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Book with Confidence
Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.

TRIP OVERVIEW

3 days
Yoga and Swimming
2km/day
Leisurely

Trip Dates

2023
17 Jun - 19 Jun
Available
07 Aug - 09 Aug
Available
11 Sep - 13 Sep
Available
2024

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Tour Highlights

  • Combine freshwater swims and restorative yoga in Cumbria's iconic Lake District

  • Get back to nature, where the Lake Poets roamed, with stunning fell walks and unforgettable lake and tarn swimming

  • Reset and stretch your open water skills with a group of like-minded lake swimmers and expert guides

For this YogaSwim experience we are based in Cumbria’s picturesque Lake District National Park. The Lake District covers around 700 square miles of England’s most beautiful natural scenery. It’s a region of high mountains, deep valleys, large lakes, remote tarns and spectacular waterfalls. Return to nature with freshwater swims in iconic lakes and small mountain tarns, walks to clear the mind and free the senses, and yoga to relax and strengthen the body.

Based at a traditional guest house with Quaker values, your trip offers a mix of lake and tarn swimming where we start and finish each day with a yoga practice. 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 connected by roving fell walks between locations. What better way could there be to escape everyday life and disconnect from distractions for a few days of beautiful wild lake swimming?


Who is this trip for?

This trip is designed for swimmers who enjoy yoga, or who want to explore the benefits of yoga and how it naturally complements and enhances our swimming. We swim twice per day in freshwater and among some of the country’s most beloved scenery.

The trip explores the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District so swimmers should also be comfortable walking at variable gradients for at least 45 minutes whilst carrying your own kit to reach remote swimming spots.

Swimmers do not require open water experience but should be capable of completing the average swim distance of 1 km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 2km (split over a minimum of two swims). No prior experience of yoga is required.

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.

Swims are shorter than an average SwimTrek Trip, so if you prefer to cover more km’s per day then you may like to take a look at our Lakes & Tarns trip. This grading is for the swim only and does not take into account the challenging walks to each remote location.


Why Yoga and Swimming?

Yoga and swimming are a perfect combination. For swimmers, yoga offers both physical and mental benefits. Yoga increases awareness to breathing, develops strength and increases mobility, especially if you can work yoga into your daily routine. Through meditation, relaxation and stretching, yoga has incredible restorative qualities, relaxing the nervous system and muscular tension. It can help you centre and focus, and to find the perfect rhythm for your swims.


What's included?

  • Fully guided yoga and swimming holiday in the Lake District
  • Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
  • Yoga mat for the duration of the trip
  • Experienced instruction from our expert yoga teacher
  • Two nights accommodation at Glenthorne Guest House
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinner on the first night at the Glenthorne Guest House
  • ABTOT Financial Protection

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the tour
  • Evening meal on second night



Related Trips

Daily Itineraries

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during the course of your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and conditions. Your SwimTrek guides will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Glenthorne Guest House, Grasmere, Cumbria

Start Time: 14:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: Glenthorne Guest House, Grasmere, Cumbria

Finish Time: 16:00 on Day 3

Day 1

We meet at the Glenthorne Guest House this afternoon for a welcome meeting and a chance to meet your guides and fellow SwimTrekkers. We then take an easy walk through the forest and fells, which takes us along the western shore of Grasmere Lake, to our acclimatisation swim. The swim is followed by a short yoga practice covering basic ‘asanas’ and learning the principle of creating effortless effort within our swimming and yoga, preparing us for the days ahead. After such a full afternoon there is no need to go anywhere as dinner is at the Glenthorne, included in your package.

Day 2

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 breath. After breakfast, we meet at the guest house and take a walk to Rydal Water. Rydal is 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 enjoy a packed lunch at Rydal Water.

After lunch and some time to rest, we head back to Grasmere for a hot drink and your second session of yoga. The practice will consist of slow deep stretches which we will hold and begin to understand the feeling of letting go in a pose. As well as improving your swimming technique. Tonight you are free to explore Grasmere and select somewhere to have dinner.

Day 3

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, the first trek 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.” It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Lakes and feels like it’s your own private pool, as 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 a hot drink, it’s 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.

Location Summary

Central Tarns

The tarns in this area are some of the finest bodies of water within the Lake District National Park, including Easedale. They are relatively remote and afford magnificent views of the Southern Fells. The precipitous and rocky nature of the terrain (plus little 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.

Trip Grading

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.

Swimming Distances

Swim Distances
Rydal Water 1½ km
Grasmere Lake 1½ km
Easedale Tarn 1 km

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

Walk Distances
Grasmere - Rydal 4 km (Uphill)
Rydal Water - Grasmere 3½ km
Grasmere - Easedale Tarn 3 km (uphill)
Grasmere - Easedale Tarn 3 km

Walking Conditions

Whilst we have given this trip a grading of Leisurely for the swimming conditions, we want you to enjoy exploring the scenery the Lake District has to offer. The walks to our swimming locations will vary in gradient and intensity. We always walk on recognised tracks or paths, which can be challenging and tricky underfoot. Some of the walks are uphill and of moderate difficulty.

Temperatures

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
June 14-17°C / 57-63°F 18-20°C / 64-68°F
July 16-19°C / 61-66°F 20-22°C / 68-72°F
August 15-19°C / 59-66°F 19-21°C / 66-70°F
September 15-18°C / 59-64°F 18-21°C / 65-70°F

*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.

Trip Information

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.

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. Please note, depending on the location of the yoga, there may be a short walk from the hotel to reach the space.

Equipment Checklist

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

Item Item
Swimming Costumes (x2) Thermal Long-Sleeve Top
Swimming Goggles (x2)* Aqua Shoes / Sandals
Towel Small Day Pack (Preferably Waterproof)
Woolly Hat and Gloves Sun Hat and Sun Cream
Walking Shoes / Boots Torch or Head Torch
Waterproof Trousers and Jacket Sweater / Fleece
Personal Drink Bottle (x2) Wetsuit**

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/packing-list.

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

**Due to the variable nature of conditions on these swims, wetsuits are strongly recommended

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.

Getting There

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. There are a number of buses from Windermere to Grasmere Centre. 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 guest house 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 is included on the first night at the Glenthorne Guest House. Dinner on the second 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. 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.

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/food-and-drink.

Travel Advice

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, dinner on Day 2, snacks, and souvenirs. The local currency in the U.K. 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 done entirely at your own 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.

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: www.swimtrek.com/sustainable-travel

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of U.K. 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

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the UK, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. 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

At the Glenthorne Guest House most rooms and communal areas have access to free Wi-Fi.

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

  • What a fabulous introduction to open water swimming in the beautiful Lake District. The combination with yoga was ideal with morning sessions to wake up and refresh and more restorative practice post swim to consolidate the whole body experience. Highly recommended.

    Rachel S, UK - 2022
  • Was an amazing experience . The staff were amazing so connected with the group . Safety was paramount at all times . The most amazing locations and nothing at all to fault .

    Sue A, UK -2022
  • Beautiful lake swims in amazing scenery with friendly and experienced support team!

    Frey E
  • Despite all the challenges of Covid Swim Trek ran a superb holiday in the Lake District, perfectly planned with the usual amazing guides, top food and stunning location. We left feeling restored back to life. What an amazing organisation that hasn't lost its identity. We will be back.

    Kirsten H
  • Perfect cool water, relaxing yoga, great company and a peaceful location in glorious sunshine - what more could I ask for?

    Catherine B
  • An older woman can still be as great as she wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication and the motivation…..it can be done. Adapted for me from a quote by Vince Lombardi.

    Annie K
  • This was my second SwimTrek holiday, and everything about it was simply perfect. Guides Heidi and Liam were amazing... The yoga was just right - in the mornings it would stretch and energise us in preparation for the swims, and in the evenings it would help us relax those tired but happy swimming muscles. The accommodation was good, the post-swim cakes and laughs were fantastic... I honestly can't find fault with this trip. I'm already planning my next SwimTrek, and I might just actually do this one again.

    Carin B

Book with Confidence
Our flexible booking conditions include a 14-day refund guarantee and free trip changes.
Terms and Conditions apply.