MOUNTAIN
SWIMMING WEEKEND
an introduction to swimming in mountain environments
MOUNTAIN SWIMMING WEEKEND
There is more to swimming in a mountain lake than changing into your swimsuit, join me for two days for an introduction to swimming in the mountains, find out how to prepare for the perfect mountain swim.
'Wild swimming', 'Outdoor Swimming', I've even heard it called 'Wild Water Swimming' (which conjures up an image of sailing hopelessly down some rapids on the River Yukon), but really it's just plain old 'swimming'. Sometimes there is nothing wild about the serenity of a picture-perfect glassy lake under the summit of a mountain but on the other hand, the mountains can be a harsh environment, freezing cold, wet, windy and very serious.
This weekend isn't just about going for a swim, it's about how to choose a swim, the importance of the weather, what to take, managing expectations, dealing with changing plans and making decisions, with the objective that you leave with skills to have your own adventures outdoors in the future.
Each of the two days will start and end at either Llanberis or Capel Curig and where we go is totally dependent on the weather conditions on the day.
My weekends are based around the seasons and you can choose from Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter weekends.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
GUIDING THROUGHOUT THE TWO DAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
TRANSPORT* | LUNCH | HOT DRINKS
IN WATER PHOTOGRAPHY | ACCOMMODATION
PRE-REQUISITES
MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM | COMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA OF SWIMMING OUTDOORS
If you plan to come by public transport please drop me a message*
WHAT PEOPLE SAY?
Of course, I think swimming in the hills is the most incredible experience, but read what other people who have joined me have to say about my Mountain Swimming Weekend.
Loved it, thank you. Amazing weekend!
I’m still smiling from the recent weekend of swimming in Snowdonia, thank you so much.
Amazing spot for a swim! Expertly guided adventure, thank you Viv for a great day.
A magical few days, thank you so much!
Vivienne is just brilliant. My partner and I took part in a Mountain Swimming weekend in June 2018. It was evident from the start that Vivienne knows her stuff - she instils confidence; she's a calming influence when I experienced some trepidation about being high up (I suffer from vertigo); getting into colder water etc. We learned a lot about how to plan a swim i.e. kit to take to cope with changing weather conditions; what to look for in terms of lake access points etc. The biggest bonus for me was the increase in confidence I felt at the end of the weekend in being able to plan a swim weekend on our own. Vivienne took us to the most beautiful of lakes - it was a magical experience. It was weekend that I'm sure we'll still be talking about in years to come. I highly recommend.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
It is entirely up to you what you want to bring along, these days are about experiences, not endurance. But as a general guide, I would suggest...
Warm hat
Warm jacket
Waterproof trousers and jacket
Boots or trainers
Swimsuit/wetsuit
Swim hat/woolly hat (may get wet)
Goggles
Towfloat if you have one
Towel/Robie (Dry Robes can be a little bulky to carry on the mountains but if you can carry it you are very welcome to bring yours)
Personal first aid kit
Lunch
Hot drink
Rucksack to put everything in.
Note. I can provide a changing robie if required, please leave space in your rucksack.
WHERE TO STAY?
There is a full range of accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit every budget and taste.
The ones suggested below operate independently from me
HOSTELS
PLAS CURIG
01690 720225
YHA SNOWDON PEN Y PASS
0345 371 9534
HOTELS/GUEST HOUSES
GWESTY PLAS GOCH
01286 872122
PEN Y GWRYD HOTEL
01286 870211
CAMPSITES
DOLGAM
01690 720228
GWERN GOF UCHAF
01690 720294
-
What lakes will we visit?Where we go is entirely dependant on the weather conditions in the mountains on the day. The decisions on where to go are made in the morning and based on the weather and the safety of the group.
-
How far will we swim?All my swim sessions are based on having experiences, not endurance. No one is expected to swim laps or the length of a lake if you wish to just lie back and stare at the sky that is fine. I do ask that you have outdoors swimming experience if you come on a group day, if you are nervous about swimming outdoors I would book on to one of my wild swim water confidence sessions first.
-
How cold is the water?All water in the UK is deemed to be 'cold' even in the summer months! I don't measure water temperatures as I prefer to feel the changes in the temperature in my skin. As a general guide, however, the water in the mountains is at its coldest in February/March and at it's warmest in August/September.
-
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?My kit list is a guide, you are welcome to wear in the water whatever you feel most comfortable. Wearing a wetsuit will enable you to stay in the water longer. If you bring one along you can always then make the choice, to wear it or not.
-
It's summer do I really need a wooly hat and gloves?I would bring them, I don't think I have ever been swimming in the mountains and not put a woolly hat on afterwards. It may be glorious sunshine, but after swimming in a high mountain lake you will feel very chilly and be grateful for all those warm clothes you brought along.
-
How far will we walk and how steep will it be?The distance we will walk will depend on which lake/s we go to. Generally, the walk-in is no more than an hour or so. Depending on which type of guided day you choose will determine how strenuous it will be. Mountain days are more strenuous than valley days for example. In the mountain environment, there is generally uphill walking to be done, some of this may be steep and it is very likely to be on uneven terrain and off well-trodden paths. However, all walking is done at a gentle pace, where everyone is the group can keep up and hold a conversation.
ABOUT ME
I am an artist, outdoor swimmer and health and fitness coach. I live in the mountains of Eryri / Snowdonia in North Wales where I have lived since 2002, I grew up on the beautiful South Coast in the New Forest and regularly return to visit family. My project #swimsnowdonia was listed amongst 'The 10 most inspiring adventures' in The Guardian and has been the focus of several short films including a music video for the band Elbow. 'Afterglow' a short film about my passion for both my creativity and cold water swimming won Best Woman in Adventure Gold Award at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival., Best Short Film at The Four Season Film Festival and was recently selected for The Patagonia Film Festival in Santa Monica. I was included in the first San Miguel Rich List, 'a unique list of men and women who value experiences over any possession' and listed as one of Britain's 101 Adventurers. I was featured in an ITV documentary 'The Mountain ' which followed the lives of a selection of people who live and work on the busiest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon and various features on the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and Channel 5.
I am a Qualified Teacher, Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor, Mountain Leader, Open Water Swimming Coach, RLSS Open Water Lifeguard, RYA Day Skipper and hold RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. I hold Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors, STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Award and Certificate, and STA Level 2 Baby & Pre-School Aquatic Teacher. I am an RLSS Trainer and have more than 10 previous years of experience lifesaving in swimming pools.
