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TRIP NOTES for Big Lakes Eight

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TRIP NOTES for Big Lakes Eight TRIP NOTES for Big Lakes Eight This is a great way to see the entire Lake District National Derwent Water Park, from the perspective of the water itself as we undertake Derwent Water is fed by the River Derwent with a catchment a week of “lake bagging” by swimming across eight of the area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale. It has a long biggest lakes. historical and literary background. Beatrix Potter sourced much material for her work from this Water. We swim across Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater, Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake and swim the entire Bassenthwaite Lake length of Wast Water, Crummock Water and Buttermere. The lake's catchment is the largest of any lake in the Lake District. This, along with a large percentage of cultivable land It’s a once in a year event, so come and join this incredible within this drainage area, makes Bassenthwaite Lake a fertile journey. Swimmers will be escorted by experienced swim habitat. Cormorants have been known to fish the lake guides, qualified canoeists and safety craft. and herons can also be seen. Ullswater Who is it for? 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 The swimmer looking to swim across all the big lakes in a we finish our trip. It has three distinct bends giving it a dog’s leg safe and structured environment in the wonderful waters of appearance. the English Lake District. Trip Schedule Location Summaries Windermere Start Point: Brathay Hall, Ambleside LA22 0HP Windermere, at 10½ miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet www.brathay.org.uk/about-us/venue deep, is the largest natural lake in England, and is fed by +44 (0)15394 33041 numerous rivers. Start Time: 1600 on Day 1 Coniston Water Finish Point: Brathay Hall, Brathay At five miles long, and with a maximum depth of 184 feet, Finish Time: 1300 on Day 6 Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. It has striking views of The Old Man of Coniston. Day 1 We meet at Brathay Hall overlooking the northern banks of Lake Wast Water Windermere on the Friday afternoon where we will hold a Wast Water is perhaps the most awe-inspiring of all the pre-trip briefing followed by a short acclimatisation swim. lakes. Surrounded by mountains, Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain. Day 2 After a good breakfast we leave Brathay Hall and travel to Crummock Water Windermere’s eastern shore at Millerground Landing, which has Crummock Water, with the mighty Grassmoor on the west two jetties and a boathouse. From here we swim across to Red and the fells of Mellbreak on the east, has unparalleled views Nab on the Mere’s western shore. Arthur and Pinstones Woods from either side. It has a clear, rocky bottom flanked by steep are our targets as we cross England’s biggest lake. sides of Skiddaw slate. On arrival its time for a drink and a snack before we head off to Buttermere the Grizedale forest, one of the Lake District’s largest forests. This is a classic combination of lake and mountain which has From here it’s a walk over High Birk with striking views of The made this popular for years. There is a footpath running Old Man of Coniston. On arrival we cross Coniston Water round the perimeter of the lake, and striking walks to the towards Torver Common Wood before returning to Beck Leven summits of Haystacks and Red Pike. 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 Swimming Conditions: We travel by minibus to the Western Lakes and the remotest Swimming in lakes is a fantastic experience but you need to be of all of the Lakes, Wast Water. Today’s swim is a length aware that water quality can sometimes (although very rare in crossing of England's deepest lake. The landscape is dramatic our experience) be an issue with water run off from fields, Blue as sheer scree slopes of loose stone track our progress north- Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants. eastwards. Due to its depth its also likely to be the coldest lake If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you that we cross during our Lakes Challenge. We walk back should go to your GP immediately, telling them you have been directly under the scree slopes to where we started the swim to lake swimming. bring an end to the day. Group size Day 4 Up to a maximum of 16 people, with 1 swim guide and 2 escort It’s back out to the Western Lakes, but this time to the canoeists 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 Trip Information order in which we will carry out the swims. The village of Buttermere offers a relaxing stopping off point during our day Swimming distances: of lake hopping. The peaks of Haystacks and Grey Knotts are Swim Distances clearly visible as we swim in Buttermere. Crossing of Windermere 2km Day 5 Crossing of Coniston Water 2km We journey to the southern end of Derwent Water, the widest of all the Lakes and from here swim across to Brandelhow, Length of Wast Water 5km with the islets of Derwent, Lord’s and St Herbert’s to the north Length of Crummock Water 4km of us. Length of Buttermere 2km Time for lunch and a rest before we carry on to our second Crossing of Derwent Water 2km lake of the day, Bassenthwaite, which is “only” real lake in the Double crossing of Bassenthwaite Lake 2km Lake District. The afternoon swim is a double crossing at the lake’s northern end. Crossing of Ullswater 5km Day 6 Walking distances and conditions: Our last day of the challenge takes us to Ullswater. The mighty We walk on recognised tracks or paths, which can sometimes ranges of Helvellyn and High Street form a dramatic backdrop be challenging and tricky underfoot. In some cases we walk on and fully isolate the lake. We head out from Aira Point on the small roads, although we limit this where possible. northern shore and head directly east for Kailpot Crag on the Temperatures: Water’s southern shore. We take a brief drink and nourishment Walk Distances here before passing Geordie’s Crag and finishing at the small village of Howtown. Grizedale - Coniston 5km Wast Water Shoreline 5km Weather Caveat: For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather Crummock - Buttermere 2½km conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence, open water swimming does require an inherent degree of on- Month Water Temperature(˚C) Air Temperature(˚C) trip flexibility, so required changes in the itinerary will not be July 17 21 uncommon and will add to the uniqueness of the tour. 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: Extra Expenses: You should bring money with you to In addition to “normal” daily clothes, you will need to bring the cover items such as entertainment, dinner, snacks, souvenirs, following: etc. Swimming costume (2 of) Sweater/fleece Vaccinations: Swimming goggles (2 of)* Sun hat and sun cream There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for Torch or head torch Towel the Lake District but you should ensure that your tetanus and Woolly hat and gloves Waterproof jacket polio are up to date. 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!) * 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 wet- suit for £40 through 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 are based at Brathay Hall, which sits on Windermere’s northern shore. It is a beauti- ful Georgian mansion with good quality accommodation. Meals: All breakfasts, and lunches on days 2-5 are included on the trip.
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