Trip Description
The Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim is the ultimate adventure swim. This is a fully guided adventure swim-hike to the highest tarn in the Lakes District, Red Tarn. Red Tarn nestles beneath one of England’s most famous mountains, Helvellyn, and is encircled by the dramatic ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge that lead to the summit.
The swimming is exposed, intimidating, and can be cold… however, it provides the most spectacular swimming in the Lakes and simply must feature on any serious adventure swimmer’s “To Do” list!
Not only is the swimming exceptional, but did we mention the hiking? The walk up to the tarn is hard-won but provides inspirational views over Ullswater which will put a spring in your step. The walk into the cirque which holds Red Tarn is full of anticipation and what a view when you arrive! This day out will be one that you will never forget.
Helvellyn Double Dipper Swim Brief Itinerary:
Meet at Ullswater Information Centre, Glenridding at 9am, ready to hike with everything packed in your rucksack for a day of adventure swimming. Bring trekking poles, lunch, and spare warm clothes so you can fully enjoy your time in the mountains. We plan to finish by approximately 16:00, but may take longer if we are having fun!
Customer Testimonials:
Just to say, thanks for looking after me on your Helvellyn Double Dipper. It was a tough day, but has been the highlight of my swimming year! See you next year:) Jane (& Jon)
Any Queries? We are happy to help, see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How fit do I need to be for the Helvellyn Double Dipper?
This is a big day out so please don’t underestimate it. We will hike for 12km, taking in over 1,000m of ascent carrying all of our provisions for the day; we will be out for 5 – 6 hours. A good level of physical fitness and hill walking experience is essential before booking.
Will we go to the summit of Helvellyn??
Our highest point is Red Tarn, this trip does not take in the summit.
What will the weather be like?
The weather will be like Lake District weather! It could be sunny and still, it could be windy and raining. You will need to bring your own rucksack with a full set of waterproofs, spare clothes, food for the day, swimming kit/wetsuit etc. We will send you a kit list and itinerary when you book your place.
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes please hire at the time of booking if possible. Wetsuit hire here
How cold will the water be and do I need a wetsuit?
Red Tarn varies between 10-14 degrees and Ullswater between 12-16 degrees for that time of year depending on the local weather conditions. We would advise you to bring your own wetsuit (or hire one from us). If you are conditioned to swimming in cold water without a wetsuit then you are welcome to swim without one but please contact us to confirm before you book.
What’s Included? Qualified & experienced guide on both the mountain and swim.
What’s not Included? Travel to the venue, parking, meals and accommodation costs.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Wetsuits: Swims are in full swimming wetsuits for this trip (no shorties).
If you’d like to swim without a wetsuit please contact us to discuss your relevant non-wetsuit swimming experience, thanks.
Wetsuit Hire: Please book your wetsuit hire as soon as possible. Hire costs just £5 for a quality swimming wetsuit. Book wetsuit hire
Group Size: min 5 – max 15
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.
Your Safety
Our guide is a qualified and experienced mountain leader – you will be glad to know you are in good hands. Just make sure that you meet the criteria we recommend before booking any of our Adventure Swims and you can look forward to an awesome day of hiking and swimming in the Lake District.
If safety is compromised because of the weather we will modify the day accordingly, while still giving you an exciting adventure swimming experience
To get the most out of your swim and to ensure you really enjoy it, don’t hold back on the warm clothes and bring a hot drink. The quicker you warm up again after your swim, the better you will feel.
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
INTERESTING FACTS
Helvellyn is the 3rd highest peak in England (after Scafell and Scafell Pike)
The name “Helvellyn” is thought to come from the Cumbric “hal velyn” or “Yellow Moorland”)
Competitors training for the Helvellyn Triathlon may be interested to know that the swim is in Ullswater and the run section follows a similar route to our hike.
Jane –
Just to say, thanks for looking after me on your Helvellyn Double Dipper. It was a tough day, but has been the highlight of my swimming year! See you next year:) Jane (& Jon)