SWIMMING IN ULLSWATER
Take part in a wild swimming session on Ullswater lake. Borrow a wetsuit and float from the Sheep Shed to our jetty for a swim along the shoreline. Or, head further into the lake with our suggested swim routes.
Ullswater open water swim sessions
Experience swimming in the lake with an expert coach, Colin Hill. Colin has competed in many Winter/ Ice Swimming World Championships and will be your guide throughout the session. Choose from a stargazing night swim, a 1-hour introduction to wild swimming or a full moon session.
All wetsuits, gloves, boots, and tow floats are available from the Sheep Shed on the lakeshore.
Where to swim
Kailpot Crag
Characterised by ancient, gnarly foliage, Kailpot Crag has a small cliff for diving into deep water and a small shingle beach. It’s westerly aspect means you can enjoy the sunset while swimming. Take the ferry to Howtown pier and follow the lake path a mile south-west.
Sandwick
Swimming along the lake shore from Sandwick towards Howtown you will see woods, cliffs and rocky beaches. About half a mile on, two buoys mark a beach where you can exit the water and return to the footpath. To find your starting point, park in Sandwick hamlet and follow the path to the right signposted towards Howtown. You will come across a couple of beaches that allow you to enter the water.
Depth and water temperature
Summer: 11 degrees Celsius minimum
Winter: 3-4 degrees Celsius minimum
Depth: maximum of 63 metres
For wild swimmers new to large expanses of water, it is recommended that you swim close to the shore so you are able to put your feet down. For experienced swimmers, it is possible to swim from shore to shore of the 0.75m wide lake, but be aware the deeper waters are colder.
Essential guidelines to ensure you swim safely.
The SwimSafe Code
Another Place supports the Lake District National Park’s SwimSafe campaign – a code to follow that aims to keep you safe whilst swimming.
Be Seen, have support
Be seen by boats.
Wear a bright swim cap and tow a bright float
Never swim alone
For swimming away from the shore, have a safety boat or canoe support displaying a white and blue Alpha flag
Be Water wise
Exposure to cool water can rapidly lead to hypothermia
Wear a wetsuit to keep you warm and buoyant
Enter the water slowly to aclimatise
Check the depth and the water bed by walking in carefully
Don’t jump in
Be Informed
Ullswater is busy with boats. People on boats may struggle to see swimmers. A collision with any boat can be fatal.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Be Mindful
Avoid mooring areas, marinas and jetties used by boats, ferry routes and boating channels.
Be aware boaters may be in any area of the lake at any time of the day or night.
Only swim when weather conditions are suitable – remember conditions can change quickly so do check the forecast.
