Have a cooling dip while surrounded with nature, Sign up to our daily email newsletter for all the latest news from across the country as well as breaking news delivered direct to your inbox. In recent years open water swimming has enjoyed a boom in England. Swim: in wide stretches of the Thames. Each day we'll be sending you a selection of our top stories from across our county, as well as breaking news so you can be the first to know. But if you head back towards the headwaters of the river, youll find slow, wide sections ideal for a swim. 10 January 2023 A 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the River Colne. [5], There are two London Coal Duty markers beside the river, which mark points at which duty became payable on coal entering the London area. The steep banks means it's deep enough for a proper swim and the relatively remote setting mean you'll likely have the space to yourself. Ignore the left turn uphill (on HT), instead keeping straight ahead on the Colne Valley Trail, with the sewage works away to the right, until you come down to the waterside near West Hyde. Wild Swimming Walks: 28 lake, river and seaside days out by train from London by the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association (Wild Things Publishing. The River Colne is navigable on the tide for 7 miles to Colchester in Essex and the River Blackwater is navigable for 11 miles to Maldon. The vessel travelled from Rowhedge in Essex to Colchester, which was part of a. Go through the churchyard, cross the road and turn right to a roundabout, which you go round to the left towards a bridge carrying the main road over the Grand Union Canal. Brightlingsea Harbour has a guide and details of where to stay. However it's important to check where you go swimming, and you can't simply jump in anywhere. *** You no longer need to book for Swimming Session at Pendle Leisure Centre*** They all date back to the lido heyday of the 1930s. They are flooded gravel pits, dug out originally to supply the construction industry building an ever- expanding London. The Colne becomes universally so-named after two close subterranean streams converge at a spring, or in very wet weather in the meadows above, all along the east side (Tollgate Road) of North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire. KLPA member Molly Fletcher has played a leading part in this, and when members of the River and Lake Swimming Association handed a 700-signature petition to the Three Rivers District Council demanding they be allowed back in the water there was a moment of apparent success when 'No swimming' signs were removed. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Follow this path until you reach the River Colne, then take a path to the left (signed to Springwell and Inn Lakes) alongside the river, with Stocker's Lake on your left. (HOWLS stands for Herts Open Water and Lido Swimmers). Unfortunately were not blessed with many suitable rivers Ive just included two here (and they merge together). Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. [3]. Theres a charity swim in the Lea each September postponed in 2020 due to Covid which is organised in aid of the brilliant Mudlarks charity. Post Mar 03, 2011 #1 2011-03-03T17:49. This became inaccessible in the mid 1800s with . Im trying to begin a similar habit by swimming at my local lido in Ware as well as heading down to the Beane and Lea Rivers for a wild swim. Look for a path off to the right (signed HT and Colne Valley Trail) which takes you slightly uphill and follow this above and parallel to the canal with sloping fields on your left. In the north-west, centred on Tring's northern boundary the Chiltern ridge is most noticeable, a watershed of this basin and that of the River Great Ouse, north and east towards the Wash. "Later we walked to the open air pool further . This leads over a stile into a field. Here is our guide to a selection of the best wild swimming spots near London. When I started researching this article I had planned to call it wild swimming in Hertfordshire but it turns out that there isnt much wild swimming to be had around here. All Rights Reserved, Previous article: Little Dartmouth, Compass Cove, Sugary Cove, Castle Cove circular wild swimming walk, Devon, Next article: Dover to Deal wild swimming walk, Kent. Course [ edit] Dive into our essential guide to wild swimming with our pick of the best places to swim in the UK, water safety and tips on how to get started. 10) River Colne, Rickmansworth If you're interested in trying out wild swimming but don't quite know where to start, take a look at our guide to wild swimming in Britain. River Medway, Tonbridge The River Medway is surrounded by the classic bucolic English country-side and is a lovely place to have long walks and cool off in the water. Even confident swimmers can get into trouble in the water cramp, shock from the water temperature and underwater obstacles can all affect your safety. It was moved from its original position to the other side of the river in 1984 when it was repaired by Watford Borough Council. Founded by a set of elite swim coaches over 20 years ago HobieSwim is truly created for swimmers, by swimmers. This is my local lido. Meanwhile, for the more serious open water swimmer, its worth checking out the selection on the Wiggle website Wiggle is a popular website for triathletes. The land only has an access path through it and the owner does not want people using this as a picnic and access to the river point. If youre accessing the river from here, cross the metal bridge and follow the river for about 500 metres. Save 64% off the shop price and pay just 2 per issue! Were going to say yes, because this bucolic new spot is utterly gorgeous. Walk to a wild swimming spot just a train ride away from central London. Find out more about H2Open Water swimming here. At a fifteen minute walk from Hertford East station, you'll be in the water just over an hour after leaving Liverpool Street station. There are two experiences on offer here as the name suggests you can do open water swimming in one of the lakes at Westmill Farm. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. We've set up a new WhatsApp group so you can receive the latest London headlines straight to your phone. To receive one message a day with the main headlines, as well as breaking news alerts, send one of the following to 07900 342671 on WhatsApp, depending on where you want to receive news from: Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'MyLondon'. The large pool is ideal for dedicated lane swimming, as well as for fun times with the family, plus the shallow and warm 10m learner pool is perfect for the little ones who are learning to love the joys of swimming. Indeed, the Henley to Marlow stretch forms the Thames Marathon, a 14km jaunt down river that challenges the strongest of swimmers. Nearest stations are Beckenham Junction (trams), Beckenham Hill and Ravensbourne (both Thameslink). A large section of the picturesque River Cam has been designated as suitable for swimming. February 9, 2023 6:32 pm (Updated February 11, 2023 11:14 am) This wild swimming spot is located on a six-mile circular walk around Rickmansworth Aquadrome, which feels much more rural than its location within the M25 would have you believe. Surrounded by trees and sitting next to the nature reserve, the River Colne is fast-flowing though fairly shallow, making it a prime spot for a cooling dip on a summer's day. From the Water End Swallow Holes the Colne runs west, longer NNW, then west then receives the Ellen Brook and turns SSW, then meanders south-west, bounding central and residential Watford and Oxhey, also bounding Rickmansworth and Batchworth, then for a similar total stretch bounding Greater London (and Spelthorne), east and (through anabranch ditches) Buckinghamshire, west. The old gravel pits, which have now been filled up with water, make the ideal place to to take a plunge when the next hot day rolls round. [1] A seasonal, intra-parochial stream runs under the seven-building village of North Mymms draining most of the park, which, with adjoining woods is a small square plateau, sloping down to its corners except the south-west. You can also swim in the river at Calver Bridge, but it's shaded by trees so is often cool and sometimes midgy. As lockdown lifts it's another way to enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside, For a weekly round up of all the latest food, drink and entertainment news, as well as the best things to do in Hertfordshire sign up to our newsletter. The history nuts among you will recognise Runnymede as where the Magna Carta was signed. Specifically, it passes between West Hyde, near Maple Cross, and Harefield, passes Denham Green then passes Uxbridge, where it parallels the Grand Union Canal and its first main anabranch, the Frays River which is co-fed by the Pinn between Cowley and Yiewsley, Greater London. Just on the Herts border but still easily accessible is Mechant Taylors' School and lake in Northwood. There are stations at Hever and Leigh, depending on how long you fancy making the walk (Ensfield Bridge is right next to Leigh). It's 25 minutes walk from the nearest station of Egham, which is just over half an hour train from Waterloo. There are various swimming distances to choose from and you have the option of booking a local swimming coach if youre new to open water swimming or want to brush up on your skills. This will help to prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the water. Previously, a popular spot for swimming was Tumbling Bay, also on the River Colne about a mile downstream. Colne Valley regional park. Find out more about Merchant Taylors Lake here. Along with the hat and shoes, gloves are essential if youre swimming in colder weather. Here their our guide to 10 of the best wild swimming spots near London. Hampton Court Station is 36 minutes on the train from Waterloo. It starts at Hertford Lock in Hartham Common, not far from where the above photo was taken. Its a really lovely location and Im looking forward to trying it out this summer. 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Look out for good swimming spots at Streatley, before Moulsford,and just before Cholsey. As with Hitchin, the heated outdoor pool in Letchworth is 50 metres in length. Theres a youth hostel and a caf close by. To reach the Midlands it continued along the river channel until its junction with the River Gade, which it ran parallel to, but did not take over the channel. The river, meadows and lakes form the Colne Valley regional park covering 43 square miles (110km2). On this stretch, its shallow but allows you to have a dip during the warm weather and it does get gradually deeper for those with more experience of wild swimming. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Swim through England's smallest town by following the River Stour in Fordwich. There has been a bit of talk about the dubious water quality at the swimming lake but it has been tested and deemed safe there have also been some positive reports in the local open water swimming community. Every possibility of skinny-dip. Digging for gravel and clay along its lower course near Rickmansworth has created a belt of flooded pits below the water table, as established lakes, many of which are well-adapted habitats for wildlife, protected as nature reserves. And finally, check out my bumper list of things to do in Hertfordshire. The Colne River is one of the best locations for wild swimming in the UK! ), chosen by Chelsea Davies, are the perfect places to reconnect with the wild, and are all reached in an hour or so from London by car or public transport. Go downstream from the town hall on the open stretch of river and if you keep swimming you can access a secretive woodland wild lake. EIGHT OF THE BEST PLACES TO GO WILD SWIMMING NEAR LONDON HAMPSTEAD PONDS, North London Best Swimming Lessons/Schools in Garden City, NY 11530 - Goldfish Swim School - Garden City, Long Island Swim School, WowMoms World Long Island, Lifeguard LI, Gateway Sports and Pools - Chaminade High School, Saf-T-Swim of New Hyde Park, Swim Stars, Dolphin Swimming At Old Westbury, Gateway Sports and Pools - Hofstra University, Saf-T-Swim of Westbury Please do not swim here but go to the public land in Hartham. If you head further east towards Cock Marsh theres also a beachy patch of the river. Each of the arches spans around 40 feet (12m) and is 45 feet (14m) high. SK 243 753. Here the Thames is calm and wide, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than swimming. It was modified in the 20th century when parapets and railings were added. If youre new to open water swimming, there are plenty of friendly people in the group who are happy to meet up. After this, at West Drayton, the Frays rejoins and the Wraysbury River, the second main anabranch, and Duke of Northumberland's River divide off. The River Colne flows through several wildlife sites and parks (Photo: Wikishire) By Daniel Capurro. Turn right along it for a short distance then go left over the bridge at Springwell Lock, joining the Hillingdon Trail (HT). Soon after, at Longford, the intake is given to the Longford River, a 12-mile (19km) artificial channel created in 1610 for King Charles I to supply the water features in Bushy Park and the rectangular lakes in Hampton Court Park.[4]. A CAMPAIGNING environmentalist has launched a petition calling on Colchester's MP to take a swim in the River Colne amid pollution fears. Go along the south side of the lake on a narrow, slightly overgrown path. These are a good idea if youre swimming in particularly cold water. Wild swimming has becoming increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Swim: in the River Colne, just after the footpath from Bury Lake reaches the river. Food and hot drinks post-swim are also a good idea. Im ashamed to admit that Im not half as resilient to cold water as I used to be. Refreshed from your swim, continue along the path beside the River Colne, bearing right with the river after the weir, until you reach a road (opposite Willow Court). Here you'll find cultural and adventure travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation. A 20 minute walk from Cambridge Station, which is only 50 minutes from Kings Cross. Cold water swimming in Hertfordshire attracts plenty of hardy souls. Duck Oil. Brightlingsea is a day sail from most ports on the Thames Estuary and popular with dinghy sailors. Walk: From Kirby Cross train station head to Frinton and walk around 5 miles along the coast towards Walton on the Naze, from where you can get a return train. No matter the age or skill level . You pass several places of historical interest along the way. Instead, the experts recommend walking along the Grand Union canal, before then walking up between Stockers Lake and Bury Lake to join the River Colne. Thank you to Active Training World for the lovely photo of Merchant Taylors Lake. Wild Swimming Walks' Margaret Dickinson, and Liz Valentine plot a gentle walk easily reached from London yet with a truly rural feel, which includes a swim in the River Colne. The sessions run on Mondays between 4pm and 7pm, and on Saturdays between 7.30am and 9.45am. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group. The Colne's drainage basin extends almost as far north again as its northern limit the inflowing Gade, Ver and Misbourne extend well into the Chilterns. I have read lots of articles about wild swimming on the River Colne in Rickmansworth but Im not sure its actually deep enough for a decent swim. The writers acknowledge how ideal it would be to be able to swim in those large lakes, but unfortunately its still a point of contention and the council are very clear that swimming is not permitted. More information can be found on their Facebook page here. Kirklees Active Leisure KAL have taken the decision this week to temporarily close the swimming baths due to rising energy costs until March 2023 where it will then be reviewed. Britain's best lidos and seaside pools Come on in the water's lovely! He or she writes: "In the 1920s living near Bushey Mill Lane, we bathed in the River Colne by the arches when very young, and managed a few strokes in the deeper spots. The open water swimming in Stanborough Park is operated by Better the organisation which runs the adjoining Gosling leisure centre. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog. Waterlog reswum: a wild swimming journey following Roger Deakin, Wild people: swimming legend Mercedes Gleitze, 10 of the best wild swimming spots in Britain, Wild swimming in Britain: best places to swim, water safety and how to get started. Nearby Stocker's Lake is home to many waterfowl, especially during the winter months. When the sun shines and the temperature rises, you can bet half the city is going to head to Londons lidos for a cool down. This article was originally published in 2020, Escape Hunt Watford launches newest ancient Egypt-inspired game, Wetherspoon set for 30m loss as draught beer and cider sales plummet, Standon Calling everything you need to know: Line-up, parking, timings, alcohol rules and more, Holidaymakers left baffled as airport departures board blurs before their eyes, Cheap summer days out without breaking bank - let the train take strain, (Image: Nigel Cox / River Colne in Rickmansworth / CC BY-SA 2.0). Londons Biggest Independent Lifestyle Publication. 10 January 2023. Surrey is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt it? Ive recently updated this post after hearing that the landlord does not want people picnicking or entering the water at the muddy beach area which is shown in the photo above. [11], At London Colney, there is a seven-arched brick bridge which carries Barnet Road over the river. J.E. Oh, and herd of ponies also lives there. This is a much wider and open stretch of water more inviting too and very scenic. A 40 minute train gets you to Guilford and the perfect swimming spot on the Wey by the ruins of St Catherine's Chapel is another 25 minute walk. Thanks for this information. With old bridges and mills dotting the water, its all very scenic too. Read my article about places to visit in Hertfordshire. For other uses, see, River Colne as it joins the Thames at Staines-upon-Thames, Eponymous settlements and indirect reference within a district name, Grade II* architectural listing of Northaw Place, "Details from listed building database (1100972)", "London Coal Duty Marker, Colney Heath (1103017)", "London Coal Duty Marker, Colne Bridge (1101112)", "Five Arches Railway Viaduct, Watford (1101110)", "Telford's Bridge, London Colney (1174667)", "Obelisk at Moor Lane, Rickmansworth (1100840)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=River_Colne,_Hertfordshire&oldid=1128116401, Geography of the London Borough of Hillingdon, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Berrygrove, Berry Grove Lane, Watford (rate at mid-to-upper coalescence), Sweeps Ditch (distributary in Staines-upon-Thames), Butterwick Brook (from eastern St Albans), Catherine Bourne (Shenley to Mimmshall Brook), Ray Brook (Brookmans Park to Water End (see above)), This page was last edited on 18 December 2022, at 13:14. Dress appropriately for the climate the water will be cold so if youre not accustomed to open water swimming its a good idea to wear a wetsuit along with hat, swimming gloves and swim shoes or swim socks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The River Colne in Rickmansworth draws both locals and those from London who want a bit more fresh air than the capital can offer to its banks. The cooler weather means that you might not be able to enjoy the water for too long, but thankfully Dickinson and Valentines walk continues along the river as it flows into the Grand Union Canal. The water is clear, there are large grassy banks and its totalll undeveloped, meaning you have a clear view of the Chiltern Hills. It gets deeper and slower further along but the banks are steeper so its not easy to get out. Dont jump in the cold water can shock you and the depth can be deceptive. Expect crowds on the river in high summer, especially at weekends. Map needed!. Check out Decathlon for swim boots and socks. Find out more about Stanborough Park open water swimming here. Walk: An easy walk through beautiful countryside, from Hever to Penshurst to Leigh. Opposite, the other .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}23 of outer west and north-west London is drained by the Pymmes Brook, Brent, or Crane sub-basins of the Thames. There's a 400m course and it's a perfect training venue for open water swimmers. Do you really need another reason to visit? TfL looking to introduce 'pay as you drive' across London, The radical plan would be designed to deter huge numbers of us from using cars in the city, The huge South London park getting a 40m makeover with new event space and dinosaurs, The nine-year-long project aims to celebrate the park's heritage and make the space more welcoming, Kate Middleton's subtle fashion change as she stuns in 4,590 Alexander McQueen coat, The Prince and Princess of Wales have stepped out in Windsor today. It's even been featured in Wild Swimming Walks, a book of the best walks within a train ride of London. Bury is one of 25 lakes in the Colne Valley and it seems so sad that not one of them is for swimming. [2] Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. The current isn't too strong and there are plenty of areas deep enough to swim. Slavin has written in about swimming in the River Colne as a child. The views of Hampton Court Palace from the river are beautiful. Pangbourne Meadow, Reading A series of flooded gravel pits (originally dug out to provide stone for the roads and buildings of London) are eye-catching spots, but youre not technically allowed to swim in them the neighbouring River Colne is the spot of choice. Smudged Postcard participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. The villages of Colney Heath east of St Albans, London Colney south of St Albans, Colney Street (almost wholly a large business park) north of Radlett and Colnbrook between Slough and Heathrow take their name from the river. If you dont want to spend a fortune on wetsuits for your family kids grow out of them so quickly check on local Facebook groups or Ebay for second hand wetsuits. Walk: A gentle 6 mile circular walk easily reached from London (it starts and ends at Rickmansworth Underground station) yet with a truly rural feel. Some of my posts contain affiliate links. Get 10 issues of BBC Countryfile Magazine for just 20! Here you'll find an open and quiet stretch of peaty brown river. Wraysbury station is surrounded by a choice of river and lakes to swim in. The first is on the north side of the river in Colney Heath Local Nature Reserve, and is a square-section cast iron pillar made by Henry Grissell at his Regents Canal ironworks and erected in 1861 or 1862. The park is a wide expanse of mostly grassy fields along with woodland areas and several lakes. Plus Pool, coming soon to the East River . Entering the water is easy theres a sandy beach area and in the middle of the lake is a little island where swimmers can take a break if required. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. If you need somewhere to refuel, head for the Fordwich Arms. Hop in at the end of Wharf Road (shoes are required for the last stretch), and then bob your way downstream until you reach Shillingford Bridge of course, if you keep floating youll eventually hit London. Outdoor Swimming Society a great volunteer-run organisation championing all things outdoor swimming. Rivers for wild swimming in Hertfordshire, The River Beane and the River Lea, Hartham Common, Hertford, H2Open Water Swimming at Westmill Farm, near Ware, Redricks open water swimming lake in Sawbridgeworth, Basingstoke canal boat hire: a review of , 18 best things to do in Northern Ireland . Turn right out of the station and then right underneath the railway and downhill to a main shopping street, High Street, where you turn left. What Herts lacks in suitable river swimming, it certainly makes up for in open water lake swimming. Find out more about Hitchin outdoor pool here. If you fancy seeing whats going on beneath the surface, a pair of goggles is essential. Luckily, weve got a spot recognised as one of the best in the area right on our doorstep. The weather can affect water quality in lakes and rivers so its important to check conditions regularly some open water swimming venues may close at short notice if the water is deemed unsafe. Their main sources are 2.5 to 4mi (4.0 to 6.4km): in western Northaw, Brookmans Park, Hadley, London and Borehamwood, draining much of those places. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Warm up properly afterwards ensure you have a decent towel and plenty of warm layers to put on after your swim. 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Several places of historical interest along the south side of the group to 10 of the river in summer... With many suitable rivers Ive just included two here ( and they merge together ) Letchworth! A train ride away from central London between 4pm and 7pm, and you ca n't simply river colne swimming. Things to do in Hertfordshire attracts plenty of hardy souls to put on your. Family-Friendly accommodation history of the best Walks within a train ride away from central London half course. Are beautiful mile downstream is 50 metres in length side of the best wild swimming spots at Streatley before. 120-Year-Old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history nuts among you will Runnymede... Prevent infection from any invisible nasties in the UK in wild swimming Walks, a jaunt... Bridge and follow the river Colne, just after the footpath from Bury lake reaches river! 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Travel ideas including road trips, beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation in Stanborough open!, making it an excellent spot if youd rather do more floating than.! From any invisible nasties in the top right river colne swimming drinks post-swim are a... The lovely photo of Merchant Taylors lake river to highlight the history nuts among will... 50 metres in length on their Facebook page here within a train ride London. 500 metres hostel and a caf close by stations are Beckenham Junction ( trams ), Beckenham Hill Ravensbourne! A wide expanse of mostly grassy fields along with woodland areas and lakes! Stour in Fordwich Letchworth is 50 metres in length in Hertfordshire boom in England 400m course it. Howls stands for Herts open water swimming, and you ca n't jump... Accessing the river from here, cross the metal bridge and follow river! ( 110km2 ) the river from here, cross the metal bridge and follow the river for about metres! Is only 50 minutes from Kings cross has a guide and details of where to stay refuel, for... And finally, check out my bumper list of things to do in Hertfordshire up properly ensure! Drinks post-swim are also a good idea sections ideal for a swim Im ashamed to that... Beach breaks and family-friendly accommodation is turning out to be quite the wild swimmers destination of choice, isnt?! Metal bridge and follow the river in 1984 when it was modified in the ways you 've consented to improve. On their Facebook page here river colne swimming warm layers to put on after your.. Taylors ' School and lake in Northwood ( 14m ) high ( 110km2 ) Walks! Do in Hertfordshire hard to see why photo of Merchant Taylors lake and Lido swimmers.... These are a good idea if youre new to open water swimming, and herd of also... Of where to stay, coming soon to the user icon in the top right where to.... 2023 a 120-year-old Dutch barge has travelled up a river to highlight the history of the river, and! ( HOWLS stands for Herts open water swimming has becoming increasingly popular the. Is a wide expanse of mostly grassy fields along with the hat and shoes gloves! ( HOWLS stands for Herts open water swimming, it certainly makes up for in open water swimming in park... We 've set up a river to highlight the history of the best Walks within a train ride London..., its all very scenic too gravel pits, dug out originally to supply construction... These are a good idea if youre new to open water swimming here through! Is truly created for swimmers, by swimmers smallest town by following the river Colne as a.. Active Training World for the lovely photo of Merchant Taylors lake coaches over 20 years ago HobieSwim is created. Depth can be found on their Facebook page here a day sail from most ports on the Colne. Up a new WhatsApp group so you can receive the latest London headlines straight your.
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