Members Mark Garrod John Castick Graham Harkness Dave Wylie Bob Kelly Mark Ashley Roger Dyke Dave Shotton Michelle Harvie Virginia Castick Sue Harkness Ding Koi Joanne Heslop.

Guests Clare Hodgson Kate Hardy Mark Heslop.

With half the meet staying at the FRCC hut at Beetham Cottage and half in Glenridding, we still managed a prompt start from Hartsop at 9.30. This came to a brief halt half a mile later when we stopped to don waterproofs which stayed on for the rest of the day (except to strip off and swim of course). At this point Roger departed for less miserable weather in Cheshire. A warming walk to Hayeswater ensured 12 people were willing to strip off and swim about for a bit. Only Mark Heslop took the swimming seriously and shot off to swim the length of the reservoir. Donning our damp clothes we set off and passed Mark as he got out. He and John looked at the persistent cloud and drizzle and set off back for home comforts. The hardest part of the walk followed as we struggled up towards Thornthwaite Beacon. There was no path and it was very steep. Easy paths led over Mardale Ill Bell and down to Nan Bield Pass, all done in thick mist. John’s GPS with the route plugged in was very useful.

Descending to Small Water we came out of the mist but not the rain and only 4 people could face taking their clothes off again and don wet cossies to enjoy a swim across this lovely little tarn. A short traverse round the hillside, previously done in good weather by the meet leader and already marked on GPS, brought us to Blea Water. This is the deepest tarn in the Lake District and looked very imposing with the mist swirling round. 7 people got in and declared it the warmest yet despite what the thermometer said. We were all probably so used to it by then it just felt warm. Mark Ashley took one look at his soggy wetsuit and cossie and went for a skinny dip. No doubt this was in sharp contrast to the last time we’d all seen him in the buff as he leapt the bonfire at Ty Powder.

The final uphill pull up to and along the Rigg brought us out close to the summit of High Street. A pleasant stroll past the Knott took us down back to Hayeswater. The final tarn –Angle Tarn – was a non-starter in the poor conditions. We had achieved our objective and circled High Street. Newcomer Clare on her first KMC meet was a swimming superstar and not at all fazed out by our crazy antics. A special mention must go to Michelle, Joanne, Mark Ashley and Dave Shotton who swam in all three tarns.

Sunday started nearly as badly, less rain but more wind, however, because we could gear up in the comfort of the hut 10 people swam in Brotherswater. Several swam right across and back and everyone stayed in at least 15 minutes.

After lunch and clearing the hut the weather improved and half the party walked over Gowbarrow Fell . 4 people even had a final swim in Ullswater.

A few statistics:

Hayeswater 15.8 degrees 12 swimmers
Small Water 15.4 degrees 4 swimmers.
Blea Water 15 degrees 7 swimmers.

Air temperature approximately 13 degrees.

11.5 miles. 5711ft. of ascent. 5 hours 44mins moving time. 8hours 30 mins total time.

I had a fantastic time and would never have even set out normally so thanks to all who gave me no excuse to give up. Roll on next year and another super swimming event.

This fantastic swimming spectacular will start from Beetham cottage, the FRCC hut near Brotherswater, where I have booked 6 male and 3 female places for the weekend. Walking from the hut door, an easy ascent up the track to Hayswater brings us to the first and longest swim, over 900m if you do the length and someone is willing to carry the bags. A warming walk up to Thornthwaite Beacon leads on to Mardale Ill Bell and then down to the Nan Bield Pass. There we descend to Small water for a 200m swim, and hope the dead sheep that was in there last time I swam there is gone. A traversing line round the hillside leads to Blea water, Lakeland’s deepest tarn but don’t worry, we’re not going to try and find the bottom. Uphill again to Riggindale and turn north for The Knott and an easy path to Angle Tarn for the final swim. There are a variety of ways back to the hut from here. Approximate distance 10 miles.

If you’re still keen to get wet on the Sunday, Brotherswater is a delight to swim across. Bring your cossie, cheap shortie wetsuit from Decathlon or Tescos and an old pair of swimming shoes. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a fine walk

Extra accommodation is available in Glenridding if needed. Let me know if you’re coming, then I can organize the right ratio of lifeguards to swimmers in case the H.S.E. gets to hear about it.