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.
