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. 

Long hot days in the mountains of Arran are followed by cool, quiet dips in the glen and on the coast.

A winter journey over Loughrigg Fell with my daughter and friends, and a late afternoon dip in Blea Tarn

Visiting Loch Morlich, in the Cairngorms for some Spring-time dipping and swimming

Winter sun but still cold, on the hunt for a new tarn to swim in the Lakes. 

We headed for the majestic high tarns nestled in the Coniston fells, with the sun creating a little warmth on this Autumn day. We returned the next day when the clouds were swirling around us for a more atmospheric swim.

A hot summer's walk in a circular route around Loughrigg Fell to take in two fabulous swims, finishing up at the Badger Bar at Rydal

As the weather turns warm and the Lakes look glorious with shimmering waters and deep green fells and woods, the temptation could be to go for a swim without prior planning. But swimming in wild places does require thought, planning and experience, and the water is still cold for those unaccustomed to cold water dips.