The Great North Swim at Windermere
Held annually, the Great North Swim at Windermere offers a challenge to swimmers of all ages. Covering distances of half a mile, one mile or two miles, this popular annual event attracts swimmers from all over Europe, and beyond.
Part of the Great Swim Series, which includes five events in Salford Quays, Suffolk, London, and Strathclyde in Scotland, the Windermere swim is by far the most popular, and this year the event runs from Friday 17th June to Sunday, 19th June, 2011.
The beauty of the Windermere swim is that you don´t have to be an advanced swimmer to join in, and although plenty of advanced swimmers take part, the vast majority are amateurs who want to fulfill a dream of swimming in Windermere.
The one mile swim is usually completed in times ranging from 20 minutes to two hours, and there is no pressure at all on slower swimmers. Some practice runs in outdoor swimming locations is highly recommended, and a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Wetsuits must be worn during the event, and swim gloves and shoes are actively encouraged.
The UK´s biggest open swimming event is expected to attract 10,000 swimmers in 2011, and takes place at the Low Wood Bay Hotel and Marina in Windermere. At 10.5 miles long, Windermere is England´s largest lake, and stretches from Ambleside to Newby Bridge. Large screens around the event allow family and friends to watch all the action, and a grandstand seating area provides great views of the lake.
Whether you are planning to take part in this year´s Windermere Swim, or you are coming to cheer on a friend, if you live outside of Cumbria, you may want to stay for a few days and enjoy the area. Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, you will find it in Windermere, and it is well worth booking for a weekend if you want to be in town for the swim.
Some of the best things to see and do in Windermere and Bowness during your stay include:
1.The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction Bowness
If you are planning to visit Windermere with the family for the swim weekend, visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at Bowness, where most of the author´s creations come to life, including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and Mrs Tiggywinkle. You can wander past Mr Jeremy Fisher´s pond and walk through Squirrel Nutkin´s Oak Tree - great attraction for the kids. www.hop-skip-jump.com
2.Orrest Head
Offering stunning views, and made popular by poet, William Wordsworth, Orrest Head is one of the most visited viewpoints in the lakes. Just a short walk from Windermere Railway Station. This gentle walk is paved most of the way, and if you park at the Railway Station, it will only take approximately 20 minutes to get to the top, and is suitable for children. Benches at the top allow you to sit, relax and enjoy the view.
3.Boating on Windermere
Whether you choose to take a ferry across Windermere or go on a steamer, it is one of the best ways to see the stunning scenery from the lake. You can buy a ´freedom of the lake´ ticket to allow you to hop on and off wherever you choose, and cruises last from between 45 minutes and three hours. Discover Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, or take a cruise around the Windermere Islands. www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
4.Rydal Mount at Ambleside
Rydal Mount was William Wordsworth´s favourite home in the Lake District, and he lived here for 37 years. The famous poet and author wrote many of his famous works at Rydal, including ´Daffodils´. Visitors can explore the beautiful, terraced gardens, which the poet landscaped himself, and also enjoy superb views over Windermere and Rydal Water. See: www.rydalmount.co.uk
5.Windermere Pubs
If you want to wet your whistle after the Windermere Swim, you will be spoilt for choice in the local area. Country pubs, gastro pubs, bistros, restaurants and cafés are among the best in England, and whether you are looking for real ale, a gourmet meal or if you want to sample some award-winning Cumbrian cuisine, Windermere offers a wide range of options, within easy walking distance of the lake.
Whether you are visiting Windermere for a long weekend or just for a day trip, you will find plenty of things to see and do for all ages. June is a great time to visit, and fingers crossed, the sun will be shining on the Windermere Swim weekend.
