Lake District: Cross Country Swim 2023

It’s hard to comprehend the incredible journey these amazing people went on to complete this epic challenge. Hiking, scrambling, swimming, camping in wild conditions, cold, wind and heat all met them on their way across lake and mountain. And all of this while they carried their own kit for the hike and the swim!

Starting in the eerily beautiful Wast Water, they swam the length of the lake in the early morning before hiking through the wilderness towards Buttermere. Another change in a wetsuit and another swim the length of Buttermere before setting up camp in the wind and rain. Up early, they made their way towards Keswick with one final swim the width of Derwent Water and a well earned rest.

Cross Country Swimming is a relatively new phenomenon but with the invention of the amazing Ruck Raft they were able to hike and swim across the Lake District without ever having to go back on themselves. By carrying all of their own kit, this event was practically unsupported making it such an incredible achievement and over £10,000 raised for Level Water.

Thank you time

A huge thank you to Above x Below for working with us on this event. The provided the ruck raft for all of the swimmers and were with us, literally, every step of the way.

The biggest thank you to Lauren and Lucy who were our mountain and water guides. They kept everyone safe and on the right track with incredible enthusiasm, skill and knowledge. Thank you so much.

To Eddy Hubble for these incredible photos that really capture the beauty and scale of this wonderful event.