- Trip hazards and fox holes
- Cows which are not always happy to see people
- Ticks and other biting or disease carrying insects
- Dogs off leads
If you decide to access this land it is up for you to decide whether you are prepared to accept these hazards and any other hazards that may present themselves.
These are risks which have been present for decades and anyone entering the area must decide for themselves if these are risks which they are prepared to accept.
Some people have been known to swim in the river. Anyone considering swimming in the river should consider
- Risk of flooding which can and does happen at short notice
- Pathogens, viruses and diseases in the water
- Ticks and other insects
- Risk and existence of underwater snags
- The water flow rates and their ability to swim against them
- Slippery banks
- Inaccessible banks (including ones that cannot be climbed up)
If you decide to access the water it is up for you to decide whether you are prepared to accept these hazards and any other hazards that may present themselves.