YokeHill Featured in Outdoor Swimmer Magazine

We’re proud to share that Yoke Hill has been featured in the June 2026 issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine.

“Yokehill: Establishing a New Open Water Swimming Venue”, tells the story of how YokeHill has grown from a simple idea into a welcoming open water swimming venue in the Northamptonshire countryside.

For us, this feature is a lovely moment to pause and recognise how far YokeHill has come.

What began as an established lake with potential has gradually become a safe, friendly and community-focused space for open water swimming. The article captures the things that matter most to us: the calm setting, the relaxed atmosphere, the support between swimmers, and the care that goes into making every session feel safe and welcoming.

It also reflects the work that happens behind the scenes. Creating an open water swimming venue is not just about having a lake. It takes planning, safety measures, water quality checks, lifeguard cover, equipment, supervision, permissions, and constant attention to how swimmers experience the space. The feature recognises that journey and the care that has gone into shaping YokeHill into what it is today.

A beautiful set of photographs

The article is also brought to life by a beautiful set of photographs taken by Natasha at Welland Studios.

Natasha captured YokeHill exactly as we know it: natural, peaceful, full of character, and centred around people. The images show the lake at its best, with swimmers enjoying the water, tow floats bright against the surface, and the surrounding trees giving that quiet countryside feel that makes YokeHill so special.

There is something particularly lovely about the way the photographs capture the atmosphere rather than just the setting. They show the smiles, the cold-water courage, the relaxed conversations, and the sense of community that has grown around the lake. That matters, because YokeHill is not just a place to swim. It is a place where people come to reset, connect, build confidence, and enjoy being outdoors.

Welland Studios is based in Great Oakley, Corby, and is run by Natasha and Rob, creating natural, relaxed images for families across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and beyond. (Welland Studios) Her approach fits YokeHill perfectly: warm, natural, honest and people-focused.

A big thank you to Natasha for capturing the venue so beautifully.

What the feature means to us

Being included in Outdoor Swimmer is a real milestone for YokeHill.

The article highlights the steady growth of the venue, from early cold-water swimming sessions through to the wider programme we now offer, including supervised swimming, night swims, sauna sessions and opportunities for people to enjoy the water in different ways.

Most importantly, it recognises the people who make YokeHill what it is.

Our swimmers have helped shape the atmosphere here. Whether someone is coming for their first open water dip, training for a longer swim, building cold-water confidence, or simply looking for a peaceful hour outdoors, the community around the lake has become one of the best parts of YokeHill.

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has supported YokeHill so far: our swimmers, members, visitors, lifeguards, volunteers, friends, and everyone who has shared the venue with others.

We are proud of what has been built here, and we are excited for what comes next.

You can read the feature in the June 2026 issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine.

See you at the lake,

The YokeHill Team