The Dozen Dips is an ultra swimming event based at the stunning Cotswold Lake 86.

Long Course: Swim a mile, every hour, on the hour for 12 hours.

Total distance: 12 miles (around 19.3km)

Unsure about swimming 12 miles? Want to dip your toe in before committing to the long course? We also have an intro distance.

​Short Course: Swim half a mile, every hour, on the hour for 12 hours.

Total distance: 6 miles (around 9.7km)

The course will be set up as an 800m loop. Long course swimmers will complete two laps every hour (for a total of 12 miles). Short course swimmers will complete one lap every hour (for a total of 6 miles). Like our backyard running event, participants are able to use the time in between laps to rest and prepare for the next lap.

Entries for both long and short distance are open for soloists and relay teams – relay teams can be made up of either 2, 3 or 4 swimmers.

Wetsuit or skins? Swimwear is totally your choice (as long as your modesty is maintained). Tow floats are mandatory for if you are swimming without a wetsuit.

This event is designed to be fun, sociable and celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of wild swimming. But for those competitive fishes amongst the shoal, fear not!... Laps will be timed, allowing us to crown the fastest in each category to complete each distance.

​A great event for spectators too with camping available on site and fantastic food stalls all part of Lake 86 facilities.

Join us for the inaugural Dozen Dips - Saturday 5th July 2025.