Amazon did me proud and delivered a 2mm neoprene top to match last weeks' Dive and Sail pants. But my swimming buddy was totally jealous so we hurried out early (for a Sunday) to Bowness-on-Windermere hoping to land a wetsuit for him post swim. Aquatic Sports declared us even with a 2mm O'Neill Reactor full suit.
It made sense to eat somewhere before heading over to Millerground so we stopped at The Old Pump House where we were met with 'take away only'. We had paninis in the car, but it still felt like a food-win because we've timed every previous swim badly and missed any standard lunch time slot.
A short drive took us to the car park at Rayrigg Meadow (£3.20 for 2 hours and the toilets were closed) where we walked up a steep hill beyond the kissing gate that revealed the most beautiful view of the lake at the top. Back down the other side to Millerground.
The water appeared really clear but we noted the information board and the warnings of blue-green algae.
There were some lovely wooden piers and we chose one to swim by. Entering the water this time was easy waist down. Slower progress waist up, and I definitely felt the sting lowering my hands in (gloves next on the kit list). But once in, we had the longest swim so far. And the surroundings were stunning.
On the way back to the car we noticed a lay-by (just slightly further on than the pay and display car park) where a handful of cars had parked for free. Worth knowing for next time.
We stopped off at the Brewery in Kirkby Lonsdale on the way home (The Royal Barn) which has undergone an impressive make over recently. We sat up in the 'attic' with half a Strawberry Cider, a pint of Single Track, some posh nuts and a deep dish white chocolate and raspberry blondie showstopper cookie (which was so much more than a cookie - thank you Martin Frickel) the lighting in the brewery was stunning.
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