Mixed pond to become’women only’ while work is carried out to ladies’ pond

The mixed pond on Hampstead Heath will be ‘women only’ for two weeks in October after management confirmed the ladies’ pond will close so that work can be carried out.

Hardy swimmers who enjoy year-round bathing in the Hampstead Ponds will not be able to use the ladies' pond for a fortnight while work is carried out - Credit: PA WIRE

The famous pond, located off Millfield Lane, will close from October 3-16 to allow for work to provide better drainage inside the changing rooms and improved surfacing to the path, as well as repairs to the accessible shower.

During that fortnight, the mixed pond will become the women’s pond and the men’s pond will allow access to women between 7am and 8.45am.

A spokeswoman from the City of London Corporation, which runs the Heath’s facilities, said: “We are closing the ladies’ pond for two weeks so we can carry out essential works which include resurfacing the path next to the building and other repairs and additional works inside the building.

“We need to have the building closed while we carry the works out. Ladies only swimming is available at the mixed pond during the two week period from 7am until 4.30pm.

“The decision to close the pond was taken in consultation with the swimmers.”

Mary Powell of the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association said: “It is inconvenient but we would rather they get it done in one fell swoop.”