Trip Description
The Lake District is England’s largest national park and a world-class swimming destination as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the Great Lake District Swim Challenge we attempt to swim all of the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip covers the eastern Lake District and 7 Lakes or meres in 2 days.
The challenge in this non-stop action packed 2 day trip is to swim across all 7 of the western Lakes, journeying between them via the spectacular geography of the Lake District National Park. As our Lakes are all nestled in valley’s between huge mountain ranges the journey is all part of the experience and is as much fun as the swimming. The views from the swim bus will be as breath-taking as the swims themselves.
Swim Ability & Fitness: Suitable for confident outdoor swimmers, who are comfortable in open water (Lakes or Sea), and who can swim at least 2 miles in one session and can swim one mile in 45mins or less. This trip requires good swimming fitness and involves some walking.
Swim Challenge East Itinerary:
See the Itinerary / Accommodation/ Info tabs on the left for more information.
A full trip itinerary will be sent to you when you book.
Swim Challenge East What’ s Included:
- Qualified & experienced swimming guides and mountain leaders
- Private luxury swim-bus travel between swims
- Kayak safety cover & tow-float use where appropriate
- A bright Swim the Lakes swim cap
- 2 Nights hostel dorm accommodation
- All meals are included
- Parking at the accommodation is free & subject to availability. Extra parking is available for a charge.
Any Queries? We are happy to help. Please ring 015394 33826
Swim Challenge East Customer Testimonials:
Find out what our customers think of our Adventure swimming holiday breaks
ITINERARY
Day One, You have time to decompress and perhaps a dip before we meet at 4pm at Ambleside YHA on the shore of Windermere for introductions, a quick swim, briefing and group introductions.
Our swim challenge starts in earnest on day two morning, bright and early as we jump into our swim bus which will be our transport for the next 2 days, it takes us around to the western shore of Windermere where you will swim back just in time for breakfast! We swim through our itinerary swiftly moving from one Lake to the next and swimming two widths (or one) of each in turn. It involves some walking into access and exit points and lunches may be eaten ‘on the hoof’ depending on the weather. Although there will always be time for our signature hot chocolate and cake stop.
A full itinerary will be emailed to our swimmers upon booking.
Great Lake District Swim Challenge East Statistics:-
Swim Total: 7.1 km approx and may vary significantly with weather conditions.
Longest v Shortest Swim: 1600m : 500m
Lakes: 7
Journey Miles: 106
Lake District Passes: Kirkstone Pass (at 400m its our highest point)
ACCOMMODATION
Comfortable Accommodation at Ambleside YHA
This is an inclusive trip, so once you have arrived you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation is in small dorm rooms, usually between 3 -5 beds, private to our group members only. It’s clean, fun and very informal but if it’s not to your taste you are welcome to arrange alternative accommodation, although we cannot issue any refund on the cost of your booking.
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner is included. The newly refurbished Ambleside YHA offers an unbeatable location right on the shore of Windermere with stunning views and great facilities.
Its within walking distance of Ambleside and has its own bar and restaurant serving good food and local ales. There’s hot showers and drying rooms too, perfect for our swimming holiday. The hostel has free Wifi for guests.
https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/ambleside
Swimmer Ability: This is a swim for experienced open water swimmers who can comfortably swim a mile in open water in less than 50mins. Although this is a fun and relaxed trip, we have a lot of lakes to get through and the first day can be quite tough. We’ll be looking after you all the way but this is not a trip for those new to outdoor swimming.
Wetsuits: Swims are in wetsuits for this trip, please mention at the time of booking if you’d like to hire one.
If you’d like to swim without a wetsuit, it’s no problem, but please contact us to discuss your relevant swimming experience before you book, thanks:)
Group Size: min – max: 8 – 16
Deposit: If you are paying a deposit please remember your outstanding balance must be with us 10 weeks before your trip start date. As we do not send reminders we advise you to put this date in your calendar now. Balances can be paid by ringing us with your card details. See terms & Conditions for more info.
Cancellations
For information on cancellations by us and by you please see our full terms here
See Terms & Conditions for more info.
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, but 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
Paul Sawyer –
The Great Lake District Swim Challenges
Shame just booked all of my swims for this year which fall over both of the weekends hopefully these weekends will be available in 2016 will definately book
Looks like a great challenge.
Sarah Wheater –
Fantastic weekend doing the East Lakes Challenge. Wonderful swim spots, really well organised and such lovely people to guide us, feed us, help us and entertain us! Will definitely be back!
Catherine (verified owner) –
I had another fantastic experience with some amazing people …… not to forget Boot the dog who led the swim across Rydal water. He says he is going to lead out the doggie swim trek so four legged friends get saving your bone money ! Hop along Helen did an amazing job in skins with a poorly paw and ferry goers at Ullswater are flocking I the hope that they may get a further sighting of her bottom!
We are going to book Buttermere now really excited. Many thanks to the team Leanne “Where’s the Lake ? ” Tors…….6-30 am off to swim across Windermere towing the canoe and last but not least Pete for making me sight for myself and stopping me from being lazy. I have learnt so much from them all. Its even inspired my son to join the gang.
Cathy
Sharon Pinkney –
Just completed swim the lakes East challenge and it was fabulous swimming and company. Thanks Pete, Tors and Lianne. Sharon Pinkney, Aug 2016
Simon –
In summary… Awesome swims, brilliant team, cuddly otter, delicious gingerbread, surprise ww2 bomber fly past. Recommend! Simon Flannery
Helen –
Hi Pete
Thank you so much for wonderful few days!! I’ve had an absolute ball, and I know all the other swimmers have as well. Tors and Leanne were also fantastic, particularly keeping me going with advice and encouragement in my quest to become a skins swimmer. The way you all looked after us from morning to night, anticipated every problem and every need, especially helping me into the lake and hauling out again on several occasions with my bad foot, and came out and socialised with us all – it’s those personal touches that make your company so brilliant – the hot chocolate, cake, tea, whisky and great to see Andy and little William and to swim with Boot again.
I’m looking forward to seeing you again in 10 days time at the West Challenge when I’ll be looking to complete all the swims in skins to make the full set.
See you soon!!! Helen x
Sharon –
Thanks from me too for great swimming, fabulous company and a superb team to support us all the way. It was a really special experience and one I’ll treasure for a long time! Definitely planning to get to swim the lakes Western Challenge next year!
Meantime happy swimming to you all.
Sharon
Tracy –
Thanks Andrea.
When Michelle and I signed up for the East we knew it would be brilliant but always had in the back of our heads that feeling of ‘will it be as good as the West?’
I’m pleased to say we thought the East was just as good. It felt more relaxed than the West, maybe due to less travelling, but the whole experience of swimming all the lakes has been something we will remember forever. When we are stressed out of our heads at work, it’s photos from these swims that we look at and breathe again.
We think your whole crew are fab. We didn’t meet Lianne last year but we thought she was brilliant and had great craic.
Thanks again Andrea. Hope to see you all soon for the next challenge.
Tracy x
Trish –
I’m still buzzing, what an amazing experience, thanks to our lovely team for looking after us so well and also to you all for being such great company. I’ll remember it forever. Getting in that pool tomorrow to begin training for the ‘Western lakes’ next. I’ll try to up my speed a bit! Trish X
Ian Critchlow –
Hi Pete, Tors and Leanne
First of all thanks for a great weekend of swimming last weekend. It was so well run and enjoyable. kudos to you all. I have not stopped talking about it to colleagues and friends.
I have not managed to bring myself to swim in a chlorine filled pool yet as have been spoiled.
Thanks again and hope to see you all again.
Ian
Chris Pitman –
What a fantastic weekend of swimming, brilliantly organised and great fun. Having the Lancaster fly over Rydal Water when we were in the middle was a particular highlight for me, now that must have taken some organising.
Have already told swim buddies how good it was and how they should join Heather and I next time…all ‘skins’ swimmers of course.
Thanks once again, great team you have there.
Here’s to the next one….
Kind regards
Chris
Barbara Heyes –
Hi Pete, Thank you so much for the photos – they’re great.
We had a brilliant 2 days – we were shattered the next day though. I’ve been telling all my swimming friends how marvellous it was, we really appreciated feeling so safe and having guides in the water too. I also appreciate anything that accommodates swimmers of all abilities, it was great to feel totally part of the whole experience and know that you were making sure we all had a fantastic holiday and achieved our goals.Thanks again, I’m sure we’ll be back
Best wishes, Barbara