Frequently Asked Questions

Online Bookings and Payment in advance are required. Click here to book.

Please do not arrive on site without pre booking. Bare Hill Lakes is on private farm land. It is only accessible during opening hours. 

If you are new to Open Water Swimming and would like visit, please email barehilllakes@gmail.com and arrange a time when we are open to come and visit. 

Yes the waiver is required before you swim.  Once you have booked you have the option to complete this as part of your booking, or you will get an email with a link to complete.  

If you do not complete the waiver (one per Swimmer) you will not be able to swim.

• Tow float (Can be hired for £2 at check in).
• Brightly coloured hat – swimming cap is preferred. 
• Wetsuit (optional, but recommended by Swim England)
• Swim goggles
• Towels
• Drinking water
• Warm dry clothes and a hot drink during the winter months.

Wetsuits are not compulsory, but they are recommended by the governing body – Swim England below 14 degrees. If you choose to swim without a wetsuit, you are swimming at your own risk. 

Yes, there is and it is free of charge. Please Park at the top of the hill on the right as soon as you drive through the gate. Once out of your car follow the path and walk down the hill to the lake. 

Most swimmers change lakeside. There is a tented changing area by the lake, also a shed / warm room (limited space) if bad weather. 

We do not have separate changing areas for male and female. We do not have lockers, please do not bring valuable items.

The tow floats for hire have a small area to put valuables if you are nervous about leaving them lakeside or in your car.
 
Any valuables left by the lake are left at your own risk. Bare Hill Lakes are unable to take any responsibility for these items.

Yes, both are compulsory, tow floats can be hired for £2 cash, hats must be brightly coloured.

Yes, all sessions will have a qualified Open Water Lifeguard and a spotter watching the lake. 

If there is an emergency and the Lifeguard is required to attend to someone on dry land, then all swimmers will need to exit the water as quickly as possible for their own safety.

The lifeguard reserves the rights to ask any swimmer to exit the water at any time during their session. 

Between 250m and 300m depending on whether you swim on the outside loop or the inside loop. 

Yes! I have spent too many years being told my children can’t swim because they are too young.

Swimming in a lake is very different from swimming in a pool. There is no edge to hang onto and no guarantee there is a shallow area to stand in. So, your child must be a strong competent swimmer.

Under 16 years old parents/ legal guardians are required to book their child a session, accompany the child at all times in and out of the water and complete their waiver for them before arriving.
 
All children under 16 years of age will be required to show the Lifeguard on duty that they can swim 50 meters unaided. It is at the lifeguard’s discretion if your child is allowed to continue. Unfortunately, no refund is given if the lifeguard asks your child to leave the water. 

All Juniors are required to: 

• Swim with a Tow Float
• Wear a bright hat
• Wear wetsuits. Juniors tend to cool more rapidly than adults having more insulation allows for a longer and safer swim time.

Please get in touch barehilllakes@gmail.com if you think you may need assistance getting to the lake. 

We will try to accommodate you where we can. The only entry into the water is swimming pool style steps. 

Of course, they can!  Children under 16 should be supervised at all times and not left unattended. 

Yes, we welcome well-behaved dogs as long as they are on a lead and accompanied at all times.

All we ask is that you are respectful to other customers and make sure you clean up your dog’s mess.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to walk your dog at the lakes as it is a sheep farm predominately nor are they allowed in the lake.

Yes this is planning to start Spring