I offer open water swims that are specially designed for you or your small group of friends and family, focusing on beginners.
My focus is on relaxed, wild swim guiding and coaching, within the Lake District's waters. I encourage swimmers to slow their pace, learn about safe and efficient swimming in open water and enjoy the wonderful experience of seeing Lakeland from the water. My swims are particularly suitable for wild swimming beginners and those who want time to take in the scenery, as well as those who have signed up to their first open water swimming event and need some additional coaching and encouragement.
Wild Swims Lake District is led me, Diane Mangan, and I have the following qualifications:
Swimming with a qualified coach and open water lifeguard means that you have the support and supervision of an experienced open water swimmer, where safety is a priority. You will receive guidance on open water safety and swimming techniques, and can take away some things to review and practice in your own time or in further sessions with me.
When you book a session with Wild Swims Lake District I will tailor the activity to your needs and work to your schedule. I will then confirm the details and the meeting point, and what to bring. You can do as much or as little swimming as you like, depending on your ability. However, all swims include safety briefings, and open water swim guiding and coaching. My focus is on relaxed swimming, with time to enjoy the water and natural surroundings while you familiarise yourself with safe open water swimming practices.
If you are swimming, bring your kit with you, including your costume, towel and/or change robe and lots of warm clothing. I swim mainly in open water wetsuits and use swim socks. If you wish to swim ‘skins’ (without a wetsuit) please discuss this with me on booking.
Recommended kit:
Swimming costume
Please ensure your kit is clean and dry, to avoid the spread of invasive species.
For more information see:
Each session is organised individually and prices depend on the duration and number of participants.
As an example, a half day swimming and coaching with one participant and one guide starts at £45. Prices reduce according to the number of participants and/or organised group events.
Wasdale is the loveliest of places but also a serious venue for swimming, walking, fell-running and climbing. It has a proud history in all things adventure. A deep valley with screes that plunge down from Illgill Head and Whin Rigg into the mighty depths of Wast Water, the deepest of the waters in Lakeland. As you drive from Nether Wasdale, up the 5km shoreline of Wast Water towards Wasdale Head, the mountains, the water and sky opens up to what feels like a more remote and untouched part of the Lake District.