Product Description
The Ullswater Swimming Adventure is a lovely little adventure swim taking in the fascinating shoreline of Ullswater. This swim combines classic, easy-going walking with a swim along the most interesting, south east shoreline of Ullswater.
This swim is ideal for anyone who is an open water swimmer and wants to spread their wings a little. Our relaxed and friendly guides will ensure your safety on and ensure you have fun too.
Ullswater Swimming Adventure Brief Itinerary:
We meet at a car park in Patterdale for a short safety briefing and then take the one hour hike to our get in point. Here we will change into swimming kit, stow our gear in the support boats and swim! The swimming is a very manageable 1,500m following the shore in relatively sheltered open water. We finish the swim at the perfect picnic spot. Here, we will change and enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of cake together, before taking the 30 minute hike 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… it’s such a lovely morning out 🙂
Detailed information will be emailed after booking. Please check your ‘junk’ folders.
Swim Ability & Fitness Level:
This swim and hiking adventure is perfect for beginners & intermediate outdoor swimmers with reasonable swimming fitness. 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 1,500m in open water using front-crawl, or breaststroke. The hiking is over typically rough and undulating Lake District tracks and trails.
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.
New to open water swimming? Take a look at our Beginners Guide to Open Water Swimming
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 Norfolk Island 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 1,500m in open water for this swim. You must also be comfortable and used to hiking over the typical rough and undulating terrain encountered in the Lakes. We don’t set these recommendations to exclude, only to inform so that you can select the appropriate trip for you.
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 distance is between 1,500m for this trip, and walking distance is approximately 5km (about 3 miles).
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. wetsuits can be booked 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. Don’t be put off by changeable weather; at times this can lead to a wonderful outdoor swimming experience.
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
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. We recommend bringing a flask of hot drink and a snack or sandwich for after the swim (although we do provide you with hot chocolate and cake).
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Parking: Details of where to park in Patterdale will be emailed to you upon booking. Please always park responsibly.
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
