Cold Fix

When the clag is down and comfort calls, Sara Barnes heads for the coldest water she can find. Her story, safety wisdom, and essential kit for winter swimming in the Lakes.

Cold water is guaranteed in November, be it a misty lake, a gasping waterfall or a stony beck. But in the damp grey Sara Barnes finds some of her most memorable swims. Here she shares how she finds her way through winter.

How do I motivate myself and keep myself safe on a gloomy afternoon when the clag is down and the sound of my breath is all I can hear as I step across sheep-nibbled grass?

I don't shrink from a solo adventure but always make sure I have my jar of fully-charged fairy lights, a hot drink, a snack, and the normal 'winter' swim kit. I am very familiar with being outdoors on my own at all times of year and have learnt to adapt my adventures to my own ability. Turning back is always a good option if the signs are growing into warnings.

My inner warrior is triggered when I leave my house full of physical and emotional comfort. All around me nature is slowly closing down, retreating into winter. I soak up the echoes of falling leaves, toffee-crisp bracken and misty- breathed sheep. My mittened hands are toasty and ready to cringe at the first bite of the water.

I have everything I need with me, in me and all around me. I know that, once home, a warm dinner, cosy slippers and pjs await me. First, I need to earn my comfort.

A moody swim in Windermere really stands out for me. I'd been to the Kendal Mountain Festival. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I grew cold right down to the bone. With only an hour before darkness I fled to the lake. I don't think I have ever needed a swim quite so much. The jetty was semi submerged, which matched how I felt completely.

I walked out to the end of the jetty and stood looking out into the gloaming. First, a man appeared on a paddleboard, we spoke briefly. He had been to the festival and now felt the need for a quiet moment too. As he floated past the jetty I jumped into the dark water. My jar of lights twinkled in complicity. Then a second man appeared on the lakeshore. He wanted to photograph winter twilight. Three of us, random strangers, drawn to this place by its reflective stillness.

Moments like these are banked as a sparkling reminder for those days I need extra motivation to get outdoors.

Cold Water Swimming Kit List

Cold water swimming demands specialist gear that keeps you safe and extends your time in the water. Here are some essential items that allow you to embrace winter swimming in the Lakes, even on the gloomiest afternoons.

1. Neoprene swimming cap - A thermal swimming cap (like the Outdoor Swimming Cap) protects your head from heat loss and prevents the ice-cream headache that comes with cold water immersion.
2. Cold water wetsuit - A fleece-lined wetsuit designed for outdoor swimming, such as the Silvertip, provides essential thermal protection while maintaining flexibility for swimming strokes. The fleece lining traps a thin layer of water that your body warms, creating an insulating barrier.
3. Neoprene swimming gloves - Hands lose heat rapidly in cold water. Neoprene gloves (like Outdoor Swimming Gloves) maintain dexterity while protecting fingers from numbness and cold-related injuries.
4. Tow float - A bright, inflatable tow float such as Nori serves two crucial purposes: high-visibility safety marking for boats and other water users, plus a dry storage compartment for essentials like keys, phone, and snacks.
5. Neoprene swimming socks - Feet are particularly vulnerable to cold. Thermal swimming socks (like Outdoor Swimming Socks) protect your feet when entering and exiting the water across stony beaches or slippery jetties.
6. Waterproof changing mat - A portable changing mat such as Skomer provides a clean, dry surface for changing in muddy car parks or grassy lakeshores. Essential for keeping your feet dry and clean.
7. Insulated changing robe - An insulated changing robe (like the Haven) is arguably the most important post-swim item. The combination of water-resistant outer and warm lining allows you to change modestly while trapping body heat during the critical post-swim warming period.
8. Warm beanie - A double-layered merino blend hat such as the Cwtch Bobble Beanie helps you retain heat after your swim. Up to 40% of body heat escapes through your head, making a quality hat essential for post-swim warmth.
9. Waterproof dry bag - A roll-top drybag (12L capacity like Airlok 12L) keeps your dry clothes, phone, and car keys safe and completely dry while you swim. Look for bright colours for easy visibility.
10. Insulated flask - A double-walled insulated flask such as the Peak 750 (750ml) filled with a hot drink provides internal warming after cold water immersion. The ritual of a warm drink helps your body temperature recover safely and gives you something to look forward to.

Additional Safety Essentials

• Fully charged mobile phone (stored in tow float dry compartment)
• High-energy snacks for post-swim refuelling
• Small emergency light or fairy lights for visibility in low light conditions
• Swim buddy contact information or tell someone your planned location and return time