My missus is doing the Great North Swim later this year and is thinking of testing her new wetsuit in Ullswater next week as we’ll be staying not far from there.
Anyone any experience of swimming from the Pooley Bridge end? We’re thinking that I could row along in a hired boat, just in case she gets too cold or generally struggles.

Just watch out for the steamer.

if she’s quick you could stand on the steamer and give encouragement;

Will be colder than you’d think.

Swum quite a bit in there but at the other end and across the middle from the outward bound centre.

Not sure its the best idea at this time of year – its a LOT colder than you’d imagine – only last week an experienced and well equipped paddler drowned:

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/04/08/birmingham-born-rugby-player-drowns-in-canoe-tragedy-97319-28480501/