Lake 32 amongst the best outdoor winter swimming spots in Britain, says national newspaper

Waterland Outdoor Pursuits’ Lake 32, the forty-four-acre naturally fed lake, has been rated as one of the best winter swimming spots in Britain by national newspaper, The Guardian.

The stunning lake, situated in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, is ideal for wild water swimming. It’s approximately 6ft in depth and is assessed annually by the Environmental Agency, meaning it’s the ideal place to take the plunge this winter.

Jo Pendlebury, director of training & development at Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, said “We’re delighted to be recognised as one of the nation’s best swimming spots. We’re always looking to welcome new swimmers to the lake and to experience what the beautiful Cotswolds surroundings has to offer.”

The lake was rated amongst nine other swim locations which consisted of:

• Bude tidal pool, Cornwall
• Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia national park
• Loch Tay, Perthshire
• Loughrigg Tarn, Cumbria
• Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
• River Lugg, Herefordshire
• Loch Insh, Cairngorms
• Frensham Great Pond, Surrey
• Janet’s Foss, Malham, North Yorkshire

Wild swimming has long been considered a tonic for body and mind, but recently, a study by the British Medical Journal has proven the positive impact that wild swimming can have on mental health. Some of which includes the reduction of stress, the reduction of inflammation and the sense of wellbeing.

Suitable for triathletes, aquathon competitors and novice swimmers alike, Lake 32 has buoyed courses of 200, 400, 750 and 1,500 metres.

Non-members can swim Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 5.30pm until dusk as well as weekend mornings. Triathlon or wild swimming members can swim before 10am in the morning seven days a week and Tuesday & Thursday evenings.

As well as open water swimming, Waterland Outdoor Pursuits offers group activities, ideal for corporate team bonding and young people. These include stand up paddle boarding (SUP), windsurfing, archery, raft building, low ropes, sailing, kayaking, orienteering, problem solving, bush craft and canoeing.

The organisation is an Activity Licensed site which is approved for watersports. They are also accredited by the Royal Yachting Association, British Canoeing (formerly The British Canoe Union), and British Rowing.

Waterland Outdoor Pursuits boasts a seasonal onsite café, onsite toilets, hot showers, camping area (group camping only) and changing facilities.

For more information, visit www.ukwatersports.co.uk.