Western Lakes

Following breakfast, we depart Buttermere Village and walk on a trail past both Nether How and Long How before arriving at Wood House on the far southeast corner of Crummock Water. From here we swim towards the imposing High Ling Crag which sits directly below the high peak of Melbreak. On our swimming journey we pass Scale island and the Woodhouse Islands, before arriving at the sandy peninsula of Low Ling Crag.

From Low Ling, we hike up to the striking Scale Force waterfalls, which are the highest in the Lake District. On this section of hike, we have stunning views over both Crummock Water and the following day’s swims on Buttermere. From here we hike back to Low Ling Crag where we have time for lunch before hiking around Crummock Water’s remote western edge until we reach Lanthwaite Wood at the far north end.

Here we put our swimwear back on and traverse the middle of the lake in the direction of the peak of Great Gable. On reaching the promontory at Rannerdale Knott we get out and change before continuing the final section on foot along Squat Beck at the back of Low Bank.

After time to relax back at the hotel, there is the opportunity to all go out for dinner and reflect on the day’s activities.

Today we base ourselves around Buttermere. Our first swim is from Pike Rigg and is an excellent introduction to Buttermere. It offers you a chance to pick up some coaching tips from your guides prior to the afternoon’s swim. Between swims, we take a walk along the western shore of Buttermere, giving us a chance to savour the dramatic views, ancient woodlands and spectacular backdrop which surround this most tranquil of lakes.

After our packed lunch we swim the full length of the idyllic waters of Buttermere. We start off at the northern end of the lake and head to its far end at Gatesgarth Farm. The peaks of High Stile, Fleetwith Pike and Hay Stacks dominate the skyline. Keep an eye out for ospreys and otters, which are known to frequent this area.

Following hot drinks and snacks at the end of the swim we hike back along the lake to our accommodation and Buttermere Village where the trip comes to an end.

Western Lakes

The most remote of all the Lake District regions, the Western Lakes is full of contrasts. The precipitous and rocky nature of the terrain plus little agriculture give all these lakes their unique purity. Splitting the Western Lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Ennerdale is the Mosedale Horseshoe, consisting of the peak of Pillar Mountain. Both Crummock Water and Buttermere are ideal locations for lake swimming due to their relatively shallow depth (slightly warmer temperatures), lack of other visitors and accessible entry and exit points for swimmers.

Buttermere Valley

We are based in the Buttermere Valley, home to both Crummock Water and Buttermere itself. All three lakes in Buttermere Valley, and much of their surroundings, are cared for by the National Trust. No motor craft are allowed on any of these lakes, so you can guarantee that the water quality here is simply superb. The fells and peaks that surround this valley offer some imposing sights and are some of the most spiritual and evocative within the Lake District National Park. The peak of Haystacks is the home to the ashes of the Lakes writer Alfred Wainwright, while Red Pike and High Stile are other notable highs in the vicinity. Just up from Crummock Water is the imposing waterfall of Scale Force, the highest in the Lake District.

Buttermere

The hamlet of Buttermere is our home for the duration of our Western Lakes trip. It is situated between Crummock Water and Buttermere. It features the Buttermere Court Hotel, one of only two inns here, which is our base for the trip.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*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. SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more information please check out our Covid-19 guidance.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15 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 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.

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

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, telling them you have been lake swimming.

Walking Distances

Walking Conditions

We always walk on recognised tracks or paths, which can be sometimes be challenging and tricky underfoot.

Temperatures

*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. 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.

The easiest way to reach the Buttermere Court Hotel is to drive, however, you can also reach the guesthouse using public transport. While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights or transport as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Getting to Buttermere via Public Transport

The nearest train stations to Buttermere are Workington station (20 miles to the west) or Penrith station (28 miles to the east). To use public transport from Penrith, you could take a taxi all the way or catch a Stagecoach bus (No. X4 or X5) to Keswick. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to Keswick.

From Keswick, take a taxi for another 10 miles or another Stagecoach bus (No. 77 or 77A) to Buttermere. Ask to be let off at the Buttermere Court Hotel, Buttermere. The hotel is a 2-minute walk from the bus stop. and is located just off the B5289 road.

For more information on bus times please visit www.stagecoachbus.com.

Driving to Buttermere

If you are driving to the Buttermere Court Hotel, the postcode is CA13 9XA. There is parking available onsite. Take the A66 past Keswick then the B5289 or the B5292 from Cockermouth, forking right onto the B5289 at Lorton.

Accommodation

For this tour we are based at the Buttermere Court Hotel located right in the heart of Buttermere and ideally located in between Crummock Water and Buttermere. It offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked meals in stunning surroundings. Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en suite facilities. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights’ accommodation before or after the SwimTrek tour, this can be arranged directly through the Buttermere Court Hotel via email at buttermere@thecourthotelgroup.com.

Food and Drink

Two breakfasts and two lunches are included, as well as dinner at the Buttermere Court Hotel on the first night. Dinner on day two is at your own expense. This gives you the opportunity to either dine at the Buttermere Court Hotel again or to explore and experience a local restaurant of your choice.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, dinner on day two, snacks, and souvenirs. The local currency in the UK is British Pound Sterling (£).

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 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.

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. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a 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.

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 about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the UK, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs and Electricity

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