0
Your Cart
Product title goes here
$19.95
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
No items found.
Training advice & event day tips for one of the most spectacular long lake swims in the UK.
This guide gives you an honest view of what Ullswater is really like, who it suits best, & how to prepare so you can enjoy every mile of it.
By Rebecca Wetten, Co-Founder & Head Coach at Catch
Ullswater is often described as the most beautiful of the Chillswim swims, & it’s easy to see why. The lake is quieter, wilder & more dramatic than Coniston, with huge mountains rising straight out of the water for much of the route.
The swim runs the full length of the lake, starting at Glenridding & finishing near Park Foot holiday park. It feels like a true journey rather than a race - long, immersive & constantly changing as the scenery unfolds around you.
Numbers are smaller than Coniston, usually around 600-750 swimmers, which gives the day a calmer, more spacious feel. It’s still a serious long-distance swim, but one that feels deeply absorbing rather than overwhelming.
It’s a favourite among many experienced swimmers, & a brilliant step up if you’ve already done a long lake swim & want something that feels properly special.
Train your mind
Ullswater is long enough for your head to have plenty to say. The challenge here isn’t intensity - it’s patience, focus & staying relaxed when the swim feels never-ending.
Before race day, spend some time thinking about:
- Why this swim matters to you
- What you’re most excited to experience
- What might feel mentally tough during your training or on race day
Writing this down helps you recognise those moments when they crop up mid-swim. The most helpful mindset for Ullswater is calm & curious rather than forceful. Simple phrases like “just keep moving” or “one stroke at a time” work well.
Focus on technique
Over 12km, efficiency matters far more than effort. Smooth, economical swimming will always beat trying to power through.
Key areas to focus on:
- Head & body position - tweak these so you can reduce any drag that could drain your energy
- Kick - keep the effort of low & your legs closetogether
- Catch - using your hand & forearm together to propel yourself efficiently
Small technique improvements save huge amounts of energy later on. On Catch, these are broken into weekly focuses so you’re building skills gradually rather than trying to change everything at once.
Build consistency & endurance
Ullswater rewards steady, consistent preparation. You don’t need huge mileage weeks, but you do need regular swimming over time.
Aim for 2-4 swims per week & build gradually.
A good balance looks like:
- Technique swims - slower sessions where you focus on making changes to how you swim
- Endurance swims - steady swims building comfort with time
- Pace variation - fast efforts quicker than your race pace to build fitness
Every 4-5 weeks, reduce your volume by about a third. These lighter weeks help you stay fresh & absorb the work you’ve done.
Practise in open water
This swim is all about being comfortable outdoors.
Ullswater has wide bays, long sight lines & conditions that can feel very different day to day. Being relaxed in open water makes a massive difference.
Practise:
- Sighting across wide sections of water
- Swimming alongside others without stress
- Feeding while stopped or treading water
- Staying calm if the water feels a little choppy
Most difficulties on the day come from lack of open water experience rather than lack of fitness. Time spent outside builds confidence quickly.
Registration takes place at HQ, right by the finish area at Park Foot holiday park. If you can, arrive the day before to register - it makes race morning far more relaxed.
There’s camping, campervan space, lodges & nearby accommodation, all close to the finish. Staying here keeps things simple.
On race morning, park at HQ then shuttle buses take swimmers from the finish to the start at Glenridding. The drive along the lake is stunning & gives you time to settle nerves before getting in.
Kit rules for the shuttle buses are:
- Wetsuit-wearers can just bring footwear
- Skins-wearers can bring a small bag with some warm layers
Give yourself a few ways to succeed:
- Bronze - simply complete the distance
- Silver - finish with a strong swim you’re proud of & a grin on your face
- Gold - a stretch goal that excites you
Ullswater has cut-off times, including an earlier one around mile four. These are there to keep everyone safe. With solid training, sensible pacing & good fuelling, they’re very achievable.
Feed stations
Feed stations sit roughly every mile on anchored boats, staffed by experienced, friendly volunteers who keep things calm & efficient. They'll be stocked with jelly babies, energy drinks & water.
Tow float snacks
Tow floats are mandatory, so make the most of them. Many swimmers carry gels, snacks & drinks to top up between feed stations.
Hydration
Cool water reduces dehydration risk, but starting hydrated still helps. Sip fluids the night before & again a few hours before your wave.
Fuelling
Energy is usually the limiter in long swims like this. Plan to fuel roughly once an hour.
Good options include:
- Jelly babies - easy to eat while treading water
- Gels in your wetsuit sleeve or down the front of your costume, or in your tow float
- Carb drinks if your stomach prefers liquids
Whatever you choose, practise it in training first.
Goggles
Clear lenses usually give the best visibility. Mirrored can help on bright days. Anti-fog before the start & make sure they’re secure.
Wetsuit or skins
Most swimmers choose a wetsuit for warmth & buoyancy. If swimming skins, you’ll need to be confident in cooler water & very comfortable over distance.
Extras
A bright tow float is mandatory. Neoprene hats or gloves can add warmth, but also add drag - aim for comfort that helps you stay relaxed.
Those easier days are what help you arrive feeling fresh rather than tired.
About 7-10 days before race day, reduce your training volume by around half. Keep a few short, easy swims to stay loose, but avoid cramming in extra distance.
The day before:
- Register the evening before if you can - arrive an hour or so after registration opens to skip queues
- Eat familiar food
- Hydrate well
- Get a decent night’s sleep
On the day:
- The golden rule here is pacing. If the first mile feels almost too easy, you’re doing it right
- Fuel early & regularly
- Look around - the scenery genuinely helps
If you hit a tough patch, slow down, float, fuel & reset. Support is always close by.
Take a moment to let it sink in. You’ve just swum the length of one of the most stunning lakes in the UK.
- Get into dry, warm layers quickly
- Eat something carb-heavy within 30 minutes
- Take a few easy days
- Reflect on what worked & what you’d tweak
Many swimmers leave Ullswater with a proper swimmer's high.
Catch builds fully personalised training plans & technique courses to help you prepare calmly & confidently for Chillswim.
With Catch Gold, you’ll get a plan that adapts to your schedule, paired with weekly video lessons & coach support - so you arrive ready to enjoy the swim, not just get through it.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
The Dock2Dock swim offers a unique opportunity to experience open water swimming in the heart of London’s Royal Docks. With towering historical cranes lining the water and the iconic skyline of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena in the background, this event combines the thrill of urban swimming with the challenge of long-distance racing.
Find out more
Not for the faint-hearted however this swimrun has it all. Swims of up to 2km, pristine trails, uninhabited islands, 10 islands, potential for seals to cheer you on, some of the best view points on Scilly. There really is nothing else like this event!
Find out more
Catch - your digital swim coach - is the Official Training Partner for Great North Swim. Here’s your guide to training, kit, fuelling & race day.
Find out more
Start with Catch Free.
Get structured swim sessions each week, a monthly technique lesson, watch sync & full community access - free forever.