LAKES WEEKENDER

We leave Brathay Hall and walk down to Brathay Bay on the shore of Windermere. From here we swim directly south via Seamen and Brock Crags before crossing Lily Bay and arriving at the island of Bee Holme. There’s time for a brief pause and a spot of refreshment before we head off again and aim for Wray Castle a prominent landmark on Windermere’s west coast. We get out near Wray Crag and change in the vicinity.

From here we travel by minibus to Grizedale Forest, which lies at the heart of the Southern Lakes between Windermere and Coniston Water. From here we walk through the forest until we reach the central ridge. We then walk down into the Coniston valley where a double crossing of Coniston awaits. The Old Man of Coniston guides the way on our first crossing and there is even a sandy beach to rest on before we head back.

From our accommodation we walk via the River Rothay to Rydal Water. It’s the shallowest of the lakes, which keeps the temperature relatively warm! Heron Island, located in the middle is an ideal resting point. You can clearly see High and Low Pike as well as Great Rigg. On arriving at the end of the Water there’s time for a hot drink and lunch. We then walk to the southern shore of Grasmere with its idyllic pebble beach. From here we swim up towards “The Island” and back along its western shore. During this swim you can see the peaks of Heron Pike and Helm Cragg. After finishing this swim we then head back to our accommodation at Brathay Hall bringing an end to this weekend of swimming and trekking.

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to “normal” daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:

• Swimming Costume (x2)
• Swimming Goggles (x2)*
• Torch / Head Torch
• Woolly Hat and Gloves
• Sweater and Fleece
• Sun Hat and Sun Cream
• Towels (x2)
• Waterproof Jacket

Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rashvests and wetsuits available on the trip, but we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rashvest and wetsuit we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along.

Swimming Distances

The itinerary may vary depending on weather

Temperatures

These temperatures are indicative only and can change on a daily/weekly basis

Walking Distances

We walk on recognised tracks or paths, which can sometimes be challenging and tricky underfoot. In some cases we walk on small roads, although we limit this where possible. The walks to Coniston on Day 2 and to Rydal Water and from Grasmereon Day 3 are through nice scenery and of low difficulty.

Temperatures

Group Size

Up to a maximum of 16 people, with 1 swim guide and 2 escort canoeists.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in lakes is a fantastic experience but you need to be aware that water quality can sometimes (although very rare in our experience) be an issue with water run off from fields, Blue Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them you have been lake swimming.

Weather Caveat

For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence, open water swimming does require an inherent degree of on-trip flexibility, so required changes in the planned itinerary will not be uncommon and will add to the uniqueness of each tour.

The nearest train station for Brathay Lodge is Windermere. To use public transport from Windermere, you need to catch a bus to Ambleside (these are frequent) and then connect onto either a Bus 516 or X33, stopping at Clappersgate which is a short walk from Brathay Lodge.

For more information on bus times, fare options and prices please contact the Windermere Tourist Office on 015394 46499 or Cumbria County Council.

If travelling by road, please check out the map on the Brathay Hall for directions and a postcode.

Accommodation

For this tour we are based at Brathay Hall, which sits on Windermere’s northern shore. It is a beautiful Georgian mansion with good quality accommodation. Our holidays are based on twin-share and en-suite facilities. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Meals

All breakfasts and lunches are included on this trip. Dinners are not included but are available from local pubs and restaurants in the area. We will generally dine as a group, although it is entirely up to you if you wish to join.

Extra Expenses

You should bring money with you to cover items such as evening meals, entertainment, snacks, souvenirs, etc.

Passports and Visas

If you are from outside the UK, you will require a full passport to enter, and it should be valid for 6 months beyond the expected length of stay. Holders of Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and US Passports are given "leave to enter" the UK. Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter. Visa regulations do change, please check.

Vaccinations

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for the Lake District but you should ensure that your tetanus and polio are up to date