LAKES BIG SWIMS

Today, our challenge takes us to Ullswater. The mighty ranges of Helvellyn and High Street form a dramatic backdrop and fully isolate the lake. We head out from Aira Point on the northern shore and head directly east for Kailpot Crag on the Water’s southern shore. We take a brief drink and nourishment here before passing Geordie’s Crag and finishing at the small village of Howtown.

We travel by minibus to the Western Lakes and the remotest of all of the Lakes, Wast Water. Today’s swim is a length crossing of England's deepest lake. The landscape is dramatic as sheer scree slopes of loose stone track our progress north-eastwards. Due to its depth it’s also likely to be the coldest lake that we cross during our trip.

We journey to the southern end of Derwent Water, the widest of all the Lakes and from here start our length swim, past Brandelhow and the islet of St Herbert. This is a perfect spot for a rest before tackling the second half of the swim, past Lord’s Island and Derwent Isle, before reaching the northern end of the lake.

Essential Equipment Checklist

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

• 2 x Swimming Costumes
• 2 x Swimming Goggles*
• Towel
• Wooly Hat and Gloves
• Walking Shoes / Boots
• Waterproof Trousers
• Waterproof Jacket
• Sweater / Fleece
• Thermal Long-Sleeve Top
• Aqua Shoes / Sandals
• Small Day Pack (Preferably Waterproof)
• Sun Hat and Sun Cream
• Torch or Head Torch
• Water Bottle
• Wetsuit**

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions. **Due to the variable nature of conditions on these swims, it is advisable to bring a wetsuit along with you to use if required.

Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles

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 Distance

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in lakes is a fantastic experience, however Water quality can, at times, be affected by water run off from fields. Blue Green Algae and Weil’s Disease are possible contaminants, so if you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should visit a GP immediately, telling them you have been lake swimming.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. The trip will be split into a maximum of three groups based on speed, each of which is accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Public transport

The nearest train station to Grasmere is Windermere. Once you arrive in Windermere, you will need to catch bus number 555 which leaves from the station at least once per hour throughout the day and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Grasmere Centre. The cost for this bus is approximately £5 for a single ticket.

The Daffodil Hotel and Spa is a 15-20 minute walk, or a short taxi ride, from Grasmere Centre on the A591. For more information on bus times, fare options and prices from Windermere, please contact Traveline on 0870 608 2608 and ask for the of ‘Cumbria’. For taxi services in Grasmere, please contact Grasmere Taxi Services on 015394 35506.

Driving

The Daffodil Hotel and Spa is located 1km south-east of the centre of Grasmere on the A591. The postcode is LA22 9PR.

Accommodation

For this tour we are based at the Daffodil Hotel and Spa, which sits on Grasmere’s shore. It is a beautiful Georgian mansion with stylish contemporary interiors, as well as spa facilities, including a 10 metre thermal pool, sauna, steam room and tepidarium.

Meals

All breakfasts are included on the trip, as well as lunches on days 2, 3 and 4. Dinners are not included but are available from local pubs and restaurants in the area. We generally dine as a group, however guests are free to decide whether they would like to join us for these dinners or not.

Extra Expenses

You should bring money with you to cover items such as entertainment, snacks, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in the U.K. is British Pound Sterling (£).

Passports and Visas

The Lake District is part of the United Kingdom. If you are from outside the U.K., you will require a full passport to enter, that should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Holders of Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African and US Passports are given ‘leave to enter’ the U.K. Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter. Visa regulations do change so please remember to check for the most up-to-date information prior to your trip.

Vaccinations

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for the United Kingdom, however it is advisable to recheck this approximately eight weeks before you travel. You should ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up-to-date.