Wild Lakes of Snowdonia

FRI, 25 SEPTEMBER  – SUN, 27 SEPTEMBER 2021

We will be running more of these weekends once COVID restrictions have lifted. To be added to the waiting list email bex@loveherwild.com.

**Full**

A chance to experience and explore the beauty of Snowdonia’s high mountain lakes on this relaxed weekend get away. Using a bunkhouse as a base, we will be teaming up with Wild Swim Snowdonia to experience some of Snowdonia’s best wild swimming spots, with a chance to do some hiking as well. This weekend is perfect for first time swimmers or experienced dippers looking to meet like minded-women and get some fresh mountain air.

The Plan

Over the weekend we will explore and experience the raw beauty of Snowdonia’s high mountain lakes. The group will meet on Friday night at a bunkhouse in the heart of the mountains where they will have a chance to share a glass of wine, discuss the activities planned for the weekend and unwind after a long week at work.

On Saturday we will head up into the mountains, the terrain will be mountainous and rugged (but not technical – there’s no scrambling) as we head to our first lake and we will be rewarded with extraordinary views and a feeling of freedom and achievement.

At our first lake we will be met by the team from Wild Swim Snowdonia who give our group advice, tuition and safety supervision as we take a dip into out first lake. After warming up with some hot drinks and lunch we will walk to our next lake.

There will be a chance for an optional swim here or just a relax before heading back to the bunkhouse where we the group can either choose to cook for themselves or head to the local pub (a short drive away).

On Sunday we will head out before breakfast to join Wild Swim Snowdonia and have breakfast in the wild as we take a refreshing morning dip in Llyn Idwal…one of Snowdonia’s most stunning and impressive lakes! We will return to the bunkhouse before lunchtime.

Start point: Gwern Gof Uchaf Bunkhouse, Ogwen Valley – Friday 25th September, 7pm

End point: Gwern Gof Uchaf Bunkhouse, Ogwen Valley – Sunday 27th September, 1pm

Who will be leading this expedition?

This expedition is being led by Love Her Wilder, Kate Owen. Kate is local to the area and a qualified mountain guide, keen wild swimming and eater of good food! She is passionate about getting everyone and anyone out into the mountains to experience their healing and freeing qualities. The mountains can be intimidating for a lot of people and Kate is keen to help people find their feet in this amazing environment.

Those of you who came to the Love Her Wild Weekend 2019 may remember Kate from the bikepacking workshop and, of course, her talk about an exciting career in adventure documentary filmmaking.


What’s Included

– Experienced and insured mountain leader
– All group safety equipment
– Instruction and supervision from Wild Swim Snowdonia (including a qualified life guard)
– Support in build up from Love Her Wild…please don’t be shy to ask questions!

What’s Not included

– £24 cash for bunkhouse accommodation*
– Food and drink
– Transport to and from the bunkhouse

*you will need to pay £24 in cash on arrival at the bunkhouse. While your space at the bunkhouse has been reserved, we are not able to make the payment for insurance reasons (this is something we are looking to change for future adventures but for now, doing it this way means we are able to keep costs down for you!)

What will I need to bring:

– Walking boots
– Waterproof trousers and jacket
– Warm layers including hat and gloves
– Clothing suitable for a day hike
– Day sack
– Sleeping bag
– 
Hot drinks & thermos
– Headtorch
– W
ater bottles (2L)
– Walking poles (optional)
– Swimming costume
– Towel
– Food:
Friday – Dinner
Saturday – Breakfast, lunch, diner (option to eat at local pub for diner or cook at the bunkhouse)
Sunday – Breakfast
Also bring plenty of snacks for during the hike and after the swim….cake strongly encouraged!

You do not need any previous experience with wild swimming. Note that as the lakes are remote they require a level of fitness to be reached. You should be comfortable doing a half day hike in the mountains while carrying a small daypack.

Dates: 25th – 27th September
Cost: £140
Where: Gwern Gof Uchaf Bunkhouse, Ogwen Valley

The adventure is fully booked. Please email us to be added to the waiting-list. 

Note that spaces are limited to just 11. Bookings include a £80 non-refundable deposit.
Full booking terms and conditions can be read here.