Swim Description
The Swim to Wild Cat Island
The Swim to Wild Cat Island is a classic Lake District swim right out of the pages of a storybook adventure. In true Swallows and Amazons style, we’ll swim across the rippling waves of Coniston Water to reach the shores of ‘Wildcat Island’. The circumnavigation and exploration of the island are fascinating; with secret bays and huge submerged rocks.
Coniston Water is the third largest of the Lake District lakes and at its deepest, it is 56m down. Coniston water is a lovely golden brown colour and commands fantastic views of the Coniston fells.
Swim Ability & Fitness Level: Suitable for swimmers who have swum at least 1 mile in open water (lake or sea), with moderate fitness and some agility required for the short scramble down to the shore.
Brief Itinerary for the Swim to Wild Cat Island
Meet at 9am on the west shore of Coniston. Following the briefing we’ll swim the 500m across Coniston to ‘Wildcat Island’. We continue on to swim around the Island exploring the rocks and features as we go before we swim back across the open lake to our get-in point. Approx 1.3km swim.
Full joining details will be emailed after booking. Please check ‘junk’ folders.
Please read the FAQ and Essential Information tabs to the left for swim information
Testimonials
More customers testimonials here
Any Queries? We are happy to help, see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826
How fit do I need to be for the Wild Swim?
No need to be super fit, but you do need to be a confident swimmer who has swum at least 1 mile in open water (lake or sea) and some agility required for a short scramble down to the shore.
How far will we swim and walk?
There’s little if any walking and the swim is approx 1200 – 1500m. There is a short scramble down the rocks to the shore from the lay-by.
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes, please arrange to hire in advance or at the time of booking if possible. Wetsuit hire is just £6 using this link Wetsuit hire here .
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.
How cold will the water be and do I need a wetsuit?
The lakes vary in temperature between 15-20 degrees for this time of year depending on the local weather conditions.
If you want to swim without a wetsuit and are conditioned to swimming in cool water, please email us summarising your experience of temperatures and length of time in the water – thank you.
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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Wetsuit Hire: Please book your wetsuit hire as soon as possible. Hire costs just £6 for a quality swimming wetsuit and wetsuits can be booked here
We have wetsuit sizes from XS to XL men’s and UK6 – UK20 ladies, please ring us to discuss your hire if you are concerned about sizes.
If you’d like to swim without a wetsuit please contact us to discuss your relevant swimming experience & acclimatisation, thanks.
Group Size: min – max: 3 – 15
Parking: Directions for parking and meeting will be emailed after booking. Parking fees are not included in the cost.
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 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
Sarah Keighley-Elstub –
Would highly recommend! So much fun swimming out to an island that you can go and explore! And the views are wonderful even on a grey and rainy day! Another great swim; thanks Pete and Mel!. Sarah
Angela Lauder –
Absolute joy to do this swim this morning. Thanks so much to Pete and Mel for looking after everyone so well. We will be back. Angela
Elaine Clarke-Feeney –
Such a fun swim
Craig Clayton –
Thanks for a fantastic swim…gave me loads of confidence to swim in the lakes
Craig