People are invited to take part in a Lake District New Year’s Day dip for a Cumbrian charity.
The Lake District Calvert Trust will be holding the dip at Derwentwater in Keswick on January 1 – and 500 places are up for grabs.
Last year’s event had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, but the charity is hoping that 2026 will not be a washout.
“Our New Year’s Day Dip has become a firm fixture in the fundraising calendar and promises to, once again, be a great community event to start the year!” said Georgia Naylor, fundraising officer for the Lake District Calvert Trust.
“The fun will start at 11am and fancy dress is most definitely encouraged! Our Calvert catering staff will be laying on their best warming soup. Donations most welcome – we do cash and contactless so no excuses!”
The New Year’s Day Dip is made possible each year thanks to the generosity of the Keswick Launch Company, which allows the charity use of the shoreline.
Lake District Calvert Trust instructors and staff will be on duty at Derwentwater to make sure that all dippers are kept safe.
Wetsuits are recommended and safety boats will also be on hand.
The New Year’s Day Dip is free to take part in but swimmers are encouraged to make a voluntary minimum donation of £5 to help ensure that children and adults with disabilities continue to benefit from the great outdoors thanks to the work of the Lake District Calvert Trust.
Places are strictly limited to 500 and can be reserved in advance here.
