We meet at the accommodation where we hold a welcome meeting and safety briefing to kick off our trip. We then take a hike through the forest and fells, which leads us along the western shore of Grasmere Lake, to our acclimatisation swim. After the swim, we head back to our hotel for our first dinner, which is included in your package.

From the guest house, we hike to Rydal Water, which is the shallowest of the lakes, keeping the temperature relatively warm. The hike takes us along historic woodland paths to the River Rothay. Heron Island, located in the middle of the lake, is an idyllic resting point during our swim. You can clearly see High and Low Pike as well as Great Rigg as we take in the region’s beautiful scenery from the water. After our swim, we enjoy a packed lunch at Rydal Water.

After lunch and some time to rest, we head back to Grasmere Lake for our final swim of the day. Our hike to Grasmere Lake takes us past Rydal Cave, a striking man-made cavern that was dug out 200 years ago. After our refreshing swim, there’s time for a hot drink before we head back to our accommodation, this time hiking along the far side of Grasmere Lake, to end this day of swimming and hiking. In the evening, you are free to explore Grasmere and select somewhere to have dinner.

After a hearty breakfast, the first hike of the day is up Sour Milk Ghyll to Easedale Tarn, referred to by the poet Thomas de Quincey as 'a chapel within a cathedral.' Easedale Tarn is one of the most picturesque spots in the Lakes and feels like it’s your own private pool - of course, we get here well before any other visitors! While swimming, you will notice the steep hillsides surrounding the tarn, which rise on the right to Tarn Crag, and, on the left, they form Castle How and Blea Rigg.

After getting out of the water and having another hot drink, we take a walk back down to Grasmere, where we have a picnic lunch before this weekend of idyllic lake swimming and walking comes to an end.

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in lakes is a fantastic experience, however, water quality can at times be affected by water runoff from local 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 and inform them that you have been lake swimming.

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

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, 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.

Most people comfortable walking for a duration of 2 hours, with some inclines and some uneven or rocky pathways, will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Hiking Distances

*Please note that these hikes are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual hike locations and distances will vary according to local weather and conditions.

Hiking Conditions

The walks we undertake will be led by an experienced hiking guide, and will mostly be on recognised paths and trails. The routes that we walk with have inclines and declines, and some surfaces may be uneven, rocky or slippery. Care should be taken and sturdy walking boots with good treads are recommended.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions for our hikes, so some flexibility will be required around which hiking routes will be followed, and how many hikes will be undertaken. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by your SwimTrek guide and Safety Support Crew.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes a combination of canoes and kayaks. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Food and Drink

Dinner is included on the first night (swimmers only). Dinner on the second night is at your own expense. This gives you the opportunity to either dine in, or to explore and experience a local restaurant of your choice. For dinners we will generally dine together, but you are free to choose where and with whom you would like to dine. Restaurants get busy so advance booking is recommended. Breakfast and lunch on the following two days are included in your package price (swimmers only).

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

In addition to our standard recommended packing list, we also recommend that you bring the following additional items on this trip:

• Daily hiking clothes including long trousers for hiking
• Backpack
• Hiking boots with ankle support (essential)
• Waterproof jacket (essential) and waterproof overtrousers (recommended)
• Warm mid-layer (such as fleece or lightweight insulated jacket)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Lightweight microfibre towel/changing robe
• An additional or spare personal drink bottle

The easiest way to get to your accommodation is to drive. However, you can also reach the guesthouse via train, taxi, or bus. While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your travel arrangements as early as possible to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Getting to Grasmere via Public Transport

From London or Glasgow, the journey will take approximately three hours, while from Manchester journey time is approximately two hours. The nearest train station to Grasmere is Windermere which is approximately 9 miles away. For detailed train timetables and prices, visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk.

From Windermere train station, you can choose to take a taxi, or a bus operated by Stagecoach which will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. There are several buses from Windermere to Grasmere centre. The Inn at Grasmere is close to central Grasmere just 5-10 minute walk. To book a ticket or find bus timetables, please visit: www.stagecoachbus.com.

Driving to Grasmere

Grasmere is right at the heart of the Lake District National Park and The Inn at Grasmere is along Broadgate, postcode LA22 9SS. Free on-site parking is available for guests.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency in the UK is British Pound Sterling (£).

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the UK require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Non-residents of the Common Travel Area also require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or Visa to enter the UK. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel where we stay.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

✅ Free Trip Changes ✅ Refund Guarantee ✅ Financial Protection

Flexible Booking Details

If you've more questions or need help booking

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