Guided Wild & Open Water Swimming in Lake Windermere

With our expert swim guide, Claire Wilson, alongside our open water swimming groups, and a choice of open water swimming sessions from which to choose there's no better time to experience guided open water swimming in the Lake District. Sessions are available to book on either a Tuesday or Thursday, between the months of April - October.

Wild or open water swimming

The popularity and profile of Wild or open water swimming has grown quickly in recent times. Modern life and an increased awareness of the importance of overall wellbeing has fuelled an interest in activities and environments that support individuals more wholistically.

The benefits of both open water swimming and of being in cold water are increasingly well known, including:

• Improved circulation
• Better sleep
• Boosted immune system
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Increased alertness
• Releases endorphins

Open water swimming also provides a great chance to make new friends through shared experiences and exploring wild places.

Meet our open water swimming guide

Claire Wilson is a highly experienced open water swimmer with ASA Level 2 swimming teaching and BTF Level 2 triathlon coaching qualifications and has experience coaching several Lake District organisations including Swim The Lakes, Sleeker Swim and Kendal Triathlon Club. Claire has competed in the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championships, Length of Windermere swim and the English Channel 4-person relay.

Claire first got involved in open water swimming in her early teens. “I was about 12,” she explains, “and my swimming club, which was based at the pool in Troutbeck Bridge, ran an annual cross-Windermere race where we'd be dropped off by boat on the western shore and race back to Miller Ground.

“That was my first introduction to the longer distances, as well as the more competitive side to it all. That has been a big part of my life ever since, but growing up in the Lake District also meant lots of swimming in various lakes, rivers and tarns just for fun too.

“My favourite place for open water swimming on Windermere is Miller Ground. In summer, it can get busy during the day but for an early morning swim, it's so peaceful and has stunning views over the Langdale Pikes.

“There's also some great swimming around Wray Bay, which we'll be visiting on the Wild Swim sessions. It tends to be quieter over there and has a really lush, green shoreline with lots of cool rock features.

“My other favourite at the moment is to swim out of the lake and down the river Leven from Fell Foot...with some fun assistance from the current if we've had a bit of rain!

“There are so many health benefits to open water swimming and I think that it has something for everyone. If you want to race or challenge yourself to a long distance you can, or if you want to relax and just enjoy being out in nature, it's a great way to do that. I think it's really important too in encouraging people to care about and protect our natural spaces.”

Open water swimming on Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is popular a destination for many lake users, enjoying a variety of water based activities. Claire's experience as an open water swimmer and her local knowledge of the lake will help swimmers in the group enjoy the sessions and aide their knowledge of the activity and location.

Open water swimming FAQs

Will my session be cancelled in bad weather?

Please be aware that all sessions are subject to weather conditions.  Post heavy flooding, lightening and or a named storm will affect our ability to provide sessions safely.

What equipment do you provide for open water swimming?

Equipment provided for the open water swimming experiences includes:

• dry robes
• wetsuits
• gloves
• boots with rubber soles and grips
• tow-floats

Where is the Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay?

You can find us at the northern end of Windermere, on the A591 between the towns of Windermere and Ambleside. We have ample car parking on site. The nearest railway station is at Windermere (4 miles) and the centre is served by a number of bus routes.

Sat Nav: LA23 1LP
///aware.warblers.garage

The Watersports Centre
Low Wood Bay
Ambleside Road
Windermere
Cumbria
LA23 1LP

What can I expect to learn on one of the guided open water swimming sessions?

Our open water swimming experiences are an opportunity for those new to the sport to have a go, gain some handy tips and knowledge and build their confidence.

Our swim guide will explain:

• Use of equipment
• Water conditions
• Acclimatisation
• Visual risk assessments
• Getting in and out of the water safely
• The benefits of group swimming
• How to use tow-floats
• Techniques for assessing wind and surface currents

What if I need to cancel my swimming session?

In the event that you need to cancel an existing booking then the Watersports Terms and Conditions cancellation terms will apply?

Where can I park?

Whether you're visiting us for open water swimming, paddleboarding or any of our other watersports activities on Windermere you are welcome to park on-site for FREE (customers only). Our facilities include:

• Plenty of on site parking, free to customers.
• Changing rooms and showers
• Equipment hire
• A small shop selling refreshments and watersports equipment