TRIP NOTES for
Big Lakes Eight
This is a great way to see the entire Lake District National
Park, from the perspective of the water itself as we undertake
a week of “lake bagging” by swimming across eight of the
biggest lakes.
We swim across Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater,
Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake and swim the entire
length of Wast Water, Crummock Water and Buttermere.
It’s a once in a year event, so come and join this incredible
journey. Swimmers will be escorted by experienced swim
guides, qualified canoeists and safety craft.
Who is it for?
The swimmer looking to swim across all the big lakes in a
safe and structured environment in the wonderful waters of
the English Lake District.
Location Summaries
Derwent Water
Derwent Water is fed by the River Derwent with a catchment
area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale. It has a long
historical and literary background. Beatrix Potter sourced much
material for her work from this Water.
Bassenthwaite Lake
The lake's catchment is the largest of any lake in the Lake
District. This, along with a large percentage of cultivable land
within this drainage area, makes Bassenthwaite Lake a fertile
habitat. Cormorants have been known to fish the lake
and herons can also be seen.
Ullswater
Ullswater is the second largest lake. On average it is 3/4 mile
wide and has a maximum depth of 205 feet at Howtown, where
we finish our trip. It has three distinct bends giving it a dog’s leg
appearance.
Trip Schedule
Windermere
Windermere, at 10½ miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet
deep, is the largest natural lake in England, and is fed by
numerous rivers.
Start Point:
Start Time:
Brathay Hall, Ambleside LA22 0HP
www.brathay.org.uk/about-us/venue
+44 (0)15394 33041
1600 on Day 1
Coniston Water
At five miles long, and with a maximum depth of 184 feet,
Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. It has striking
views of The Old Man of Coniston.
Finish Point:
Finish Time:
Brathay Hall, Brathay
1300 on Day 6
Wast Water
Wast Water is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the
lakes. Surrounded by mountains, Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great
Gable and Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain.
Crummock Water
Crummock Water, with the mighty Grassmoor on the west
and the fells of Mellbreak on the east, has unparalleled views
from either side. It has a clear, rocky bottom flanked by steep
sides of Skiddaw slate.
Buttermere
This is a classic combination of lake and mountain which has
made this popular for years. There is a footpath running
round the perimeter of the lake, and striking walks to the
summits of Haystacks and Red Pike.
Day 1
We meet at Brathay Hall overlooking the northern banks of Lake
Windermere on the Friday afternoon where we will hold a
pre-trip briefing followed by a short acclimatisation swim.
Day 2
After a good breakfast we leave Brathay Hall and travel to
Windermere’s eastern shore at Millerground Landing, which has
two jetties and a boathouse. From here we swim across to Red
Nab on the Mere’s western shore. Arthur and Pinstones Woods
are our targets as we cross England’s biggest lake.
On arrival its time for a drink and a snack before we head off to
the Grizedale forest, one of the Lake District’s largest forests.
From here it’s a walk over High Birk with striking views of The
Old Man of Coniston. On arrival we cross Coniston Water
towards Torver Common Wood before returning to Beck Leven
Foot.
SwimTrek Ltd, 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 724 708
[email protected]
www.swimtrek.com
TRIP NOTES for
Big Lakes Eight
Day 3
We travel by minibus to the Western Lakes and the remotest
of all of the Lakes, Wast Water. Today’s swim is a length
crossing of England's deepest lake. The landscape is dramatic
as sheer scree slopes of loose stone track our progress northeastwards. Due to its depth its also likely to be the coldest lake
that we cross during our Lakes Challenge. We walk back
directly under the scree slopes to where we started the swim to
bring an end to the day.
Day 4
It’s back out to the Western Lakes, but this time to the
Buttermere Valley when we take on two full length crossings
of Crummock Water and Buttermere. The wind direction on
the day will determine which direction we go and also the
order in which we will carry out the swims. The village of
Buttermere offers a relaxing stopping off point during our day
of lake hopping. The peaks of Haystacks and Grey Knotts are
clearly visible as we swim in Buttermere.
Swimming Conditions:
Swimming in lakes is a fantastic experience but you need to be
aware that water quality can sometimes (although very rare in
our experience) be an issue with water run off from fields, Blue
Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants.
If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you
should go to your GP immediately, telling them you have been
lake swimming.
Group size
Up to a maximum of 16 people, with 1 swim guide and 2 escort
canoeists
Trip Information
Swimming distances:
Swim
Distances
Crossing of Windermere
2km
Crossing of Coniston Water
2km
Length of Wast Water
5km
Length of Crummock Water
4km
Length of Buttermere
2km
Time for lunch and a rest before we carry on to our second
lake of the day, Bassenthwaite, which is “only” real lake in the
Lake District. The afternoon swim is a double crossing at the
lake’s northern end.
Crossing of Derwent Water
2km
Double crossing of Bassenthwaite Lake
2km
Crossing of Ullswater
5km
Day 6
Our last day of the challenge takes us to Ullswater. The mighty
ranges of Helvellyn and High Street form a dramatic backdrop
and fully isolate the lake. We head out from Aira Point on the
northern shore and head directly east for Kailpot Crag on the
Water’s southern shore. We take a brief drink and nourishment
here before passing Geordie’s Crag and finishing at the small
village of Howtown.
Walking distances and conditions:
We walk on recognised tracks or paths, which can sometimes
be challenging and tricky underfoot. In some cases we walk on
small roads, although we limit this where possible.
Temperatures:
Day 5
We journey to the southern end of Derwent Water, the widest
of all the Lakes and from here swim across to Brandelhow,
with the islets of Derwent, Lord’s and St Herbert’s to the north
of us.
Weather Caveat:
For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather
conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence,
open water swimming does require an inherent degree of ontrip flexibility, so required changes in the itinerary will not be
uncommon and will add to the uniqueness of the tour.
Walk
Distances
Grizedale - Coniston
5km
Wast Water Shoreline
5km
Crummock - Buttermere
2½km
Month
Water Temperature(˚C) Air Temperature(˚C)
July
17
21
These temperatures are indicative only and can change on a
daily/weekly basis
SwimTrek Ltd, 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 724 708
[email protected]
www.swimtrek.com
TRIP NOTES for
Big Lakes Eight
Essential Equipment:
In addition to “normal” daily clothes, you will need to bring the
following:
Extra Expenses: You should br ing money with you to
cover items such as entertainment, dinner, snacks, souvenirs,
etc.
Swimming costume (2 of)
Sweater/fleece
Swimming goggles (2 of)*
Sun hat and sun cream
Torch or head torch
Towel
Woolly hat and gloves
Waterproof jacket
Walking shoes / boots
Thermal long sleeve top
Waterproof trousers
Water bottle
Small day pack, preferably waterproof
Aqua Shoes / Sandals (which you don’t mind getting wet!)
Vaccinations:
There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for
the Lake District but you should ensure that your tetanus and
polio are up to date.
* Try to bring 1 clear lens and 1 tinted lens for different light conditions.
Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats. If you think
you will want to use a wetsuit, flippers or a rash vest, we
recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your
enjoyment of the trip.
If you think you would benefit from a wetsuit but don't want to
commit to buying one outright you are now able to hire a wetsuit for £40 thr ough the company Vigour Events. They will
send the wetsuit directly to your door. For further information
please click here.
Practical Information
Getting There:
To Brathay Lodge:
The nearest train station for Brathay is Windermere. To use
public transport from Windermere, you need to catch a bus to
Ambleside (these are frequent) and then connect onto either a
Bus 516 or X33 stopping at Clappersgate, which is a short walk
from Brathay Lodge. For more information on bus times, fare
options and prices please contact the Windermere Tourist
Office on 015394 46499 or Cumbria County Council
If travelling by road, please check out www.brathay.org.uk/
downloads/directions.pdf
Accommodation: For this tour we ar e based at Brathay
Hall, which sits on Windermere’s northern shore. It is a beautiful Georgian mansion with good quality accommodation.
Meals: All br eakfasts, and lunches on days 2-5 are included
on the trip. Dinners are not included but are available from
local pubs and restaurants in the area. We will generally dine as
a group, although it is entirely up to you if you do or don’t wish
to do so.
SwimTrek Ltd, 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 724 708
[email protected]
www.swimtrek.com