The Great North Swim – Britain´s Favourite Outdoor Swimming Event in Windermere
Thousands of outdoor swim enthusiasts will once again flock to Windermere in June to take part in the Great North Swim, 2015.
The event, due to be held from 12-14 June at Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel and Marina, Lake Windermere, regularly attracts over 10,000 swimmers who take part over 2 mile, one mile and half mile courses.
Windermere, which was colder than the English Channel when I took part in 2011, is England´s longest lake at 10.5 miles, and can get pretty choppy away from the shore.
Participants can reach the site via Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness Bay, as due to the crowds, dropping off at the site is not allowed.
The Great North Swim is the biggest outdoor swim event in the UK, and attracts professional and amateur swim enthusiasts. A wave of 300 people set off every 30 minutes, and whether you are planning to crawl your way into the record books or take your time and enjoy the stunning scenery, this is a perfect location.
Wet suits are obligatory
If you are planning to take part in this year´s Great North Swim, why not make a weekend of it and take your time to explore the land that has inspired world-renowned writers and poets, including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth?
Windermere is a perfect base for exploring the Lakes, and you can choose from luxury romantic hotels with hot tub suites, boutique hotels and guest houses.
The stunning Lake District scenery attracts visitors from all over the world. Scafell Pike is England´s highest mountain, Wastwater is the deepest lake and Hardknott Pass is the steepest road. World class outdoor activities and beautiful Windermere hotels with hot tubs combine to make this a perfect location for a long weekend.
The one mile swim is suitable for swimmers of all abilities and the entry price is £40. The half mile swim is £35 per entry and is suitable for under 16s, although entrants must be 12 years and above.
A two mile swim and a 5K swim are suitable for more experienced open water swimmers who want a more testing challenge.
If you plan to spend a long weekend in the Lake District, recommended places to visit include:
Rydal Mount and Gardens, Ambleside. This was Wordsworth´s best loved home for 37 years, and where he wrote some of his most famous poems. This stunning house boasts large, terraced gardens landscaped by the poet, and magnificent views of Lake Windermere and Rydal Water.
Water sports fans should take a trip to Derwent Water Marina in Keswick where they can make the most of sailing, canoeing, kayaking and boat hire.
Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre, offers a vast range of things to see and do for all ages, including beautiful gardens, a Treetop Trek, children´s attractions, water sports, mini golf and various exhibitions.
Whether you are visiting Windermere for a day to take part in the Great North Swim or if you plan to stay longer, you will plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area.