Swim Description
Down the river without a paddle. At Swim the Lakes there is nothing we like better than floating down rivers. This is one of our favourite Lake District wild swimming spots, providing you with the fascinating and relaxed experience of swimming wild. Come along, suit up, and go with the flow.
The swim down the river leads to Lake Windermere. The river mouth offers we swimmers dramatic views and a change of scene from the gentle river bank. Here we contour the shoreline and take a rest on a rock-shelf before heading back upriver.
Swim Ability & Fitness Level:
Down the River Without A Paddle is perfect for beginners & intermediate outdoor swimmers. For this wild swim journey, the emphasis is on exploring and enjoying the environment, but you do need to be a competent swimmer who can swim 1,500m in a pool, front-crawl or breaststroke.
Down the River Without a Paddle Brief Itinerary:
We meet at our base in Ambleside for a briefing and then take the short walk to our secret swimming river venue, steeped in Lakeland history and home to the kingfisher, otter, and pike! Once in the river, the swim takes us along banks of bulrushes and reeds, while we look out for the plentiful wildlife that shares this quiet corner of the Lake with us. Non- swimming friends are welcome to explore the shore paths and trails around this beautiful area while we take our swim.
Full joining details will be emailed after booking. Please check ‘junk’ folders.
Please read the ‘Essential Information’ and ‘FAQ’ tabs, on the left, for information on what to expect and what to bring, and more.
Customer Testimonials:
Just a quick note to say thank you for the wild swim. I really appreciate the amount of time and patience you took with us. We both came away from the trip with real sense of achievement. Thank you. Esther
More customers testimonials here
Any Queries? We are happy to help, see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826
I can’t find my swim information email / joining instructions.
All joining instructions are emailed within 48hours of booking, please check your ‘junk’ folder in the first instance. Please add swim@swimthelakes.co.uk to your safe list.
How fit do I need to be for the wild swim?
You do not need to be super fit or fast, but you do need to be a confident swimmer who can swim at least 1,500m in a pool in one session.
How far will we swim and walk?
It’s a short 5min walk to our get-in point, the swim is 1000 – 1200m.
What will the weather be like?
It could be sunny and still, it could be windy and raining, but we do know you are going to have a great time. Please check the weather forecast before you travel and bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Wetsuit hire is available for this swim. Please provide your for your size info at the time of booking.
We have sizes from XS to XXL men’s and UK6 – UK22 ladies, please ring us if you are concerned about sizes.
How cold will the water be?
The lakes vary in temperature between 14-18 degrees for this time of year depending on the local weather conditions.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Wetsuits: Wetsuits are essential for this wild swim unless you are an experienced skins swimmer. Swimmers who are not wearing a wetsuit must wear a tow-float.
Wetsuit Hire:
We have sizes from XS to XXL men’s and UK6 – UK22 ladies, please ring us to discuss your hire if you are concerned about sizes.
What to bring: Swimming costume or trunks (we recommend having this on already underneath your clothes for ease.), swim cap, clear goggles (if you have them), big towel, warm clothes for changing back into after your swim, appropriate clothing for the weather, bag to carry your things to the shore.
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Parking: Use any of the Ambleside Car Parks:
Miller Bridge car park Ambleside, LA22 OEE.
Rydal Road car park Ambleside, LA22 9AY.
Lake Road car park Ambleside, LA22 ODB.
King Street car park Ambleside, LA22 0BX.
Low Fold car park Ambleside, LA22 ODN.
Confirmation Email: We will send a confirmation after booking, please check your ‘spam folder’ etc.
Trip Caution: Open water swimming by its very nature involves a natural outdoor environment. Although unlikely, there is always a possibility that we may need to make changes to the trip/itinerary due to, for example, weather conditions, water conditions or other issues that may affect safe operation or organisation.
Please read our Swim Trip FAQ’s to ensure you are well prepared and get the most from your swimming adventure.
T&C’s
All participants must be 16 years or over, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
By booking you are agreeing to our booking terms and conditions here
Swim Trips FAQ’s
For more information such as kit suggestions, fitness levels please read our Swim Trips FAQ’S here.
Happy Swimming
Pete & Andrea
Mike Dalglish –
Just a quick email to say I really enjoyed the river swim into Windermere you took me and Will on last Thursday.
I have been bragging about it ever since and everyone thinks I’m mad. Mike .
Georgina Westwood –
great swim, thank you, will come back and do another . Can’t wait to see the pics. Georgina
Wendy Hall –
Had a brilliant mornings swim with a lovely group of people. Thank you.
Joanna Jefferies –
Professional and inspiring we will be returning! I will promote your company when ever I get the opportunity. Joanna Jefferies down the River 23rd Sept
Eimear Bush –
Hi Pete and Sarah,
Thanks for such an amazing time on our swim yesterday morning – it was just so special. I will tell anyone I know about it and recommend you to them.
And you were both fantastic guides making us feel safe and challenged, but it was all done in such an encouraging and gentle way.
Eimear
Iain James –
I just wanted to say thanks for the river/lake swim this morning – I thought it was great and really well run. Thank you.
Many thanks again, Iain James
Lyn Hill –
Thanks for a great swim