The Secret SwimWalk is a fully guided and supported SwimWalk around the wooded tracks and trails of Northern Snowdonia. The route involves 400m of ascent and is an exhilarating excursion for those that take it on. The scenery is beautiful: you can expect forest fire roads, technical narrow foot paths, secluded lakes, and fantastic views. There will be 4 secluded swims in different locations & plenty of snack stops! The route is circular, so you’ll finish up back at your cars. We are offering a limited number of spaces for this challenge. There will be a maximum of 15 people.
Total distance: 10km
Total ascent: 400m
Legs: 6 walks and 4 swims
Price: £70pp (including £3 booking fee)
Location: Near Betws-Y-Coed
Places available: 15 on each SwimWalk
It’s all part of the fun and adventure! We like surprises and we like to keep our favourite trails and swimming spots under the radar, sharing them with just a special few! The route will be kept a secret until the day of the challenge and the meeting place will be sent to you just a few days before (but you will be given an idea of the rough location once you enter).
These are sociable challenges, not races, so there will be no medal for you at the end, but you will take away with you some fantastic memories, some new friends, and a big smile (and possibly cold toes)!
The walk is 10km in total but you do have option to drop out early and miss the last swim if you get tired. The walking is mostly on gravel tracks but there are some uneven, rooty and muddy sections and there is about 400m total ascent. You will need to carry a rucksack with your food, flask, warm layers and swim kit for one swim on each walk section. Please use walking poles if you are at all unsteady on your feet.
The swims are all out and back dips so you can swim as little or as far as you like (although we only have a limited time at each location and we need to keep the group moving so we stay warm)
The is a sociable challenge and the ability of the members of the group will vary so please be aware that you may not be traveling as fast as you might if you were walking alone! The pace will be dictated by the guide, taking into account the ability of the group as a whole. We will need to keep moving at a good pace to keep warm. You will need a good level of fitness to take part. If you struggle during the event and this begins to impact on the well being of the rest of the group we may politely ask you to retire, or at least skip one or two of the longer sections. You MUST be experienced and confident in you ability in open water, and be used to cold water!
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THERE IS NO WATER SUPPORT ON ANY OF THE SWIMS – YOU MUST BE A CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE SWIMMER.
Please pack kit for the worst case scenario relevant to the date you have book to join us. In summer it could be lovely and warm but at any time of year in North Wales we can have cool days and plenty of wind and rain! We will keep moving as much as possible but please come prepared for the cold!
We recommend you wear/bring:
For walking:
Synthetic fabrics are best as they will wick any sweat away from your body and keep you dry. Wool is also quite good as it will keep you warm even if you are damp. Lots of layers are good, rather than one thick layer, so you can take layers off and regulate your heat better – e.g. a technical thermal base layer, a fleece and waterproof jacket. You might also want an insulated jacket or a second fleece of you think you’ll suffer with the cold after the swims. Please bring a complete set of dry clothes to leave in your cars for after we finish the SwimWalk as it is not easy to get warm again in damp clothes!
For swims: Tow float is mandatory on all swims.
We’ll be doing 4 swims so if you will need 4 costumes - one for each to prevent possible cross contamination of any invasive species between lakes.
You MUST also bring and carry with you:
Further information on logistics on the day and individual leg distances will be available one week before the day.
Covid-19 restrictions are still in place in North Wales and we must adhere to social distancing rules. We are able to meet outdoors in small groups but if the regulations change or we head back into lockdown we may be forced to cancel the event. If we do have to cancel you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund minus the booking fee of £3.
Betws Y Coed