Swimming in the Lake District
WE'RE wild about swimming, here in the Lake District. It used to be known as wild swimming, or open water swimming. But now here in the Lakes, we just swim. We swim in lakes, rivers, becks, tarns, but not swimming pools. Unless you count the remote depths of a pool in a mountain stream high up in the fells.
It’s open water, for certain, and it can be as wild or as tame an experience as you want it to be. But the maxim “lakes not lanes” struck a chord, and now it’s just swimming, for the love of it.
Lakes not lanes
The instagram swimmers dip in an out, usually wearing a knitted bobble hat (oh, yes, a swimsuit too, usually) but they don’t do it just for the photos. They do it for the sheer joy and exhilaration of dipping into cold water, and the now-recognised health benefits. The hat isn’t just a fashion statement; keeping your head warm is a key safety issue.
Then there’s the serious athletes who take part in ultra water events, not just the popular Great North Swim, but some really serious challenges, such as Windermere One Way – the full 11-mile length of the lake.
Safety in numbers
Our advice is to go early in the morning, to any of the following locations, to avoid the crowds. But don’t do it alone, for safety reasons. Even the most experienced swimmer can get sudden cramp and will need help. Do wear a bright swim cap and tow a bright float; swimmers may be able to see boaters but boaters may not be able to see swimmers.
The deep lakes and tarns in the Lake District can be cold, even on a hot summer day. Low water temperature can rapidly lead to hypothermia, and the early signs like struggling to move your hands, can make swimming more difficult than normal. There can be rocks and hazards under the water that you can't see, and the water may be shallower than you think near jetties.
So, enter the water slowly to get used to it, walking carefully to check the depth, and work out where you can safely exit the water. A wetsuit will keep you warmer and more buoyant, and if you’re not experienced, swim along the shoreline so you can get out easily if you need to. Have plenty of warm clothes, a hat, and a warm drink ready for when you get out of the water, even in summer.
A wonderful time in the water
But if you follow advice and use common sense, you can have a wonderful time in the water. One of our Windermere friends, Winnie Poaty – who runs the I Luv Me Most boutique in Kendal – has shared her enthusiasm for Lake District swimming with Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli on a TV show. We share her joy of swimming, and here’s our favourite places to swim:
- Millerground: Not far from us here at the Cedar Manor, is popular with visitors and locals alike. There’s a popular jetty, it’s got a great vibe, and is often busy, but it’s a great place for sociable swimming. You can park nearby on Rayrigg Road.
- Coniston Water: One of the loveliest lakes. There are places to swim on the west and east sides of the lake, but we love the area near the Bluebird Cafe, where you can have a coffee and cake afterwards, or go for a sail to explore the lake further afield. There’s a big car park. But do go early; it gets very busy later in the day.
- Ullswater: Head over to another of our favourite lakes, and take the time to explore the quiet eastern side where you’ll find some great little bays and beaches for swimming. For courses, and intensive technical advice, at Ullswater: https://www.ullswaterswimplace.com/
- Buttermere: Quieter still is lovely Buttermere, and there’s only the occasional rowing boat to get in your way. It’s great for beginners, but you can also swim from one end to the other, a three-mile distance, for a real sense of achievement. There’s a pub and a café in the tiny village. Parking is limited – that’s why it’s generally much quieter around here – so get there early and enjoy a whole day in and around the lake.
- Black Moss Pot: In the Langstrath valley is about half an hour’s uphill hike from the village of Stonethwaite in Borrowdale. This is a glorious setting, a fabulous mountain pool, with a waterfall at one end and really clear water surrounded by sheer rocks.
But of course, the real swimming aficionados keep their swimming pools secret. Come to stay with us again, and go to search out your own, this time. We’ve got the maps, and we’ve got the insider information!
Need to know more
For kit, and courses and lessons in the Ambleside and Windermere areas: https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/
For general advice and safety tips: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/water/swimming