Around the Bays in 80 Days: take on a new Lake District swim challenge!

Calvert Lakes invite you to partake in an exhilarating new Lake District swim challenge, which is open to all levels of ability!

Around the Bays in 80 Days invites participants to dip or swim in 30 specific bays around the Lake District within 80 days. All those taking part in the swim challenge are asked to raise sponsorships to provide inspirational challenges for children and adults with disabilities.

The challenge is suitable for all levels of fitness. You can take a quick dip in each of the 30 bays (listed on a map) or challenge yourself with a longer distance. Perhaps you would like to swim before or after work, during your lunch break or even by moonlight. You might even like to walk between some of the bays to link up the swims. It’s all about exploring the Lake District under your own steam and creating your own unique challenge.

The bays include Pooley Bridge on Ullswater, Fell Foot on Windermere and Barrow Bay on Derwentwater, as well as quieter locations such as Rydal Water and Loweswater. Explore the map on the Calvert Lakes website or download the full list here.

Levelling up the 30 Bays swimming challenge

Feeling ambitious? Experienced wild swimmers might like to challenge themselves to complete the 30 Bays in 30 Days, or even 30 hours! 

A member of the Calvert Lakes staff, Cheryl McDonald, has set herself a Swim to Work challenge to launch the event. Throughout July, Cheryl will swim 1km across Bassenthwaite on her way to work at the Calvert Trust office. 

“I decided this would be a great challenge for me to celebrate the start of the 30 Bays in 80 days event,” says Cheryl. “I want to fundraise for the Calvert Lakes to support a fantastic local charity whose mission it is to enable people with disabilities to achieve their potential through adventurous activities.”

Inspiring confidence through outdoor activity

Calvert Lakes is part of The Lake District Calvert Trust. The registered charity provides residential, outdoor activity courses for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities. Its mission is to challenge disability through outdoor adventure with pioneering equipment adaptations and intensive, instructor-led activity programmes. Their mission is to create an environment that challenges, generates confidence and promotes independence.

The challenge is now open for entries. For full event details visit the Calvert Lakes website. Or get in touch with the Fundraising Team on 017687 72255 or by emailing fundraising@calvertlakes.org.uk. Be inspired by more swimming challenges on our news page, or by signing up to the weekly Outdoor Swimmer newsletter.