Swim Description
The Grasmere Ride & Swim Tour promises to be a really fun day of adventure swimming. This is a full day of relaxed hiking and swimming in Grasmere, and Rydal Water. The ride on the bus to Grasmere is a nice way to see what we have to look forward to. The bus route passes both of our lakes and gives a good overview of the attractive fells that surround them.
The area is steeped in local history and will forever be associated with our favourite poet, William Wordsworth. Perhaps you will be touched by the same inspiration that affected him while we swim and walk in their footsteps? Either way, we can promise you a fun day out.
This is an ideal trip for anyone who has done a bit of open water swimming and who also enjoys a hike. Our relaxed and friendly guide will ensure your safety on dry land and in the water.
Swim Ability & Fitness Level:
This swim and hiking adventure is perfect for beginners & intermediate outdoor swimmers and hikers with reasonable general fitness. For this wild swim journey, the emphasis is on exploring and enjoying the environment. However, you do need to be a competent swimmer and walker. The hiking is over typically rough and undulating Lake District tracks and trails.
Grasmere Ride and Swim Brief Itinerary:
We begin the day at our Swim the Lakes shop in Ambleside at 08:30. This leaves plenty of time to organise ourselves before boarding the 09:00 bus to Grasmere. There is plenty of parking in Ambleside as well as shops where you can stock up on your packed lunch supplies.
We will travel with all we need for the day, including swimming kit. The short bus trip to Grasmere will whet your appetite for the adventure ahead and give us a welcome jump-start to the day. From Grasmere village we will begin the hike to the lakes, stopping along the way for snacks, swims, lunch, and a scattering of interesting facts about the history of Rydal Vale.
This is the kind of swimming we do on our days off at Swim the Lakes and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you. Detailed information will be emailed after booking. Please check your ‘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.
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Any Queries? We are happy to help, see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826.
FAQ’S
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 1,000m in open water for this swim. You must also be comfortable and used to hiking over the typical rough and undulating terrain encountered in the Lakes. We don’t set these recommendations to exclude, only to inform so that you can select the appropriate trip for you. The pace of both swimming and hiking will be relaxed to accommodate everyone in the group.
How far will we swim and walk?
Total swimming distance is about 1,500m for this trip, which involves two swims in separate lakes. Walking distance is approximately 10km (about 6 miles).
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. Don’t be put off by changeable weather; at times this can lead to a wonderful outdoor swimming experience.
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes, you can hire a wetsuit from us for this swim. Our low cost hire is a great way of trying out a wetsuit for the first time or for visitors who have packed light for their holidays and didn’t bring their own.
Remember to state your size info at the time of booking. We’ll need UK dress size for ladies and t-shirt size for gents, as well as height and weight details for both.
We have wetsuit sizes from XS to XL men’s and UK6 – UK20 ladies, please call us if you are concerned about sizes.
Wetsuit hire page
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.
What do I do with my Valuables?
Valuables are best left at home or in your car. Phone and keys should be kept in a dry bag or waterproof plastic bag inside your rucksack. During the swims we will leave all of our kit on the shore. However, we will rarely stray far from our swim location. If you feel you need to take your valuables with you during the swimming, then please seal them in a waterproof drybag and take them with you in a drybag tow float.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Wetsuits: You will need a wetsuit for this wild swim. If you are an experienced outdoor swimmer you may swim without a wetsuit if you want, but you must wear an appropriate tow float and be aware of the “Stop-Start” nature of some of our swims 🙂
Wetsuit Hire: Wetsuit hire is available, please go to our wetsuit hire page for details. We have sizes from XS to XL men’s and UK6 to UK20 ladies, please ring us to discuss your hire if you are concerned about sizes.
What to bring: Swimming costume or trunks, wetsuit, and accessories if you need them, swim cap, clear goggles (if you have them), big towel, dry bag or plastic bags for your wet kit, warm clothes for changing back into after your swim, appropriate clothing for the weather, £2.50 cash for the bus and a rucksack to carry your clothing during the hike. We recommend bringing a flask of hot drink and a packed lunch (although we do provide you with tea and cake).
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Parking: Details of where to park in Ambleside will be emailed to you upon booking. Please always park responsibly.
Confirmation Email: We will send a confirmation after booking, please check your ‘spam folder’.
Caution: Open water swimming can be a changeable and sometimes dangerous environment. Although unlikely, there is always a possibility that we may need to make changes to the itinerary due to extreme weather conditions, water conditions or other issues that may affect safe operation or organisation. If this is the case we will contact you directly either prior to the swim, or during the safety briefing. Whichever we deem to be the most appropriate.
Please read our Swim Trip FAQs 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
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