Open Water Swim

Join us for a University of Bristol first as we launch our inaugural open water swim hosted in the South West’s premier open water, The Lake at Cromhall Quarry. Swim in one of the clearest lakes in the UK with stunning limestone-filtered waters that provide the perfect setting for open water swimming. The water is that good, it’s drinking grade! Experience open water swimming in a safe and supportive environment, with full safety cover in place both on land and water, the event entry includes a swim cap and mass start chip timing.

The Lake has hot food and refreshments on site, as well as Embers Sauna a rather fabulous way to end a swim. Contact the Lake team about wetsuit hire.

Choose from various swim distances, whilst weather dependent water temperatures average 15-18°C. There’s no need for a wetsuit unless you're new to open water swimming, though we do strongly recommend it as it aids warmth and buoyancy, swim hats and tow floats are required.

Choose between 750m, 1.5K or 2.5K* routes (*the 2.5K distance qualifies for the Bristol Classics).

Event details

• Date: Saturday 3 October 2026 at 12:30 pm
• Location: The Lake, Cromhall Quarry, Wotton Rd, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 8AA
• Transport: opt in for the shuttle bus to and from the lake | free parking available on site 
• All participants should be 18 years+

Payment Information

Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are a student, staff, or alumni and community of the University of Bristol. View the different prices below.

Ticket category	Ticket price exclusive of VAT	VAT* Value	Total ticket price
Student - 750m	£10.83	£2.17	£13
Staff - 750m	£15	£3	£18
Alumni and community - 750m	£18.33	£3.67	£22
Student - 1.5K	£15	£3	£18
Staff - 1.5K	£19.17	£3.83	£23
Alumni and community - 1.5K	£23.33	£4.67	£28
Student - 2.5K	£18.33	£3.67	£22
Staff - 2.5K	£22.50	£4.50	£27
Alumni and community - 2.5K	£26.67	£5.33	£32

 

*VAT is a tax added to most products and services sold by VAT-registered businesses in the UK.

Your ticket price will be confirmed after you select your event distance in the next stage of the transaction. Please note that the total price will not be displayed until after your card details have been entered in the final stage of the transaction.

Please read the following carefully before proceeding with your order.

The Lake Terms & Conditions:

1. Site Safety and Access Restrictions
1.1 Due to the risk of falling rocks and unguarded cliff edges, all visitors must remain within the designated areas as marked.
1.2 Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from any cliff face above road level.
1.3 Climbing, scrambling, or accessing the cliff tops, bunds, stockpiles, rocks, and cliff faces is strictly prohibited.
1.4 Unauthorised access to the Site of Special Scientific Interest located in the southwest area of the quarry is forbidden.
1.5 Young persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on-site.
1.6 Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control whilst on site. Dogs are not permitted in the water and all fouling must be picked up and disposed of by the owner.

2. Open Water Swimming
2.1 We strongly recommend you wear a wetsuit unless you are an experienced open water swimmer
2.2 Open water swimming is permitted only within the marked course and direction.
2.3 Swimmers must use a tow float and wear a swim cap
2.4 Swimmers must yield to divers at all times and be aware that divers may ascend from below.
2.5 Entry and exit from the water are restricted to the designated pontoon and steps.
2.6 Swimming is only permitted for individuals aged 16 years and older.

3. Assumption of Risk and Liability
3.1 Participants acknowledge that open water swimming, diving, and paddleboarding are activities with inherent risks of personal injury or death.
3.2 Participation in these activities is entirely at the individual’s own risk.
3.3 South West Maritime Academy, its staff, and site owners accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to personal property.

4. Emergency Assistance
4.1 While South West Maritime Academy staff are not part of the emergency services, they will provide assistance to the best of their ability in the event of an emergency.

5. Declaration
By making a booking, participants declare that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. Participants further confirm that they are medically fit and possess the necessary equipment, qualifications, and experience to safely participate in their chosen activity.
 

Event participant declaration

1. I acknowledge that open water swimming involves inherent risks, including serious injury or death
2. I certify that I am a competent swimmer capable of completing the distance entered in an open water environment.
3. I am participating entirely at my own risk and accept that University of Bristol and the venue are not liable for loss or injury unless caused by their proven negligence.
4. Medical and health declaration
4.1. I declare that I am physically fit and have no medical conditions [e.g., cardiac or respiratory issues] that would make open water swimming unsafe.
4.2. I confirm I have sought medical advice if I have any pre-existing health concerns.

5. Safety Conduct and Equipment
5.1. Safety Briefings: I understand that attendance at the mandatory pre-swim safety briefing is a prerequisite for entry.
5.2. Mandatory Equipment: I agree to wear a brightly coloured swim hat at all times and a tow float.
5.3. Emergency Procedures: I agree to follow all instructions from the event safety team. In an emergency, I will roll onto my back and signal for rescue by raising one arm. 5.4. Code of Conduct: I will conduct myself professionally, following all local safety rules and environmental protection guidelines (e.g., "Check Clean Dry").

6. Data Protection and Media (UK GDPR)
6.1. Data Processing: I consent to the processing of my personal and medical data for safety and event administration purposes and understand that this information is held by both the University of Bristol and the venue for the duration of the event.
6.2. Photography: I acknowledge that media may be taken for promotional purposes and agree to its use unless I provide a written opt-out.

7. Eligibility and Age
7.1. Age Requirements: I confirm I meet the minimum age requirements [18 years] at the time of entry

Event Terms & Conditions

The University of Bristol recognises that water based activities involve inherent risks including serious injury or death. All participants in this event are aware, voluntarily accept the risks involved and agree to be responsible at all times for their actions. By accepting these terms and conditions you are confirming that you are fully aware of this and accept the risk associated.

1. University of Bristol do not provide, and insurance and this event is undertaken at the participants own risk
2. University of Bristol or the venue does not accept any liability for loss or damage to personal property
3. University of Bristol and the venue do not accept any liability for personal injury or death. This disclaimer does not affect any statutory rights of those participating in the event, nor exclude or restrict any liability for personal injury or death arising from the negligence of the University of Bristol or the venue.
4. Each participant is expected to take full responsibility for their own actions and be respectful of all other participants at the event.
5. All participants will comply in full to instruction from both the event team and the venue water safety team
6. The University of Bristol and | or the venue reserved the right to cancel at any time before or during the event
7. Swim hats and tow floats are compulsory
8. I confirm that I have understood and agree to the requirements of me under this Declaration Form and the Terms and Conditions above.

Additional products

Committed to improving our sustainability, subsidised #WeAreBristol performance running t-shirts are available as an optional purchase via the University online shop to wear during the run. Don't forget your exclusive access to our Bristol Run Series support hub.

Support

Contact the Sports Events Team on sports-events@bristol.ac.uk