The most utterly stunning location for a swim, in the country. An outdoor swimmers paradise, crystal clear water & unparalleled views, a dream and a challenge fulfilled.

This is an exciting new swim sportive organised and promoted by Head to the Hills and High Terrain Events in association with the National Trust. 
Sponsors: 2XU

Entries: Entries now open

Distance: 1500m; 5k; 10K

Enter Online:

enter 1500m online £25 >
enter 5K online £32 >
enter 10K online £42 >

Start Times:

1500m  9am
5K 10am
10K 10.15am  start first wave with waves at 10min intervals.

Start: North West end of Buttermere water

The Course: Swim the whole circumference of this beautiful lake in the 5K course and twice in the 10K course. Its a swim sportive, a challenge rather than a race, its just you, swimming with others and the clock. :)

Included in your Utterly Buttermere entry:

The UK's cleanest open water swim in clear azure Lake water
Swim hat
Event memento
Feed stations during the 10k race
Water based and shore based safety cover
Spot prizes by 2XU and others
Free parking
Discount on Exclusive Utterly Buttermere event T-Shirt.

Event Organisers: Head to the Hills & High Terrain Events

The Utterly Buttermere is destined to be an iconic event in the swim calendar.

Swim Entry Requirements:

1500m Entrants to be over 16 or over on the day.

5k  & 10K entrants, to be 18 or over on the day.

All entrants must be regular and competent swimmers.

For the 1500m you should be able to swim one mile in a pool without stopping and have recent open water swimming experience.

5k must be able to swim the distance in a pool, have regular experience of open water swimming and be able to swim 1 mile in under 1 hour in open water.

10K entrants must have trained for and be able to swim the entered distance in a pool,  have regular experience of open water swimming and be able to swim 1 mile in under 45 mins in open water.

If you are inexperienced swimming in open water, I am sorry you can not enter the 5k or 10k endurance events.

The 10k will have a half way 5K cut-off time of 2hour 15mins. If you do not mange to reach the 5k mark on 2 hour 15min or less you will be retired from the 10k sportive.

Please note these swim requirements form part of the event organisers safety policy & terms and conditions.

Full Event Terms & Conds here

Safety Cover: Will be provided by land based RLSS lifeguards and Kayak cover. Swimming wetsuits are compulsory, they form part of the safety policy and provide buoyancy and warmth.

Due to the special natural environment of Buttermere the event has a 200 limit.

See this event on facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/163956373714992/

Enter Online:

enter 1500m online here >

enter 5K online here >

enter 10K online here >

Event T-Shirt: The Utterly Buttermere T-Shirt will only be available to buy online before the event. Entrants can purchase the exclusive Utterly Buttermere souvenir T- shirt before the event and then pick-up from the event. Buy event t-shirt >

How to get there: Easy, enter the address you are travelling from on the map below.

Parking: Free competitor parking (subject to ground conditions). Plus plenty of alternative car parks.

Spectators: Supporters, friends and family are sure to have a great day out too in this gorgeous corner of the Lake District. There are easy terrain paths both to and along the Lake shore, perfect for viewing the course.

Refreshments and others purchases: The Fabulous Croft Farm Cafe, 2 pubs and farm cafe. Last minute swim purchases will be available from Head to the Hills.

Don't forget to pre-order your event T-shirt too!

NB: We are hoping to get hot refreshment included in your ticket price too. Watch this space.

Where to stay:

Buttermere Youth Hostel

The Fish Hotel Buttermere

The Bridge Hotel, Buttermere

Syke Farm Campsite

Crag House Farm Camping Barn, Buttermere

Other places to consider: Keswick, Lorton, Lowes Water, Braithwaite, Cockermouth