Ruckraft Swim Adventures in the Lake District

Combining swimming with hiking or running, these unique experiences allow you to travel across both land and water using a lightweight floating system. With a Ruckraft, gear is easily transported across lakes, making it possible to link up scenic swim routes with incredible trails. Whether you prefer a gentle swim-walk or a more demanding endurance challenge, these adventures offer a fresh way to explore the outdoors.

Key Details

Location: Lake District
Duration: Varies by route
Season: Summer
Group Size: 2-6 people
Ages: 16+

What to Expect

These adventures are designed to offer a balance of physical challenge and enjoyment, with routes adapted to different fitness levels. Using a Ruckraft, participants can carry their essentials while swimming, allowing for seamless transitions between water and land.

Shorter options may involve a few gentle swims between scenic walks, while longer routes include multiple lake crossings and more extended trekking sections. The experience is fully guided, with safety briefings and route planning provided, making it an accessible way to combine swimming and hiking in a stunning setting.

Location

Routes explore a variety of locations throughout the Lake District, including Buttermere, Crummock Water, and Windermere.

Each route is carefully selected for its mix of swimming and hiking opportunities, offering a diverse and rewarding experience.

Prerequisites

A good level of general fitness is recommended, as the combination of swimming and hiking can be physically demanding.

Basic swimming ability is required, but distances and intensity are adjusted to suit individual capabilities.

Why Choose Us

With expertise in both swimming and outdoor leadership, these adventures are structured to be safe, enjoyable, and rewarding. Participants are guided through each stage, ensuring they feel confident navigating both land and water.

A focus on inclusivity means routes are adapted to suit a range of abilities, making outdoor swimming and multi-discipline activities more accessible. Whether looking for a relaxed experience or a physically demanding challenge, everyone is supported in reaching their own personal goals.

Guided swim-hike experience
Use of Ruckraft for gear transportation
Route planning and safety briefing
Support throughout both swimming and hiking sections
A welcoming and encouraging environment

Personal swim and hiking gear
Food and drinks
Accommodation (for multi-day trips)
Transport to and from the meeting point
Insurance for personal belongings

Yes! All sessions and adventures are completely bespoke, meaning they can be tailored to your goals, experience level, and preferred locations. Whether you want a private coaching session, a guided lake crossing, or a multi-day swim-hike experience, everything can be adapted to suit your needs.

If you have a specific idea in mind, get in touch via the adventuro chat below to discuss the details and create a personalised experience.

Ruckraft Swim Adventures combine swimming and hiking, using an inflatable Ruckraft to carry your kit across land and water. The experience allows you to travel further and explore more remote locations, with routes tailored to your ability and fitness level.

Popular routes include the Tadpole Round, which features a mix of hill walking and swimming, or the Wordsworth Weekender, which takes you through some of the Lake District’s most scenic waters and trails. These adventures are guided, ensuring safe crossings and an enjoyable experience throughout.

Not at all! Each session or adventure is tailored to your ability, and there are options for beginners as well as more experienced swimmers. If you’re new to open water swimming or nervous about deep water, we can focus on confidence-building and technique.

For more experienced swimmers, there are opportunities to challenge yourself with longer swims or technical skill development.

You'll need a wetsuit if you prefer to swim with one, a swimsuit, goggles, and a brightly coloured tow float for visibility.

For swim-hike or Ruckraft adventures, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any snacks or drinks you might need for the day. If you’re unsure, a full kit list will be provided before your session.

Yes, when done correctly with the right knowledge and precautions.

Sessions are guided by an experienced open water swim coach who is trained in water safety and risk management. You’ll learn how to assess conditions, manage cold water exposure, and swim safely in different environments.

Lauren is a coach and outdoor leader with a deep-rooted passion for helping people build confidence, achieve their goals, and connect with nature in a meaningful and inclusive way. Growing up in the Lake District, she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, which now underpins her coaching philosophy and values. Drawing on over 15 years of competitive experience in fell running, triathlon, and mountain sports, Lauren brings both expertise and empathy to her practice. Her coaching approach blends formal qualifications - including an ILM Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, Psychology degree, and leadership certifications in running, swimming, and mountain environments - with a strong commitment to community and inclusion. She actively works to challenge barriers in the outdoor space, aligning her work with initiatives such as Anti Racist Cumbria, Black Trail Runners, and Trash Free Trails. Lauren’s sessions are shaped by a belief that coaching should be supportive, adaptable, and grounded in the needs of the individual. Whether guiding someone to complete their first mountain run or supporting long-term athletic progression, she aims to create a space where everyone feels welcome and capable. Her work is not only about performance - it’s about growth, connection, and lasting enjoyment of the natural world.