Product Description
The Norfolk Island Swim is a lovely little adventure swim taking in the shores and islands of Ullswater. This swim combines classic shoreline walking with fascinating island hopping because they both compliment each other perfectly.
This is the perfect trip for anyone who has done a bit of open water swimming and wants to spread their wings a little. Our relaxed and friendly guides will ensure your safety on dry land and in the water and are there to make sure you have fun too. Following the hike to our get-in point, we will swim to the islands and explore the shoreline. The swimming is a very manageable 1,800m in exposed open water. However, the swim is no pushover in windy conditions and can present a real challenge to the swimmer.
At the end of the swim, we will change and enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of cake together, before hiking back. 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.
The Norfolk Island Swim Itinerary
As always in mountainous areas, our itinerary is dependent on the weather, but we hope to enjoy all that Ullswater has to offer. We meet in Patterdale, the precise details and itinerary will be confirmed upon booking in your confirmation email. We can provide all of the equipment you will need for this swim with our low-cost wetsuit hire.
See the FAQ’s & Essential Info tab on the left for more important information.
New to open water swimming? Take a look at our Beginners Guide to Open Water Swimming
How fit do I need to be for the Norfolk Island Swim?
For this adventure swim a good level of hiking fitness is recommended, please ensure that you are able to walk comfortably over rough ground for at least 7km. There will be approximately 2 hours (group dependent) of moderate walking on uneven tracks and trails to get to our swimming location.
Confidence in the water and the ability to swim effectively in open water is essential. The swim will take about an hour.
The swim and walking will be moderately paced with an emphasis on enjoying the journey and surroundings. We aim to satisfy the swimming aspirations of all our guests without any compromise in your safety.
How far will we swim and hike?
Swimming:1,800m
Hiking distance: 7km in total
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes, Please book your wetsuit hire as soon as possible and at least 48hrs before your trip. Hire costs just £6 for a quality swimming wetsuit and wetsuits can be booked here.
What will the weather be like?
It could be sunny and still, it could be windy or rainy, but we do know you are going to have a great time. Please check the weather forecast before you travel and bring suitable clothing and footwear.
What shall I bring?
What to bring:
• Swimwear, cap and goggles.
• Wetsuit (we hire particularly good quality wetsuits at a cost of £6/person for this swim).
• Pack towel or lightweight changing robe.
• Waterproofs, outdoor clothing, spare fleece, warm socks, and boots.
• Warm hat and gloves and/or sunhat, shades, and sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• A rucksack large enough to carry your kit in.
• Packed lunch, snacks and drink
• Flask of hot drink.
• Small waterproof drybag for phone and keys e.g. waterproof phone pouch
• Sit-mat.
• Big smiles and an Open Mind.
How cold will the water be and do I need a wetsuit?
The Lakes vary in temperature between 14-18 degrees for this time of year depending on the local weather conditions.
I don’t have a tow-float, can I borrow one?
Yes, no problem. We always carry spares.
What shall I do with my phone and keys?
Keys and phone should be kept in a separate waterproof bag and then taken with you in your rucksack. We will take you bag with us in the support boat during the swim.
Where do we park?
Details of car parks will be emailed to you upon booking.
Hi Pete,
First of all, a big thank you for a super lovely swim on Saturday. It was an immensely enjoyable experience, you even delivered perfect weather for us! Will continue to keep an eye on your events calendar and hope to partake in another in the not too distant future. Just wish Peterborough was a bit closer to the lakes!
Best regards,
Emma W
ESSENTIAL INFO
Wetsuit Hire: Please book your wetsuit hire as soon as possible. Hire costs just £6 for a quality swimming wetsuit and can be booked here.
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 10
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 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 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 please read the FAQ’s tab.
Happy Swimming
Pete & Andrea
