TRIP NOTES for Big Lakes Eight Location Summaries Trip ... - SwimTrek
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
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
