YogaSwim Lake District

This morning we will meet for our yoga practice. We will explore how our poses can support us in the water through greater balance, mobility, alignment, and connection to our breathing. After breakfast, we meet and hike along the River Brathay towards Elterwater. The waters flowing from Elterwater are one of the main sources of the Lake District's biggest lakes: Windermere. We carry out a circular swim of this striking tarn with views of the Langdale Pikes clearly visible.

After lunch and some time to rest, we walk up to Loughrigg Tarn. It is a relatively short walk over Loughrigg, a typically beautiful Lakeland fell. Loughrigg Tarn is a small and secluded natural lake. It’s a lovely place for a short swim, with the Langdale Pikes offering a beautiful backdrop. After our refreshing swim, there’s time for a hot drink before we head back to our accommodation.

Back at Glenthorne House we have the opportunity to practice restorative yoga. The practice will consist of slow deep stretches which we will hold as we begin to understand the feeling of letting go in a pose. This will also help to improve your swimming technique. Tonight you are free to explore Grasmere and select somewhere to have dinner.

This morning we have our final yoga practice. We explore how yoga not only improves strength and mobility but also control of our breath, and how we can take this into our swims.

After a hearty breakfast we walk via the Loughrigg terrace to Rydal Water. It’s the shallowest of the lakes, which keeps the temperature relatively warm. Heron Island, located in the middle of the lake, is an ideal 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’ll enjoy a packed lunch at Rydal Water.

After getting out of the water and having a hot drink, it’s a walk back down to Grasmere where we have a picnic lunch before saying goodbye to the lakes and our newfound friends.

Central Tarns

The tarns of Easedale and Elterwater are some of the finest bodies of water within the Lake District National Park. They are relatively remote and afford magnificent views of the Southern Fells. The precipitous and rocky nature of the terrain, plus the lack of agriculture, give all these tarns their unique purity. They are all ideal locations for open water swimming due to their shallow depth, seclusion and easy entry and exit points for swimmers.

Central Lakes

Grasmere and Rydal Water are situated to the north of Windermere and are as picturesque as any spot that you are likely to find in the Lakes. Unique to these lakes, each of these bodies of water contain an island located centrally, so there’s always an opportunity to have a rest on your crossing.

Equipment to bring along with you

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

*Try to bring one pair of clear lens goggles and one pair of tinted lenses 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 yoga mats, yoga props, swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles, but rather will fill up each individual guest’s personal drink bottle. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you prefer to use your own yoga mat or would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more information please check out our Covid-19 guidance.

Yoga Practice

Our 1-1½ hour morning practice is designed to help you prepare for the day, energising and invigorating your body for exhilarating swims and walks. This practice may include a mix of standing poses (asanas), back or forward bends. All poses are completely optional and props may be used for support. The practice will develop stability and alignment for the specific muscle groups we will use when swimming.

After our active day, we’ll unwind our tired bodies and relax with a restorative evening yoga class. This is a gentle session which will help the mind and body let go and allow you to enter a state of relaxation.

Group Size and Boat Support

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 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.

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 challenging and tricky underfoot. The walk to Rydal Water and Loughrigg Tarn is through charming scenery and low difficulty.

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.

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

The easiest way to reach the Glenthorne Guest House 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 in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Getting to Grasmere via Train and Bus/Taxi

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. You can take any of the following Stagecoach services from Windermere: The 505 (Kendal–Coniston), the 555 (Kendal-Keswick) or the 599 (Kendal-Grasmere). The cost for this bus is approximately £7.40 for a single ticket. The Glenthorne Guest House is a 5–10 minute walk from Grasmere Centre along Easedale Road. To book a ticket or find bus timetables, please visit: www.stagecoachbus.com.

Driving to Grasmere

Grasmere is located in the centre of Lake District National Park. The Glenthorne Guest House is located 500m north of the centre of Grasmere on Easedale Road. The postcode is LA22 9QH. When you turn into Easedale Road, the guesthouse is located 200m along on the left-hand side. On-site parking is available for all guests.

Accommodation

The Glenthorne is located right in the heart of Grasmere and within five minutes of the village. 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 either shared or en-suite facilities.

There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability. Please note that unless you select an en-suite room you will share a bathroom between two rooms.

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 Glenthorne via email at info@glenthorne.org.

Food and Drink

Dinner at the Glenthorne Guest House is included on the Friday night. Then breakfast and lunch on the following two days. Dinner on the Saturday night is at your own expense. This gives you the opportunity to either dine at the Glenthorne House 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, a dinner, snacks, and souvenirs. The local currency in the UK is British Pound Sterling (£).

In some countries tipping is not part of the culture, whereas in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely done 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.

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of 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 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.