NEW LAKE DISTRICT COLD WATER SWIMMING RETREAT
Ambleside’s boutique hotel in the heart of the Lake District – Rothay Manor – is launching a series of new cold water swimming retreats this winter, focusing on mental and physical well-being.
19th – 21st January & 1st – 3rd March 2024
Ambleside’s boutique hotel in the heart of the Lake District – Rothay Manor – is launching a series of new cold water swimming retreats this winter, focusing on mental and physical well-being. Guests will immerse themselves in some of the UK’s most beautiful bodies of water – learning how to safely acclimatise mind and body to the cold temperatures, teamed with a pop-up cinema, complimenting the retreat activities.
The new retreat, taking place on the 19th – 21st January and 1st – 3rd March 2024, is collaboratively hosted by three esteemed cold-water experts: Jonathan Cowie, Gilly McArthur, and Vicki McCreadie. All trained as STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coaches, and each with their own cold water swimming expertise.
Set at Rothay Manor - this is the place for culinary excellence, beautiful interiors, and endless landscapes to explore right from the doorstep.
The new two-night cold-water retreat includes:
o Meet the experts - welcome drink, nibbles round the fire and an introduction into cold-water swimming.
o Guided cold water swim in Loughrigg Tarn, with views of the majestic Langdale Pikes beyond.
o Guided afternoon woodland walk and a cold-water swim in Rydal water with the opportunity to explore Rydal caves and swim beneath the waterfalls.
o Take a dip in the one-mile Grasmere Lake – a favourite spot of poet William Wordworth
o Pop-up Rothay Manor cinema, with complimentary popcorn, screening a selection of inspiring cold-water films.
About the retreat experts
Jonathan Cowie, contributing editor of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, co-founded Blue Mind Men, a men’s cold water swim club in Windermere, and The Swimmer, a half-marathon with four cold water swims through London. Over the past 15 years, Jonathan has competed in marathon swims and winter swimming competitions around the world. He regularly coaches with double world champion and Olympic open water silver medallist Keri-Anne Payne and is recognised as a leader in the field of all things outdoor swimming.
Gilly McArthur is an Open Water Coach, Lifeguard and has worked professionally in the outdoor industry for over 20 years. She is the co-founder of Blue Mind Swim, a group which offers a free introduction to open water swimming in the Lake District, and is part of Wonderful Wild Women, a community that aims to inspire women of all ages to get active outdoors.
Vicki McCreadie is trained as an Open Water Coach, Lifeguard, Mountain Leader, Outdoor Education Instructor and is part of the Wonderful Wild Women team. With over ten years of working professionally in the outdoors, the Lake District is Vicki’s playground, home, and office. She is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for people of all backgrounds. Vicki has worked with children and adults throughout her career and with mental health charities, introducing people to the health benefits of outdoor swimming.
About Rothay Manor
Ambleside’s boutique hotel, Rothay Manor, is hidden in the heart of the Lake District – within easy reach of Windermere, and the fells beyond.
Following a substantial interior renovation over the last couple of years, adding new features and introducing The Pavilion – 8 new luxury suites, in the hotel’s grounds. It’s the perfect for foodie lovers, and active adventurers looking for a picturesque country bolthole – with proper service and incredible food. Dogs are most welcome too (and they’ll love the indoor dog-wash stocked with Bramley goodies).
The new Cold-Water Retreat at Rothay Manor is available from £650 for 2 nights on a B&B basis. Price includes expert swimming guidance, three escorted open water swims, robes, reading material, high tea and use of the pop-up cinema. Please note that the guides will adapt the weekend’s swims to suit the group and Lake District weather conditions.
www.rothaymanor.co.uk
Link to imagery (credit: Jumpy James)