Whether you’re planning a wellness-packed stay in the Lake District, or if you’re just up for trying something new during your time in the area, wild swimming has to be one of the top activities (after fell walking!) that you can enjoy in our part of the world! Book your stay, and plan your Lake District itinerary with our guide to wild swimming.
What counts as wild swimming?
Wild swimming or open-water swimming simply means swimming in a body of water that isn’t an enclosed swimming pool – and the Lake District has no shortage of these kinds of environments!
Why is wild swimming so popular?
There has certainly been a surge in the popularity of wild swimming over recent years, and we’ve experienced it ourselves when guests come to stay, armed with their warm robes and floats. Wild swimming has appeared in popular culture, particularly in the workings of Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete and motivational speaker. He has praised wild swimming (particularly in colder climates) for the way it has been shown to strengthen immune systems, reduce inflammation in the body, and calm anxieties, all through exposure to these chilly, open bodies of water.
Wild swimming is especially popular in the Lake District given how many impressive, open bodies of water there are to explore. It’s an all year round sport, so you can challenge yourself with a cold plunge, or you could give it a try in the summer months, when the average water temperature will be slightly higher; though there’s a likelihood that in some areas, the water will still be quite cool. With the right kit and knowledge, it’s also a sport that people of many different ages can enjoy – we often see kids joining in, enjoying their first ever wild swims with their families.
Benefits of wild swimming
The health benefits of wild swimming are impressive – from relieving muscular aches and pains, to contributing to a sense of relaxation and lessened anxiety, there are a whole host of physical and mental impacts that this type of outdoor activity offers. We’ve created a quick roundup of some of the many benefits of wild swimming below:
- Aids recovery from injury and promotes muscular recovery.
- Improves immunity.
- Reduces inflammation in the body.
- Boosts cognitive function.
- Improves circulation.
- Can contribute towards weight loss in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet and exercise routine.
- Promotes release of endorphins (happy hormones released when triggered by certain experiences).
- Encourages a sense of clarity and mental balance.
Top tips for wild swimming
We wouldn’t be surprised if our summary of the benefits of wild swimming is the encouragement that you needed to brave a plunge, so we’ve taken this one step further by providing some top tips, whether it’s your wild swimming debut or if you’re a seasoned pro.
Have adequate equipment & kit
While it always depends on the time of year that you’re visiting, as we mentioned earlier, the water rarely *really* warms up – it usually takes a particularly hot spell for this to happen, and even in this instance you could still feel a chill. If you’re keen on a cold plunge, but you’re new to open water swimming, a neoprene wetsuit could be a good investment.
Beyond clothing, you’ll also want to consider having a float, as they will come in handy especially if you are new to the water and building confidence. Some swimming shoes might also be helpful for comfort, as your entrance into the water might be rocky depending on where you are.
Enter the water gradually and slowly
There might be a slight instinct for you to jump straight in, but unless you’re getting out immediately after (i.e., a literal cold plunge!) this isn’t usually advisable. We’d suggest easing into the water slowly, as this will enable you to acclimatise your body to the temperature.
Use your breath
Focus on your breathing as you do so; it’s easy to start hyperventilating and try to overcompensate with erratic breathing as your body responds to the initial shock if it’s particularly cold – but controlling your breathing will take your attention away from the temperature change.
Have warm clothes ready nearby to change into
Being prepared for the moment you leave the water is key, as you’ll want to warm up as quickly as you can – the cold will set in otherwise, keeping you shivering for longer! Leaving your clothes and a towel ready, and within reaching distance, will make the transition out of the water feel a bit easier!
Stay close to the shore
Unless you know the water you’re swimming in well, or you’re a confident swimmer in general (perhaps training for a triathlon or Iron Man event), we’d recommend staying close to the shore wherever possible.
Avoid swimming alone or in poor conditions
As a general rule of thumb, we’d suggest swimming in groups rather than completely alone as there’s safety in numbers. It’s also not a good idea to swim in poor conditions, such as in extreme cases of fog, as limited visibility combined with cold water shock could create a situation where you may end up needing assistance.
Where to go wild swimming in the Lake District
We’ve given you the benefits and our top tips for wild swimming, so we’re finally ready to give you some of our favourite spots for a dip in the Lake District. All of these are within easy reach of our cabins, Lake District lodges, and luxury shepherd’s hut, so you won’t be far from your staycation base when it’s time to head back and enjoy a warm shower. Take your pick from these Lake District wild swimming spots:
- Derwentwater
- Bassenthwaite Lake
- Galleny Force
- Crummock water
Find new ways to enjoy the Lake District during your stay at Snittlegarth
Whether you head up the fells, brave a wild swim, or enjoy a trail run in the Lake District, you’re certain to take so much from your visit to our stunning region. Enjoy a staycation that suits you perfectly, and make the most of our self catering, dog friendly accommodation in the Lake District. For more information, or for any other questions that you may have about wild swimming near Snittlegarth, please contact us – we’re always happy to help!
