TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Dates
17 Jun - 19 Jun |
Available
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20 Jun - 22 Jun |
Available
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26 Jul - 28 Jul |
Available
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16 Sep - 18 Sep |
Available
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Tour Highlights
Swim the iconic Lake District among stunning valleys, lakes, tarns and waterfalls.
Combine safely escorted open water swims with spectacular fell and forest walks.
Relax in secluded tranquillity at one of our fantastic accommodations. Either the Glenthorne Guest House (offering a traditional Quaker aesthetic and home-cooked food) or The Inn at Grasmere (with sauna, heated pool and restaurant serving seasonal and local produce).
Get back to nature with a Short Escape swimming holiday in the UK’s picturesque Lake District. With freshwater swims in some of the region’s most iconic lakes, this weekend getaway is the perfect way to spend some time in the great outdoors and discover this beautiful part of the British countryside from a unique and unforgettable perspective.
The Lake District National Park lies in the county of Cumbria and covers around 700 square miles of England’s best-loved scenery. It’s a region of high mountains, deep valleys, large lakes, remote tarns, and spectacular waterfalls. We stay in two types of accommodation throughout the season - Glenthorne Guest House (a traditional Quaker house), or The Inn at Grasmere (an inclusive, relaxed hotel in the centre of the village). There will only be one accommodation on offer for each departure, so please refer to the dates to find the accommodation you are after.
Either way, your trip offers an exciting mix of lake and tarn swimming and you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy some of the region’s most breathtaking locations. All swims are of a manageable distance and are broken up with some challenging, but spectacular, fell walking between locations. This is the perfect opportunity to leave the bustle of everyday life behind - simply disconnect for a few days of unforgettable lake swimming in the British countryside!
Who is trip for?
With shorter daily swim distances, this trip is perfect for those who enjoy freshwater swimming and are looking for a weekend break among some of the country’s most awe-inspiring scenery. The trip explores the surroundings of the Lake District, so swimmers should also be comfortable walking at various gradients for at least 45 minutes to reach remote swimming spots.
Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.
The average swim distance is around 1.5km. The average daily swim distance is around 3km.
We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.
This grading is for the swim only and does not take into account the challenging walks to each remote location.
What's included?
- Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
- Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
- All breakfasts
- All lunches (swimmers only)
- Full ABTOT Financial Protection
- Dinner on first night
- Two nights' accommodation
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the trip
- Evening meals
- Drinks and additional activities
- Wetsuit hire
Sample Trip Itinerary
Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Map
Location Summary
Trip Grading
Trip Information
Getting There
Accommodation
Travel Advice
Related Trips
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The staff on this trip (Sarian, Tash, Liam, Barry) were fabulous and I felt so looked after. The lakes were beautiful to look at and swim in and my fellow trekkers were great company. 10/10
Amanda H, UK - 2022 -
An amazing experience, fabulous swims in beautiful locations with experienced, super helpful crew, I can’t recommend it enough!
Sam H, UK - 2022 -
It's hard to believe that there can be better places to swim than the Lake District in fine weather. But I'd be very happy to go on some more swimtrek holidays and check!
Jo B, UK - 2022 -
Swimming down the Rothay River into Rydal Water through green arches of reeds past the swans and into the otters' open water was an absolute delight which lives with me. Thank you.
Julia A, UK -2022 -
Fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Lake District with like minded people and exceptional guides
Chris E, UK - 2022 -
I felt thoroughly cared for on the trip. I met like-minded amazing people in a stunning place and came away exhilarated. Thank you.
Jayne Duerden -
The week-end exceeded my expectations. I felt the trip was well organised and considered in every aspect from the location, hotel and choice of swims. There was just the right balance of activities and pace. The swims were conducted in a way that I felt safe and relaxed so my confidence around open water swimming has jumped hugely. I will definitely be doing more trips in future. Thank you to Heidi, Liam and Nige!
Sabina Ilyas -
This Swimtrek was a real gem. I felt challenged yet safe.It met all my wishes and can't wait to swim again with Swimtrek. Thank you.
Jan Deering -
Well organised and a lot of fun
Eleanor Warrington -
Wonderful watery weekend!
Alison Hills -
Amazing to be swimming outdoors with such outstanding support from the guides.
Lynne, UK - 2020 -
My third lakes and tarns, it won’t be my last, what a blast!
Brian, UK - 2020 -
Wonderful break. Fantastic team.
Fiona, UK - 2020 -
Without SwimTrek, gateways to new waters would not have been opened.
Andrew, UK - 2020 -
Exceeded my expectations in every way. Amazing team, stunning location, challenging, rewarding. Unforgettable.
Helen T, UK - 2019 -
A great weekend of swimming and hiking with lovely like-minded people. The most fun I've had in a while! Can't wait to do another trip with Swim Trek.
Cathrine H, UK - 2019 -
I love swimming, but had only done a little bit of outdoor swimming alone prior to this. This really gave me the bug for outdoor swimming in a group. It was really everything I had hoped for in a swimming holiday experience.
Marilyn G, UK - 2019 -
Lakes and Tarns weekend was just brilliant! Could not have been better.
Gina F, UK - 2019 -
The Lakes and Tarns itinerary offered a wide variety of walking and swimming, and good accommodation in a great location. All that whilst supported by staff who held your safety and enjoyment as paramount. Excellent holiday- spurred me on to swim more and plan another SwimTrek holiday!
Anne B, UK - 2018 -
Swimming in beautiful scenery and in a great group - you experience the lakes as no one else does - it is unique and amazing.
Alex G, UK - 2018 -
This was a perfect weekend with good company, a great SwimTrek team and just outstanding scenery. To walk and swim and not use a car in such a location was wonderful.
Matthew D, UK - 2018 -
Fantastic swimming in the Lake District - enjoyable & satisfying well beyond my expectations!
David M, UK - 2018 -
A great way to see the world. Nothing is too much trouble for the guides.
Judith H, UK - 2018 -
What a fantastic weekend, exceeded all my expectations. I'll be back.
Brian M, UK - 2018 -
A whole new view of the Lake District (especially swimming out of the river into Rydal Water)
James M, UK-2017 -
The Lakes and Tarns Weekender is inclusive and positively 'doable' for all abilities. I loved all aspects of the weekend, all the SwimTrek team worked hard to look after us and organisation was seamless.
Penny E, UK - 2017 -
Lovely swimming in fresh water! Great scenery, wonderful, freeing and fun!
Vivienne B, UK - 2017 -
I can't recommend SwimTrek enough - for someone with very limited previous experience of open water swimming, I felt safe and supported at all times and had an absolutely awesome trip!
Anna, UK - 2017

Another local gem!

Nikki hanging onto the canoe

Your safety support

Incoming safety escort

Swimmer heads out into the lake

Cumbrian caves

On our way to the next swim spot

Swimmer at water level

Lake District swimmer

Walking in the fells

The Inn at Grasmere - where you'll be based

Outdoors at The Inn

Warm interior - our new accommodation

Kayak support and swimmers

Sunlit hike in the fells

Canoe support and watchful dog

Swimmers head out into the shallows

Moody Cumbrian peaks

Tarns of the Lake District

Scoping out the first swim

Swimmers get acclimatised

Kayak support (photo by Katherine Heath).

Swimmers on the shore (photo by Katherine Heath).

Kayak support on the beach (photo by Katherine Heath).

Swimmers head out into the lake (photo by Katherine Heath).

Swimmers close to the pebbled shore (photo by Katherine Heath).

SwimTrekkers and kayak escorts (photo by Katherine Heath).

Lake District

Lake District

Lake District

Lake District

Lake District
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Scenic shot

Boats on the lake
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wonderful view

House with a view
Photo Credit: @thedailylunge
Enjoy the beauty of the Lakes District

Safety escort
Guests at Glenthorne Guest House
Here we go!

Beautiful Lakes District countryside

Stunning views across the Lake
Photo Credit: @thedailylunge
Stormy skies, calm waters

Perfect spot to stop on the way for a swim in the tarn
Photo Credit: @thedailylunge

Incredible views
Related Links
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