Cassie Patten

Cassie Patten


Cassie Patten became a household name in open water swimming when she won bronze at the 2008 Bejing Olympics.
Just a short time after this victory she went on to take first place at the inaugural Great North Swim in September 2008 hosted at Low Wood Bay, beating her friend and rival Kerri Anne Payne.
With just ten days left until the competitors take to the water for the 2014 Great North Swim, Cassie gives us a few tips and sends her best wishes to each swimmer, whatever their goal.
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Low Wood Bay, on the shores of Lake Windermere is the home of open water swimming. The Lake District Hotel has hosted The Great North Swim, the UK’s biggest open water swimming event, since 2008 and the The Big Chill Swim, possibly the UK’s coldest winter open water swim event, since 2012 – the water temperature was 5 degrees this year! (more…)

Naturally, as a Cumbrian-based company, we’re a little biased sometimes celebrating the seasonally changing beauty and countryside of the Lake District. Lancaster House, our hotel in the Lake District also lies just 20 miles from another great National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, and I’ve been out with my family exploring one of the jewels in the Yorkshire crown.
A little under half an hour’s drive from the hotel is the picture-postcard village of Ingleton. Home to many a quaint gift shop, tea room, but also one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most iconic attractions, the famous Waterfalls walk.
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Low Wood Bay has hosted many open water swim events from its enviable lakeside location in the Lake District. Events include the Great North Swim – an open water summer swim in the great outdoors, or for those brave enough to tackle the cold, The Chill Swim which recently attracted 570 brave souls in 2014. We have also cheered on Davina McCall as she completed the open water section of her Beyond Breaking Point Sport Relief challenge.
As a result, open-water fever has gripped a number of English Lakes employees who have taken to the water as a personal challenge including David Neale, English Lakes Commercial Director.

The joys of open water swimming

Ian Woods and David Neale

Ian Woods and David Neale


I discovered the joys of open water swimming about 3 years ago as I took on the challenge of the Great North Swim in Lake Windermere. (more…)

Tim Bell, General Manager of Lancaster House discovers a family-friendly day-out with a difference close to the hotel.
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By its very reputation, The Lake District will always lend itself naturally to the great pastime of walking.
But just down the road in North Lancashire, the walking culture is just as vibrant. The Trough of Bowland in particular offers stunning scenery and a plethora of accessible walking routes to rival many of Lakeland’s classic rambles here on the doorstep of Lancaster House. (more…)

Lancaster-based Tim Bell, shares one of his favourite Winter Walks.

Leaving Grisedale Pike

Leaving Grisedale Pike


Personally, I’ve always preferred the winter for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. Before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As the front door closes behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.
I am prepared. I’ve done the right courses, listened to the instructors, bought the right equipment and am now able to confidently and safely reap the benefits of a Lakeland Winter.
Before I tempt you further, be sure to read my previous blog: 3 Essentials to remember when winter walking in the Lake District. (more…)

Keen fell-walker Tim Bell, explains why there’s plenty to consider before heading up the Lake District Mountains this winter.
Personally, I’ve always preferred the colder months for heading up into the Cumbrian fells. My friends and family still look at me in a baffled way when, on a cold, bleak winters morning, I’m up before the day breaks, preparing a big flask of soup, before heading out the door with the courteous “see you later, I’m off for a walk”. As I close the front door behind me, the inevitable “OK, But Be Careful” advice is offered emphatically from upstairs.

Snow Topped Lake District Fells

Snow Topped Lake District Fells


And “Careful” I will be. For I know all too well the dangers that those picture-perfect, snow-capped mountains can hide. They might be beautiful and hugely alluring with a crisp, white coat, but head into them without the right preparation and your day might not turn out as planned!
Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not my intention to paint a picture of danger and inevitable doom. By following a few simple pointers, you can achieve the right balance of a safe and rewarding day out in the fells. (more…)

It seems like an eternity ago, I was stood in my kitchen, glass of Balvennie Doublewood in hand, staring at PM Burgess’s Tubular Fells, contemplating whether I could walk all 214 ‘Wainwrights’ in the calendar year of 2012. I wasn’t a complete novice to the Lakeland Fells, so I was under no illusion as to the task ahead of me, but I’m sure the alcohol clouded my judgement!

Wastwater from Lingmell

Wastwater from Lingmell


It would be some weeks before a beautiful frosty January day in Great Langdale set me on my way.  All 5 peaks were hit on that occasion, just 209 to go! (more…)

The Great North Swim is drawing nearer and it time is running out to prepare for the big swim. Located on the shore of Lake Windermere, the team at the Low Wood Club know a thing or two about open water swimming. So we asked them for their top 10 tips…
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