A LAKE District caravan park is providing its guests with bespoke advice on a fast-growing pastime – wild swimming. 

Skelwith Fold, near Ambleside, is seeing an increase in the number of  guests who are interested in taking the plunge into Cumbria's lakes and streams. 

Jess Sutcliffe, part of the business' customer service team, has worked there for around five years and is a keen swimmer, and now advises customers on the best spots to go.

She said: "There is a fantastic range of options just a short drive away, including lovely secret coves and beaches, waterfalls and tranquil glades with pools." 

“Where we really score is that you don't have to follow up a liberating wild water experience by returning to built-up surroundings afterwards."

Ms Sutcliffe raised £1,700 for Parkinson's UK when she took part in the Great North Swim in Windermere.

The park provides caravan holiday homes to own and Ms Sutcliffe said that the chance to enjoy wild swimming nearby provided an extra incentive for some buyers.

She added: "Some of our guests use wet suits when dipping, and other prefer the invigorating sensation of taking the plunge with as little on as possible – but either way, it's a fantastic feeling. 

"There are now also many health benefits associated with natural swimming, and the Lake District's waters are among the cleanest, most accessible and loveliest in Britain."