Lake guides
See below for the What3Words locations for the entry and exit points for all 13 lakes, as well as a brief description of each lake and any other pertinent location and access info we have. Below is a suggested order (used by Danny in 2021), but feel free to swim the lakes in any order you like (being sure to follow the rules and guidelines set out in the Rules & Info page).
01: Wastwater
Distance: 5.5km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Unwound.Bandwagon.Inhabited
Entry/Exit Point 2: Superbly.Guises.Alien
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Description: Simply stunning. Stone bottom and very deep so water quality is perfect. Can be windy...so don't get your direction wrong! Long drive from anywhere.
02: Windermere
Distance: 17.7km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Window.Cello.Pans
Entry/Exit Point 2: Conned.Inform.Beak
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Description: Long ass body of water with everything from steam boats, chain ferries and hire boats trying to scupper your swim. Lots of places to buy food...for your support crew!
03: Elterwater
Distance: 1.2km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Dictation.Rumbles.Wished
Entry/Exit Point 2: Commoners.Ironic.Gobbling
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Description: Funny shape with a shallow bit in the middle where you may get mud in your nails. Lots of dog walkers so expect to explain what you are doing again and again and again and again!
04: Grasmere
Distance: 2.3km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Taker.Flopping.Bundles
Entry/Exit Point 2: Fragments.Motive.Effort
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Description: Belter of a swim with good access. Send the support crew to the world famous Grasmere gingerbread shop so you can all argue if it is nice or not. Personally we prefer a ginger-nut (other breads and biscuits are available).
05: RydaL Water
Distance: 1.5km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Lamplight.Hindering.File
Entry/Exit Point 2: Instilled.Deduct.Hiked
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Description: Little gem with a lovely beach at the Southern end and short walk to the car. Couple of islands to navigate, we would suggest you walk between here and Grasmere...but what do we know about your plans? Maybe you have someone to carry you or a trained pack of mice pulling a carriage, thats just what we did!
06: Coniston
Distance: 9.2km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Ushering.Imply.Coolest
Entry/Exit Point 2: Cuddling.Arena.Forehand
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Description: Long way down so make sure you put this in at the right time on your attempt. Lovely car park at the Village end and a really straight lake (so good for efficiency). At the South end the entry/exit point isn't quite at the end, so you'll need to swim a bit further to complete the full length...but you like swimming right so thats cool.
07: BrothersWater
Distance: 0.6km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Enhancement.Microchip.Hospitals
Entry Exit Point 2: Connected.Airfields.Descended
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Description: Hardly worth getting in this one...but you have to, so crack on! Good parking, nice path to the end with sharp stones to help keep you awake. Look at this as the appetiser or desert pre / post Ullswater.
08: UllsWater
Distance: 12.9km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Peroxide.Welfare.Thread
Entry/Exit Point 2: Slider.Derailed.Stint
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Description: Amazing scenery and great entry and exit points. Shaped a bit like a banana and getting to that apex is a great feeling...unless its windy as the wind will then either help or hinder you as it channels down the lake.
09: Bassenthwaite
Distance: 6.7km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Pushy.Outwards.Salutes
Entry/Exit Point 2: Veal.Passively.Cucumber
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Description: There is a yacht club on here so you may be viewed as a fun target by amateur racers or oblivious children. Other than that a great lake, there is a definite 'direction flow' on this one - we will leave you to find that out through research or by being sad having done it the wrong way.
10: Loweswater
Distance: 2.0km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Copycat.Island.Unframed
Entry/Exit Point 2: Soups.Outboard.Raced
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Description: This is the start (or end) of what is arguably the most fun section of The13. The Lorton Valley is often quieter and while the roads are somewhat narrow getting around is a treat after the central lakes. While there is a bit of a walk to the start/finish of this one whichever way you do it, it's a lovely distance and simple nav.
11: Crummock Water
Distance: 4.3km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Tumblers.Paused.Yesterday
Entry/Exit Point 2: Occur.Anchorman.Quite
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Description: The biggest one in this valley and not one to be underestimated. By the time you make it here you'll have a few miles in your shoulders, so do pace it! There's a great path on foot between here and Buttermere.
12: Buttermere
Distance: 2.3km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Commended.Loose.Script
Entry/Exit Point 2: Conveys.Total.Calculate
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Description: A beautiful body of water, starts off very shallow if heading South to North but fear not it gets nice and deep. Good access at both ends and a great amphitheatre for a spot of competitive adult PE style swimming. Kirkstone pass is a fun journey as well if you exit or enter the valley this way.
13: Derwent Water
Distance: 4.8km
Entry/Exit Point 1: Adjust.Dried.Happening
Entry/Exit Point 2: Skim.Caves.Multiply
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Description: Middle distance swimming has never been so fun, bit of everything here. Access can be tricky so plan ahead to avoid long walks or support crew lake entry problems etc. Depending on time of day/year ( I hear it is quite quiet January to March!) there can be a lot of traffic on here so keep your eyes peeled. Keswick has some great pubs if this is your last lake...if its your first...Keswick still has some great pubs.