Swimhiking

University of Sunderland politics lecturer, Peter Hayes has literally written the book on the sport of Swimhiking – a cross between rambling and open water swimming that is taking The Lakes by storm.

Rather than navigate a path around the Cumbria’s lakes, swimhikers are able to dive right in, swimming a path to the other side or exploring the lake’s islands and inaccessible features.

The activity is made possible by Mr Hayes’ invention of the Swimsac, which allows Swimhikers to cross the water without their hiking gear getting wet.

The creation is essentially a rucksack modified with a waterproofed inner layer and flanked by children’s armbands to provide buoyancy. By moving the straps off the shoulders, the arms are free to perform and swimming stoke.

Using the device, the 45 year-old has explored Cumbria in a totally unique manner, including a swimhike along the River Rothay, into Windermere and onto the lake’s many islands.

“The Lake District is absolutely ideal. There are so many lovely routes you can do,” said Mr Hayes, whose book, Swimhiking in the Lake District and North East England, features 32 routes through some of the best scenery in the country.

The sport also combines the health benefits of both activities. Walking tones up the lower body, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, while swimming works virtually every muscle group in the body in a non-impact manner.

Far from making the sport more gruelling, the ‘sac’ actually helps with the swimming.

“Because of the armbands, the bag feels like it doesn’t actually weigh anything. It’s actually easier having it on your back while you in the water,” explained Mr Hayes.

As well as the physical benefits, Mr Hayes said the sport is also good for the soul.

“It can be a very spiritually uplifting experience. When you’re out in the countryside with nothing in your way you feel very much part of the environment,” he said.

Indeed, Mr Hayes slots so well into the Lakes that his sport has left a trail of baffled onlookers.

“One thing that often happens is that I will be swimming towards a shore where people have gathered, perhaps thinking I’m a seal or something. Then when they see that I’m getting closer, they quickly run away,” he said.

Despite the reservations of some, the sport is on the up, and Mr Hayes is looking for more people to get involved.

“It’s a tremendous thing to do on your own, but it’s great to do with other people too. I hope it’s going to take off because it’s a great way of enjoying the Lake District,” he said.

For more information on the sport, details of how to build a swimsac, or to buy Mr Hayes’ book, visit www.swimsac.co.uk