Product Description
The Secret Swim Hike… In an age where everything is instantly accessible and detailed to the n’th degree online, we like to go against the grain and hopefully give you a pleasant surprise and a little bit of adventure along the way. So, we hope you can forgive us for keeping our destination a secret, but we are quite sure you will enjoy this lovely morning of pressure-free swimming.
The Secret Swim Hike is a great trip for anyone new to wild swimming, or indeed, any experienced swimmers who just want a very relaxed and fun morning of hiking and swimming. After our hike into the tarn together, you can choose to do your own thing in the water, or our guides can accompany you in a swim around the tarn. While you are swimming, we will be getting the kettle on to make the tea and, weather permitting, we can all enjoy a relaxing brew with a slice of cake after your swim.
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 Secret Swim Hike Itinerary
As always in mountainous areas, our itinerary is dependent on the weather, but we hope to enjoy all that the Secret Swim Hike has to offer. The secret meeting place, venue, and itinerary will be confirmed upon booking (it’s less than an hour’s drive from Kendal). We can provide all of the equipment you will need for this swim with our low-cost hire if you do want to wear a wetsuit, although we would encourage you to just wear swimming costumes if the forecast is fine.
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 Secret Swim Hike?
For this adventure swim a basic level of hiking fitness is recommended, please ensure that you are able to walk comfortably over rough ground for at least 4km. Confidence in the water and the ability to swim is essential, although beginners to wild swimming are welcome. There will be approximately 1 hour (group dependent) of moderate walking on uneven tracks and trails to get to our swimming location.
The swim and walking will be easy 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?
Dip/Swimming: Up to 1,600m
Hiking distance: 4km 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 if you really need one (we hire particularly good quality wetsuits at a cost of £6/person for this swim). We recommend just swimming costumes with perhaps a neoprene rash vest depending on the weather.
• 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 Tarns of of the Lakes vary in temperature between 14-18 degrees for this time of year depending on the local weather conditions.
If you would like to swim without a wetsuit and are conditioned to swimming in cool water, then just bring what you usually swim in. If you think you’ll get cold or want to optimise your time in the water, bring a wetsuit or a thermal neoprene rash vest.
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.
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 – 16
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
