Swim the Lakes Team Member Ellie shares her favourite 3 Lake District Swimming Spots.

I’ve always been a bit of a wimp when it comes to wild swimming but since starting university in Ambleside, I can’t get enough of it! I like the mental challenge of going into cold water and whilst I’m swimming the fear of what’s beneath me gives me an adrenaline rush as well as so much excitement.

A year ago, I would have been too scared to swim in a Lake but now when I see a pool of water, I want to dive right in. I recently completed the Great North Adventure 5K swim and I want to push myself even further next year. Swimming in a lake gives me so much freedom, I don’t get bored, and you have to adapt your swimming to the movement of the water which is something I enjoy.

My 3 Favourite Lake District Swimming Spots are all central Lake District-based and within easy reach of Swim the Lakes shop in Ambleside.

1. Rydal Water

One of my favourite spots in the Lake District has got to be Rydal Water. After a day of work or university, I like to go to Rydal for an evening dip with my friends.

Even though it’s getting a lot colder, I’m determined to try and continue the cold dips because it not only makes me feel incredible, but it makes me feel so good mentally.

There is something quite refreshing and satisfying about ending your day with a dip. In the Summer Rydal was like a bath, it was so warm so most evenings we would head out and go for a swim and enjoy the light evenings, eating dinner on the riverbank and watching the stars. I love the many trail running routes around Rydal Water, it is a very special place with lots of memories.

Rydal Water

2. Miller Ground, Windermere.

Miller Ground has to be one of my favourite places in the Lake District. I think the jetty overlooking the lake with the mountains in the background is just breathtaking. During the Summer my friends and I from university, would go to Millerground and have a picnic and then jump off the jetty.

In the winter, the solidarity of Millerground compared to in the Summer is crazy. In Summer it is filled with so many people, families, and children, and the water is packed with boats, paddleboards, and people swimming.

However, there is almost an eeriness in the winter, especially when you go in the dark; looking off the jetty into the dark with the silhouette of the mountains on the lake is beautiful. I still love running and jumping off the jetty even in the pitch black and when the water is freezing, it gives me an adrenaline rush and it’s such a good way to end the day.

Miller Ground

3. Loughrigg Tarn.

During the Summer, Loughrigg Tarn was my regular training spot. It’s only a 5-minute drive from Swim the Lakes in Ambleside so it’s great if you want to ride your bike there or even run over the top of Loughrigg.

I like Loughrigg Tarn because of how small it is, it doesn’t feel overwhelming when you are in the middle of the tarn. The water isn’t too cold and it’s a great spot for a picnic plus just down the road is an excellent café called Chester’s which makes outstanding cakes as well.

Loughrigg Tarn

My Current Favourite gear for Wild Swimming:

  1. Dryrobe Advance Changing Robe: perfect for when you get out of the water and want to get warm quickly. https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/product/dryrobe-advance-changing-robe/
  2.     Zone 3 Neoprene Heat Tech Gloves: When your hands are warm it makes the experience so much more enjoyable.
  3. Rooster Supertherm Wild Swim Beanie: I wear this in the water which keeps my head nice and toasty, and I also wear this on mountain days, fell runs, and just out and about, it’s a great versatile beanie. https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/product/rooster-supertherm-swim-beanie

Thanks for reading, Ellie 🙂

Related Article: Where to Swim in the Lake District