I took part in an Open Water taster session on Sunday 20th August. I was very uncertain about swimming in open water, but after this session I can’t wait to book my next session. The whole two hour event was great, Adam put us at ease and by the time we were ready to enter… Read more “First open water swim”

This is, quite simply, the most wonderful setting for open water swimming. Calm, peaceful, exceptionally well maintained and with friendly and informative staff. I attended my first session today and will definitely return on a regular basis. I particularly love the fact that it has been sympathetically designed to embrace nature and is in a… Read more “Swimming as it should be”

Thank you for allowing me to undertake one of my favourite things swimming in the rain , under the watchful eye of your safety team , who even under the huge umbrella got very wet yet remained cheerful as always . Thank you also for refunding the overpayment for the activity day that was through… Read more “Swimming in the rain”

I have to admit that I was slightly nervous the first time that I went because I have never experienced open water swimming before, but as we were entering the building three ladies were exiting, and were raving about the fantastic experience that they had all had! We were made to feel welcome and at… Read more “Just do it!”

I’ve swam quite a few times at the Crystal Lake. I’m a novice swimmer that only started Lake swimming in June this year. If you haven’t been yet, it really is superb, such a tranquil location. Quite magical. The team Adam, Gemma and Jim are the guys I’ve chatted with so far and they’re so… Read more “Beautiful experience..”

As a novice I felt completely at ease. The team were very welcoming. The lake is beautiful , the temperature was easy to adjust to which helped me relax and have a enjoyable… Read more “Peaceful”

Visited the lake for a swim last Wednesday evening with a few friends We had a great swim on a sunny evening. The water was warm and the atmosphere was relaxing. I would normally choose to front crawl but it seemed a shame as the setting is so lovely. Adam was welcoming with a simple… Read more “It wasn’t just about the swimming”

What can I say other than wow,I have been 3 times now and it just gets better. I loved the freedom ,it’s like swimming in the sea, but without the waves and salt, an amazing experience which I shall be repeating again and again. The staff are lovely ,the grounds are beautiful, it’s just… Read more “Fantastic”

From the moment you are greeted at reception you are made to feel welcome. Everywhere is spotless and well thought out design wise. The lake looks fantastic and a beautiful colours. The setting is so tranquil too. After a short safety briefing by Adam you are in! The water feels wonderful and you are then… Read more “Amazing way to start the day!”

First visit and fairly new to open water swimming. Everyone really helpful and welcoming, and the lake was clear and warm, a fabulous location and natural looking… Read more “Lovely peaceful setting”

A refreshing hours exercise in open water – swimming for an hour in 27 degrees. Great place to cool off. I will be… Read more “Great experience”

I have really enjoyed my swims at Ocean Walker, the water is beautiful and everyone so friendly. Looking forward to the next one, thank… Read more “Wonderful swimming!”

Great swim venue. Well designed, with plenty of variety with the islands, so not just swimming between buoys. Adam, Gemma and the rest of the staff, Jim, Bod and Gavin are really friendly and helpful. As an experienced OW swimmer I really appreciate the new… Read more “Open Water Swimming”

Swimming is my safety valve, and developing cold urticaria denied me a swim fix for 2yrs. (The longest I’ve been dry; inc during cancer recovery) Words really aren’t sufficient to explain the mind, body and soul relief and joy at being able to swim again at the EXACT time this delicious lake opened. Ten thousand… Read more “Swimming in the blue”

Really stunning lake , the swim was relaxing and so calming , yet invigorating Well worth a visit just for the scenery alone . So peaceful and the water was so clear and refreshing , our first time ever lake swimming and it won’t be the last . Adam was so informative and really looked… Read more “Stunning relaxing lake”

My nephew and I had a Sunday early morning swim and it was amazing. From the welcome at reception to the pre-swim briefing and exit chat, I can offer no faults. The swim was lush – success can be demonstrated by my 15 year old nephew convincing me to do a second lap and my… Read more “Beautiful lake swim”

Ocean walker Academy is a truly wonderful place to swim. I feel lucky to live so close and want to keep it quiet but I cannot help but tell everyone how wonderful it is! So good for the soul, my fitness and a place to relax and… Read more “A place of tranquility.”

Two weeks ago myself, nephew and niece had our first open water swim, it was amazing not only the swim but the environment, facilities and staff. The water was great, refreshing but not cold. We were blown away with the colour of the water. I wanted to look at the lake with the view to… Read more “Fabulous first Open water swim”

WOW… from the Warmest welcome on reception right though to the warmest waters in Crystal Lake the whole experience has just been fab , Adam even spent time telling all about his dream about building his own Lake , and what a Lake , Adam & Gemma choose such a beautiful location , once in… Read more “Crystal Lake”

As a lady of 60 l wasn’t sure if l would feel silly wanting to swim … but not at all!! Everyone was so welcoming – other swimmers friendly – well organised too. So no wetsuit but a beautiful day my friend and l swam for 40 mins … it was fabulous! Then a week… Read more “Absolutely brilliant experience!”

Everyone is so friendly and immediately make you feel welcome, comfortable and safe. The lake is stunning, so beautiful! I enjoy swimming for relaxation and a bit of exercise, doing breaststroke all the way round and I love that there are people of all abilities using the lake. If you are thinking of going, GO… Read more “My new happy place”

Clean lake, picturesque and lovely to swim in. Friendly team running… Read more “Friendly swimming venue”

I am not a strong swimmer, or even particularly enjoy swimming but when I saw Ocean Walker Academy advertise, open water swimming, I said “I have to go..”None of my family or friends believed me as I hate the cold, but I just had to go and try it. I am so pleased I did.… Read more “Amazing”

Lived up to expectations from the website. Thoroughly enjoying outdoor swimming. Ocean Walker have made an environment whereby outdoor swimming can be safe, fun and also challenging for experienced swimmers given the size of the lake, islands and various depths. So fortunate to have this facility on our doorstep. Love… Read more “Swimming”

The fresh cool water and natural surrounds relax me into a gentle, effortless swim without the stress of being stuck behind a slow swimmer or hassled by a fast one behind me. I love swimming alongside the bank of the lake, at eye level with nature. Here I can swim for a hour without noticing… Read more “Natural Swimming”

For some one who is apprehensive about fish, weeds and the unknown I certainly didn’t feel that way when getting into the water at Ocean Walker academy. It was really easy to check in on arrival, then we headed to the lake a few steps away to be met by a very friendly Adam who… Read more “Best Openwater experience”

Not like wild swimming but a really lovely experience. An hour was long enough. The water was warm so no need for wet suits. Took an unfit girl like me to pootle around the whole lake in 50 mins, very laid… Read more “so safe”

I love swimming but never tried open water swimming before. This place is a hidden little gem, it was the best experience I’ve ever had. The water is so blue, the temperature was perfect, the surroundings were breathtaking. It was literally amazing. Will definitely be returning and making it a regularly thing.… Read more “Amazing”

We received a warm welcome at Ocean Walker Academy a week after it opened it’s doors. What a wonderful, rural and peaceful setting for an open water evening swim. Adam was on site and chatted to everyone, as his long time dream became reality. It felt very personal to share this special time with him.… Read more “Warm welcome, great waters!”

What an amazing open water first swim we had, lovely place and looking forward to my next… Read more “amazing place”

This fantastic open water swimming lake is the perfect place to wind down after a tough week. Swimming in clear, clean water with dragonflies, oystercatchers and swallows dipping all around, taking in the sound of nature, it’s utter heaven. The staff are very friendly, the booking system is easy and there are always lots of… Read more “Utter tranquility”

Loved my open water swim experience. So peaceful and quiet with lovely views. Will definitely be back for another visit and would recommend to any friends or… Read more “Open Water Swim”

What a gem! I swam in a pool regularly before lockdown and I was reluctant to start again when regulations eased. A friend told me about the lake and I am so pleased she did. It is so peaceful and the water is refreshing. After experiencing open water swimming I really don’t want to go… Read more “Fantastic facility”

Had a fantastic relaxing evening swim . What a wonderful setting, being at one with nature . Warm welcome from owners and a feeling of being safe at all times Highly… Read more “With nature”

I’ve been every week for about 5 weeks now and I love it more and more every time I go. It’s such a beautiful, tranquil place to be in the water. I feel 100% safe being in there. It’s lovely, clean, friendly and always inviting. I would be in there everyday if I could.… Read more “Absolutely beautiful place to be”

I really enjoyed my trip to Ocean walkers Crystal Lake. Staff so friendly and I felt completely safe as I swam because of a member of staff overseeing the lake and swimmers at all times. I would definitely recommend a trip to the… Read more “Great swim”

I had my first open water swim a few weeks ago and loved every second of it. The water was warm and clean and I personally appreciated the AstroTurf for a safer entry and exit – would love a handrail! The whole experience was great. I had booked again for last weekend but was struck… Read more “Great for the soul!”

What a fantastic experience to be able to swim in open water. I am a keen swimmer and so far have only swam in swimming pools. Swimming in the lake was out of this world. I felt free and safe. Temperature of water was lovely. My daughter had booked this and was best thing ever.… Read more “Freedom!”

We have absolutely loved our time at the beautiful crystal lake. We were 3 novice open water swimmers and have now become way more confident, to the point where I am now undertaking a 60 mile sponsored swim! Thank you for looking after us so… Read more “Flowery Hat Ladies!”

My first visit to your lake and the service was first class. The lake itself was a delight to swim in,it felt like river swimming ,will definitely be coming… Read more “Ocean Walker”

I started my open water swimming here a few weeks ago, as a novice, and every week I love it even more. This beautiful environment, and great course are a real joy to swim in. Looking forward to seeing the changes too. My father, brother and partner have also started and they love it too.… Read more “A wonderful experience!”

Was greeted by all friendly, helpful members of staff. Changing facilities were not available but that is more the fault of Covid, toilets were available and clean. Was lucky enough to go on a very hot day and have the most glorious, relaxing and enjoyable outdoor swim. Love the plans for future beech huts for… Read more “Glorious outdoor swim”