Safety

The Frog Whitton is not a challenge for a beginner cyclist nor a beginner swimmer and anyone attempting it should have experience of long-distance uphill cycling and long distance open water swimming. You should also have experience of cycling the 25% gradients of the Lake District passes which can be challenging in both ascent and descent (particularly in wet conditions). Every year cyclists are injured descending one of Honister, Hardknott or Wrynose passes.

1. You should carefully consider whether you need safety support during the swims (from a boat/kayak/paddleboard/accompanying swimmer) and be aware that both Ullswater and Derwentwater have ferries and boats of different sizes. Completing a swim later in the challenge with a fatigued body can be much harder even if you are used to swimming in the lakes.

2. If you intend to swim any of the lakes without a wetsuit, be sure you have done sufficient acclimatisation training in cold water. The Lakes can be cold even in mid-summer and feel even more so to someone who has just cycled a steep Lakeland pass.

3. The passes of Kirkstone, Honister, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea tarn have steep gradients (30% maximum) with, at times, a poor road surface. Descending these safely requires skill and practice and, in wet weather a great deal of care is needed. Ensure you have practiced these descents, have adequate brakes and are skilled at bike handling.

4. If you have any doubts about your ability in the water, do not hesitate to enlist the support of an accompanying boat/canoe.

5. Be sure to have practiced and trained for the transition from Cycling to Swimming (and then back to cycling). This is an important element of the Frog Whitton.

6. It probably goes without saying that a properly maintained bike will be necessary and appropriate repair equipment carried. There are several sections of the route without mobile phone coverage so contacting your support vehicle may not be possible.