Please email me to book one-to-one and private swims. For all group swims please register on the event page and you will receive details by email.

You can pay by bank transfer, PayPal, or by card. These details will be emailed to you when you have booked.

Wild swimming is free and I don’t believe you need always need a guide. However if you are just starting out it’s a good idea to learn from an expert before plunging in. As a swim guide I am qualified to look after you in and around the water, manage your safety, and provide emergency assistance if required. I have researched many locations to walk and swim. I know all the best places! First time wild swimmers might feel nervous joining a group for their first swim and as a guide I can help you build your confidence and offer hire equipment. If you have done a bit of wild swimming before I can tailor an experience to your ability, help you push your boundaries, and explore hidden areas of the Lakes.

That depends what you want to achieve. If you are coming to a beginner session I will be teaching you the basics of swimming outdoors, not asking you to swim the length of Windermere. For more advanced sessions you should be able to make steady forward progress without feeling overly tired. My swims are relaxed leisure swims. We are not swimming for winning times or over long distances. I set up the business as a direct result of swimmers feeling excluded from open water because they were not a triathlete, they did not want to swim round a course, get togged up head-to-toe in neoprene, or swim crawl. Of course, there is nothing wrong with these types of swimmer. But if you are looking for a leisurely amble, you have come to the right place.

Dippers, swimmers, wallowers etc are all welcome. You are never “just” anything. Check the type of swim you are interested in before you book; some are exclusively for dippers whilst others you will need to be able to swim a certain distance. If you are a dipper who would like to increase the length of their dips and go for longer swims, this can be done as a one-to-one session or with my intermediate sessions.

I do not entertain the idea that breaststroke is a lesser stroke and actively promote it as one of the best ways to swim outdoors. I have a gold medal in breaststroke, and I have swum the length of six lakes doing breaststroke. My swims are designed to be welcoming to all swimmers with an emphasis on breaststroke being the best stroke!

For a beginner session, you should be able to swim 50m without stopping. For other sessions such as intermediate group swims the distance required will be advertised. None of my swims are further than one mile. If you are not sure how far you can swim, go to your local pool and see how many lengths you can swim before you feel the need to stop and rest, and see how far you can swim overall during your session. If you have any concerns about your ability to take part in a certain swim, please contact me before booking in.

I'm scared of putting my face in sometimes! Most outdoor swimmers are scared of something whether they admit it or not. There is no law that says you have to put your face in and a lot of my swims are breaststroke and head-up breaststroke. But you should remember, there is nothing scary underwater. No monsters! If you want to face your fear, I can help you with that. If it is a severe affliction it might be best for you to book a one-to-one session so you don’t need to worry about other swimmers.

The back of what? It’s not a race! My swims are inclusive and often there is no set distance so you swim as much or as little as you want. On group swims where we swim down a river or over a set distance there will inevitably be people swimming at different paces. And so what? The slower you swim, the longer you enjoy being in the water for!

At the moment I do not offer swimming lessons. My sessions are for people who can already swim. If you have a specific issue such as building confidence swimming out of your depth or fear putting your face in, I can help with this. If you have concerns about your swimming ability please check with me before you book in.

Yes I can! Swimming in winter is one of my specialty areas and I run group sessions between November and March. You can also book a one-to-one to have a cold water sessions tailored to your ability and experience.

The kit required differs depending on what swim you have booked and a kit list will be emailed to you when you book in. Wetsuits are provided in my beginner sessions so as long as you have a swimsuit you should not have to buy anything especially to take part. For all other swims wetsuits can be hired. If you have forgotten anything I usually have a supply of caps, swim gloves, tow floats etc in my van. There is nothing in my hire equipment that I wouldn’t wear myself. You can expect high quality Blue Seventy wetsuits, C-Skins socks and gloves, Zone 3 thermal wear, Swim Secure tow floats etc.

Not always. If you are new to open water then it’s a good idea to start off in a wetsuit and these are included in all our beginner sessions. If you usually swim without a wetsuit then you won't be required to wear one, however we will ask to see proof of your swimming ability and experience.

Wetsuits are not sized like your regular clothes, the sizes are worked out by body mass (your height and weight). If you need a wetsuit for your booking, we will obtain your measurements in advance. We will ask for your height and weight, plus any other relevant info such as being large chested, gifted in the behind, or you have a short body relative to your overall height. If you would prefer not to give your weight we will need a full length photo of you to work out what wetsuit you need. There is a wetsuit for every shape and we will make sure you have the right one for your session. If you want to buy your own wetsuit, I recommend getting in touch with Swim the Lakes who are based in Ambleside and offer a bespoke fitting service and a nice cup of tea.

We pride ourselves on having a wide range of wetsuits from all the major brands, including some custom made wetsuits from Snugg. Wetsuits are sized in advance so you don't need to worry about turning up and not being able to wear one. We take your measurements in advance and discuss the best style of wetsuit. Our hire wetsuits are measured by body mass and will fit swimmers up to 21 stone. If you think you might weigh more than that please get in touch and we will do our best to help.

It’s always a good idea to bring goggles so you can see what you are swimming over; there might be rocks or branches in the water that we need to keep an eye out for. If you wear contact lenses you should check with your optician regarding swimming, and bring your glasses to the session.

It’s easier if you start in the warmer months but not impossible at other times of year. For beginner sessions I nearly always start you off in a wetsuit so you can find your feet, staying warm and buoyant. There is always an option to take your suit off towards the end of the session and try swimming without. If you are currently swim in a wetsuit and would like to make the transition to skins, I can help with this - group and 1:1 sessions are available all year round.

In open water terms, suit means wetsuit and skins means swimsuit. Weird I know but no one has come up with a better term yet!

Mostly, yes. But don’t let that put you off. UK waters range from 'pleasant' in the summer months to 'perishing' in winter conditions. I monitor the water temperature throughout the year, but you are more likely to hear me talk about the 'feels like' temperature. The is how the prevailing conditions will affect you - wind speed and air temperature. Other things such as how well you slept, your body type, your level of hydration, if you have eaten etc all affect how the water feels. It's more than just a simple number on a thermometer! Most people cope better with cold water than they expect to, and if you have a particular health condition that means you get cold quickly I can provide thermal swim accessories to help.

I try where possible to go ahead whatever the conditions, providing it is safe to swim. This depends on you the swimmer, and my ability to keep you safe during the session. I may suggest an alternative location where we might have more shelter from the elements however I do not ordinarily cancel if it is simply raining or a bit windy. Lake District weather can change quite quickly from good to bad... and back again. Part of being a wild swimmer is learning to cope with inclement conditions and changes in forecast. Some activities such as waterfall and river swims can be adversely affected by too much or too little rain. I usually watch the forecast in the run up to such events or sessions and will always have a plan B to offer.

People with a low percentage of body fat will feel colder quicker and may find they can’t spend as long in the water as they would like. I can provide thermal accessories such as neoprene vests, thermal swim socks and gloves, and neoprene caps to help you feel comfortable in the water.

For most beginner sessions the walk is around 10 to 15 minutes. A short walk helps us warm up and prepare for your swim. If you need a shorter distance this can be arranged. On other sessions like swim hikes we might walk for 3-4 hours over the course of the day with time built in for swims, snacks and a picnic lunch. I plan the walk so that it compliments the swim, and is not too strenuous. All walk distances and difficulties are advertised in the walk description. If you have any concerns, please contact me before booking.

All the locations I take swimmers to are places I have risk assessed in all seasons so I know what state they will be in all conditions.

Spoiler alert: there are no records of any swimmers being eaten alive by a pike in the UK. It’s quite reasonable to have a fear of the unknown - stepping into open water is quite literally a step into the unknown as you can't always see the bottom and won't know exactly how deep the water is. One of the many reasons for hiring a swim guide is to help you navigate the risk and behave accordingly. On our sessions we discuss dealing with currents and weather conditions, environmental issues and water quality, staying safe around other water users, and much more.

Fewer than 100 cases of Weil’s Disease are recorded in the UK each year. The risk is low but it’s important to be prepared. Avoid ingesting a lot of water especially in areas around farmland. Make sure cuts or broken skin are covered before entering the water, then clean the area and apply a fresh dressing after your swim.

A friend, partner or relative is welcome to come along to watch providing they won’t be a distraction to you. My dog, Bertie, usually comes to work with me. Please check with before bringing your dog. Children may come along with another adult with them to supervise them. However, even the best behaved children can be a distraction. It is important that you are able to fully concentrate on your swim and have some time for yourself. If possible, please arrange to attend on your own.

My open group events are not suitable for under 18s. If you would like to bring your children swimming, please book a private session.

My swims and walks are dog friendly. You will meet Bertie, my 8yr old super friendly Jack Russell, on our group walks and swims. You are welcome to bring your dog along providing they are well-behaved and walk on a lead. Owners are responsible for their dog at all times and will need to adhere to my doggy code of conduct. Dogs may swim with their owner during a private session, but not during a group session. You are responsible for your dog in the water so please consider your own swimming ability first before taking your dog in the water. If you are nervous about dogs please check with me before booking a place on a group swim. Please remember, all sessions take place outdoors in public spaces so it’s likely we will encounter dogs on our walks or near the water.

We've compiled a handy list of places to stay in the main areas our swims take place, many of which come recommended by our regular customers. Follow the link below to see our suggestions (link opens in new page). Lake District Accommodation

Absolutely! Click this link to find out more.

When I was learning conversational Polish, my teacher explained there was no direct translation for “how are you?” because it was considered a very personal question that most Poles would not be prepared to answer in a casual conversation or as a greeting. Please take this as permission to never use “I hope you are well” ever again.

No.

No.

Get out.

Yes! Or a pie. A hot drink and a slice of something tasty is included on all one-to-one and private sessions. Post-swim refreshment is an important part of the experience. I will ask you for your preference at the time of booking. I make the tray bakes myself, and buy pies on the day so if you are planning to bring your own please let me know to save wastage. On some group experiences we might go to a cafe or pub, or take a packed lunch. The refreshment requirement will be stated on all experiences so you know what to bring.

I am happy to consider ambassador opportunities providing they align with my personality and values. Enquiries from purveyors of fine pies are welcome to get in touch. Promoters of supplements and “health food” bars, gels and drinks can get in the bin.