FAQs

Confused about something Peak Swims related? Scroll down for some of the most common questions.

About

  • Group wild swim and walk sessions. Mostly half days with the odd full day thrown in along the way. Most of these sessions are available between April to September when the weather and water temperatures are a little kinder. These sessions include some equipment if needed, home made cake and a recommended packing list ahead of the event.

    Introductory and winter swim workshops. These are full day events including some classroom time to go over the basics, have a rifle through all the swim kit followed by a short walk and swim to put everything you’ve learned into practice. If you can’t make a full day workshop, I also offer one to one and small group session introductory sessions to suit your needs.

    You can view and book upcoming group events here

    Bespoke sessions are available on a date and time that suits you. Many people book these for introductory wild swimming sessions, to enjoy a day out with friends or to celebrate a special occasion and for specific swim training needs such as triathlons or distance swim events.

    Film and TV film location recce’s and safety cover are also available on request.

    To enquire about bespoke sessions please drop a message to suzie@peakswims.co.uk

    Indoor swimming lessons are available at the Palace Hotel in Buxton. More information here

  • We like to keep sessions small and intimate, smaller numbers also help to keep you safer.

    Group wild swim/walk sessions and workshops usually have a maximum of six participants.

    Larger groups are welcome to book bespoke sessions if there is a good amount of wild swimming experience within the group. Please drop me a message on suzie@peakswims.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

    Indoor lessons are on a one to one and two to one basis only

  • Outdoor Peak Swims sessions take place across the Peak District. You’ll be able to see locations for group sessions here when they’re available to book. Bespoke sessions can be arranged at a variety of locations across the Peak.

    Indoor swimming lessons take place at the Palace Hotel in Buxton.

  • If you’re aiming to swim the channel or become an age group triathlete then no. However, if you’re just starting out in swimming events or triathlon we’re absolutely here to help you on your journey.

    This usually begins in the pool to make sure your swim technique is as good as it can be before heading outdoors to work on specific open water swimming and event skills. Some people opt for regular sessions whilst others pop in for some technique polishing in the pool or a one off open water intro. It’s entirely up to you.

    If you’d like to chat about your training needs do drop us a message on suzie@peakswims.co.uk

  • In the same way you’re free to do yoga at home, some people like to head to a class too. It’s the same with a guide or coach. A guide or coach can help you improve your technique, show you the best places to go and give you the freedom to fully immerse in an experience without having to work out the minutiae.

    Peak Swims has a breadth of knowledge, qualifications, experience and insurance which all combine to provide clients with a safe and enjoyable experience. You can read more here

    Peak Swims always aims to give people the knowledge they need to go and practice or explore on their own if they choose. Perhaps a poor business model, but Peak Swims never wants to be the “keeper” of a place or activity.

    In reality, lots of people come back to Peak Swims for the freedom, the good company, laid back approach and, I suspect, the cake 😉

    For more information on choosing guides and coaching for outdoor and wild swimming why not head here. The guidance here could apply to any sport or activity.

  • Open group bookings are for over 18s only. Not because I don’t like kids, I have two of my own, but simply because many Peak Swims clients like a space to escape from family life.

    Allowing children to fully understand the joys and risks of outdoor water is incredibly important to Peak Swims. With that in mind bespoke bookings with children from age 10 are welcome. Please drop me a message and we can work out the best type of session to suit you. Please note parents/carers maintain responsibility for their children (under 18s) throughout the session and children must have a minimum swim ability of 25m.

Booking

  • Group wild swims and walks and workshops will be listed and available to book and paid for online here

    Indoor swimming lessons can be booked and paid for here

    For bespoke sessions please drop an email to suzie@peakswims.co.uk

  • Peak Swims sessions vary in cost. Typically, in 2024, a half day group wild swim and walk session will be £45 per person. Full day group workshops and sessions range from £65-85.

    Indoor lessons are £40 per hour one to one and £55 per hour two to one.

    Bespoke session prices are available on request and will depend on the number of people and length of the session.

  • Yes, absolutely. Head here for more information.

  • Yes. Peak Swims’ cancellation policy varies between the type of session and will be provided at the time of booking.

    As a guide, the following usually applies, though may be subject to change at a future date

    Pool Lessons

    Payment at point of booking. Cancellations with full refund or date transfer accepted up to 7 days before the lesson. Cancellations between 7 days and 48 hrs before the lesson are entitle to a 50% refund or to reschedule to an alternative time/date. No refund within 48hrs of session, you will need to re-book and pay again.

    Group wild swims and walks

    Cancellations with full refund or date transfer (where available) accepted up to 14 days before the session. No refunds or date transfers within 14 days of session.

    Bespoke sessions

    Cancellations accepted up to 14 days before the booking with a full refund or date transfer (where available).

    Cancellations on the part of Peak Swims

    Peak Swims operates in most weathers, year round. However, if the weather would make a session unsafe we will cancel a session with as much notice as possible. You may choose to re-arrange to another date (where available) or take a full refund. Please not any refund will be the session cost ONLY. Associated costs of cancellations such as, but not limited to, accommodation, meals and transport will not be borne by Peak Swims. Alternative insurance should be sought to cover such costs.

Ability and experience

  • Specific swim ability is detailed on each session and you should check this carefully before booking. Ideally, everyone should be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres if they are considering entering outdoor waters. However, Peak Swims waterfall walks are often suitable for dipping rather than swimming due to shallow, clear waters and may be suitable for non-swimmers. If you have any concerns about booking a session and your swim ability, please drop me a message.

  • Peak Swims aims to be as inclusive as possible and we’re firmly at the leisure rather than the racing end of the market.

    Group wild swim and walk sessions are laid back and paced to the group. We always stick together, whether in the water or on land, no-one get’s left behind.

    Swims are usually chatty, heads up breaststroke affairs, though there is sometimes opportunity for front crawl depending on the session.

    Walks always involve plenty of opportunity to take photos and rest to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Peak District.

    If you’re worried about your speed or ability or would like something more challenging please drop us a message on suzie@peakswims.co.uk with any requests.

  • Yes, absolutely. Many of the Peak Swims sessions are suitable for dippers who simply want to come and enjoy being immersed in natural waters rather than swim any distance. Please check the swim ability on each session to make sure it’s a right match for you.

    Waterfall walks, most wild swim and walks and bespoke sessions are suitable for dippers.

  • Half day sessions usually involve a walk of around 5-7km. Details on the distance and elevation will be given on the session description.

    Full day walk and wild swims are usually around 12-18km with some elevation gain.

    Shorter, flat two hour group walk and dip sessions are also available and bespoke sessions can be tailored to your needs.

    We always walk at a pace that suits the whole group and no-one gets left behind. No route marching here!

  • No.

    Most of my group session usually end up as heads up breaststroke swims and dips. We’re all about the slow, relaxed swims. Seeing, hearing and absorbing as much of nature as we can.

    If you’d like to learn front crawl and expand your wild swim adventures why not book in for swimming lessons here

  • Alongside fun and enjoyment safety is one of our top priorities at Peak Swims. Full guidance on the activity, any risks and how to manage them will be clearly given before and during the session. If you have any concerns or questions please never hesitate to ask. There is no such thing as a stupid question in the Peak Swims book.

    Group sizes are kept small to ensure, not just an intimate experience, but also that your guide can support everyone safely.

    Experience and qualifications are key to ensuring someone can keep you safe in the outdoors. You can see Peak Swims main guide’s qualifications and experience here. Additional coaches or guides will always be appropriately qualified and experienced for the session they are supporting.

Kit and equipment

  • I’m keen that outdoor swimming be as accessible as possible. That means there’s no requirement to have x,y,z piece of kit before you even start. I have a range of specialist kit available to borrow or hire. That means all you need for a wild swim session with me is a swimming costume, towel, some warm clothes and a bag to carry everything in.

    A small packing list is provided for each booking and will vary slightly depending on the time of year and type of session. All outdoor sessions include home made cake. For full days you might need to bring a packed lunch.

  • In short no. There are no hard and fast rules about what you have to wear in the water though I will guide you through the pro’s and con’s of each. This is a useful article if you’d like to start thinking about what to wear in the though what to wear or not article.

    I do encourage swimmers completely new to the outdoors to try a wetsuit. This allows them to see the difference between skins (swimming costume only) and wetsuit swimming. I have a range of suits available to hire and they are included in the price of some sessions. See here for wetsuit advice.

  • If it can survive in a rucksack for a few hours it’ll be on the repertoire. I have a few firm favourites but a wider variety is always available on full day workshops and requests are welcome for special occasions. Vegan and allergies catered for, please just let us know in advance.

    There is always PLENTY!