great north swims

Up to the Lakes last weekend. I was working in York on Thursday, so stayed in a B&B at Burnsall and had a swim in the Wharfe, just down from Loup Scar. I'd have done the jump, but there was no one esle about. A lovely ride across the moors and into the south Lakes on Friday to meet friends at Ulpha Bridge -

Photo by Claire Woodhead

 And then up to Coniston for a swim and jump from the jetty at Rigg Wood to Peel Island and back. And lots of general dips -

Photo by Keith Midgeley

And then up to our lodge at Troutbeck north of Ambleside; where I had the pleasure of Tom, Bryn, Sam, Lee and Gary's company for a few days. Sam made the most amazing cakes; Lee organised the accommodation; Bryn made great porridge; Tom kept us tidy and Gary spent time packing and unpacking his bags.

On Saturday I took twenty or so swimmers up to Buckstones Jum for gasps, plunges and general wonderment,

Photo by Lee Reed

before we all descended to Rydal Water for a swim along the river, through the weeds and out into the water. And later a long swim in Grasmere and lunch with a crowd of swimmers.

On Sunday five of us explored new territory with a walk up to Hayeswater. After a quick skinny dip we then kept our clothes off for another hour or so in two wonderful churning plunge pools in the ghyll on the way down. Lunch on the ridge followed by a walk (and long swim) up to Easedale Tarn - punctuated by another naked plunge in Sour Milk Ghyll falls plunge pool.

Monday saw everyone depart, but not before a swim in Potter Tarn and (for me only) a run over to Gurnal Dubs for a plunge.

I was going to swim with Bryn today in the Ouse at St Neots on the way home, but was a little too tired.