When the first lockdown of 2020 was lifted the Lake District National Park welcomed more than 20 million tourists to the region. In 2021 that figure is predicted to be even higher. It’s thought at least half of those 20 million visitors took up wild swimming during lockdown. Ok it’s probably not that many but it certainly felt like 2020 was the year we all swam outside. Of course, lots of people were swimming outside because their usual pool was closed but it’s clear that people took to wild water in their droves and loved it. Travel restrictions or not, a UK holiday would always be my first choice and even after more than 10 years of life in Cumbria there is still so much I am yet to explore.
For new outdoor swimmers who have taken up the pastime at venues or in organised sessions, the miles and miles of lakeshore access in the Lake District can feel somewhat intimidating.