Established 2005 - Bookings & Enquires: 015394 33826|swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

Rydal Islands and Caves Swim

Rydal Islands and Caves Swim

£49.00

Our Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is a perfect mix of easy-going hiking and swimming. Rydal Water has a fascinating history and is the ideal location for wild swimming. Join us on this gem of a swim-hike, swim the islands of Rydal Water and visit the nearby caves on the return walk.

2025 Dates: Saturday, 3 May | Thursday, 15 May | Thursday, 28 August | Wednesday, 10 September

Swim Ability & Fitness Level: The Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk is suitable for beginners & intermediate outdoor swimmers who can comfortably swim 1,000m in a pool. Hiking will be easy-paced over typical rough Lake District tracks and trails.

What’s included:

  • 20 years of experience; no one knows the Lakes like we do. We wrote the book, literally: Wild Swimming Walks Lake District
  • 100% Safety Record; we establish the Good Practice that others follow
  • Highly qualified, capable and friendly swim guides
  • A high Guide: Swimmer ratio, so you can get help and support if you need it.
  • Fantastic swimming locations within the National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Excellent water quality – we run our own independent tests during the season to make sure of it
  • Free swimming wetsuit and equipment hire. We want you to enjoy your swimming!
  • The best swimming experience in the UK – we get consistent, independent 5 star reviews… thanks folks 🙂
  • Free hot drinks & cake
  • A high quality Swim the Lakes silicone swim cap

Start Time & Duration: Meet at 08:30 – 3 hr trip (45 min approximate swim time)

Please choose your date from the calendar to book.

To add a wetsuit enter your size details below. If you do not need to hire a suit just leave it blank.
We need your height (cm) AND weight (kg); Plus Men’s chest ” OR Ladies’ UK size e.g. 12,14,16 etc

Swim Description

The Rydal Islands and Caves Swim Walk allows the wild swimmer in you to fully appreciate what the Lakes have to offer. With its wonderful association with Wordsworth and the Lakes Poets, Rydal has maintained its appeal over the ages. It is a perfect place to swim, being relatively sheltered and blessed with small islands. Our swim around the islands gives us plenty of opportunities to stop for a while and admire the views. Perhaps sharing a jelly baby or two along the way! If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the otters which seem to be thriving here recently.

The walking is just as attractive, depending on how keen you are on outdoor swimming! Our hike for this swim trip is easygoing and follows the undulating track and trails around the lake. The return route goes via the Rydal Caves where we can explore for a while after negotiating the interesting stepping stones and admire the teeming pools of minnows. The return from the caves is all downhill and is not far from the finish.

Swim Ability & Fitness Level:

This swim and hiking adventure is perfect for beginners & intermediate outdoor swimmers. For this wild swim journey, the emphasis is on exploring and enjoying the environment, but you do need to be a competent swimmer who can easily swim 1,000m in a pool using front-crawl, or breaststroke. The hiking is over typically rough and undulating Lake District tracks and trails. However, some may be relieved to know that there is not too much steep climbing involved 🙂

 

Brief Itinerary:

We meet at a car park in Rydal for a short safety briefing and then take the 20-minute walk to our swimming spot, steeped in Lakeland history and home to the heron, otter, and perch.

Our swim in Rydal will last about 45 minutes and takes in the most interesting features of this lovely lake. After a warming drink of our famous hot chocolate, we will continue to the caves for a spot of easy exploration. The post-swim walk will warm us up and give great views back down to our swimming location.

Detailed information will be emailed after booking. Please check your ‘junk’ folders.

 

Please read the ‘Essential Information’ and ‘FAQ’ tabs, on the left, for information on what to expect and what to bring, and more.

See our customer testimonials here

Any Queries? We are happy to help, see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826.

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