Swim Description
The Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk allows the wild swimmer in you to fully appreciate what the Lakes have to offer. With its wonderful association with Wordsworth and the Lakes Poets, Rydal has maintained its appeal over the ages. It is a perfect place to swim, being relatively sheltered and blessed with small islands. Our swim around the islands gives us plenty of opportunities to stop for a while and admire the views. Perhaps sharing a jelly baby or two along the way! If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the otters which seem to be thriving here recently.
The walking is just as attractive, depending on how keen you are on outdoor swimming! Our hike for this swim trip is easygoing and follows the undulating track and trails around the lake. The return route goes via the Rydal Caves where we can explore for a while after negotiating the interesting stepping stones and admire the teeming pools of minnows. The return from the caves is all downhill and is not far from the finish.
Swim Ability & Fitness Level:
This swim and hiking adventure 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 easily swim 1,000m in a pool using front-crawl, or breaststroke. The hiking is over typically rough and undulating Lake District tracks and trails. However, some may be relieved to know that there is not too much steep climbing involved 🙂
Brief Itinerary:
We meet at a car park in Rydal for a short safety briefing and then take the 20-minute walk to our swimming spot, steeped in Lakeland history and home to the heron, otter, and perch.
Our swim in Rydal will last about 45 minutes and takes in the most interesting features of this lovely lake. After a warming drink of our famous hot chocolate, we will continue to the caves for a spot of easy exploration. The post-swim walk will warm us up and give great views back down to our swimming location.
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.
See our customer testimonials here
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 a pool in one session for this swim. You must also be able to hike over the typical rough and undulating terrain encountered in the Lakes.
How far will we swim and walk?
Swimming distance is between 700-1,000m for this trip, and walking distance is approximately 3km (about 2 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. We will leave our bags on the side of the lake during the swim under a protective tarp, although we will not be swimming too far away from them. If you don’t want to leave your valuables on the shore, take them with you during the swim in a dry bag 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, cash for the car park and a rucksack to carry your clothing during the hike.
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Parking: Please use any of the Rydal car parks and wherever you park, please do so sensibly.
• Pelter Bridge Car Park, Rydal LA22 9LR
• St. Mary’s Church, Rydal LA22 9LR – the road by the church has some parking. Please leave a donation in the slot by the church gate.
• White Moss Car Park LA22 9SE – Large pay and display car park in two parts – north, with 60 spaces and south with 80 spaces. Situated north of Rydal just off the A591. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.