Womens Adventure Club - Wild Swimming Walk: Ysgafell Wen

Women’s Wild Swimming Walk – Ysgafell Wen

Satruday 8th August | 9am – 5pm

Join our Women’s Adventure Club for Wild Swimming walk number 23 from the fabulous book, Wild Swimming Walks in Eryri, by Emma Marshall.

This walk has four mountain swims including Wales' most remote lake and a romantic waterfall pool deep in a secret river-gorge. it is 13km (7.5 miles) with 640m of ascent in one of Eryri's very special, tranquil areas. It is described as an epic yet challenging day out over sometimes pathless ground. We have chosen this walk as the navigation can be challenging therefore it might not be one that you'd attempt without a guide. The day will be led by Emily Ashton-Hughes Mountain Leader and Lucy Horwood, Open Water Swim Coach and Lifeguard.  Swimming/dipping will take place according to the conditions on the day, we may not have time or conditions to do all four of the swims. 

Logistics

• Meet: Layby parking near Nantmor Mountain Centre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T313HRTZvY8eBAzQ6

• Meet time: 8.45am for a 9am start

Please car share where possible

What to expect

The day will be shaped by conditions and the needs of the group, but is likely to include:

• Ascending Ysgafell Wen North Top

• Lake and river swims along the route

• Brews and cake at Caffi Gwynant at the end, time and energy permitting

This is a challenging but beautiful walk. Expect boggy ground, steep and rocky sections, and occasionally rough or pathless terrain. All swims are optional.

Is this adventure right for you?

This Wild Swimming Walk is supportive, welcoming and non-competitive. It’s about moving together, encouraging one another and enjoying the landscape at a steady, considered pace, rather than pushing for speed or performance.

However, it is a long day in a remote mountain environment. You’ll need to feel confident walking 13km with significant ascent, carrying a full day pack. To keep the group safe and supported, we need to stay together, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. 

If you enjoy being outdoors, are open to a challenge, and value being part of a supportive group, this day is likely to be a great fit. If you’re unsure, we’re very happy to talk it through before you book. This walk is for women aged 18+.

Weather and conditions

This walk takes place in a mountain environment where weather is part of the experience. We will operate in wet and changeable conditions, and you should expect rain, wind, sun and muddy ground. Being well prepared and comfortable spending a full day outdoors in potetially challenging weather conditions. 

What to bring

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• A warm insulating layers

• Hat, scarf and gloves (for after swims)

• Sunglasses if sunny

• Rucksack

• Lunch and snacks

• Water and a hot drink in a flask

• Hiking boots

• A swimming costume for each swim you would like to do

• Towel

• Neoprene gloves and socks

• Personal medication

Responsible Wild Swimming

As a responsible provider, we take our duty of care to both participants and the natural environment seriously. Our guides will manage all swimming activity, making decisions based on conditions, safety, group wellbeing and environmental protection. We work carefully in these landscapes to minimise disturbance to wildlife, protect fragile biodiversity and prevent the spread of invasive species. Entry and exit points, timing and group size will all be managed by the guide, and participants are expected to follow their instructions at all times.

To protect water quality, no pollutants are to be worn while swimming. This includes sun cream, body moisturiser, oils or similar products. To avoid cross-contamination between different lakes and rivers, a clean swimming costume is mandatory for each swim, and a fully dry change between dips. Swimming is always optional, and we encourage participants to listen to their bodies, support one another and approach the water with care and respect throughout the day.

Adverse Weather Policy

Outdoor activities are subject to weather and environmental conditions. To ensure the safety of all participants, we reserve the right to change the location, timing, format, or activity where necessary due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Activities will not be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Instead, an alternative venue, route, or activity may be provided, which may include indoor alternatives such as climbing.

No refunds will be offered where an activity is amended, relocated, rescheduled within the same day, or substituted due to weather or safety considerations.

Participants will be notified of any significant changes by email as soon as reasonably practicable and, where possible, at least 48 hours before the activity takes place.

Thank you to The Outdoor Partnership for providing funding for this event. If you have any questions please email emily@penybrynoutdoor.cymru