Tri, and try again – the Lake District’s toughest triathlon

The Ullswater area of the Lake District is Kevin Rushby's favourite place in the world. But will he still love it after tackling the notoriously gruelling Helvellyn Triathlon?

Olympics 2012: how to get involved in synchronised swimming

Looking for something to fill an Olympic-shaped hole in your life? Take up synchronised swimming, says Rachel Holmes

Olympics 2012: how to get involved in swimming

We emerged from the water, and lo we shall return there, in municipal pools and on holidays sometimes. Dive in

Is it ever too late to learn to swim?

Nearly 30 and terrified of the water, Bim Adewunmi finally takes the plunge

Lake District swimming cuts a ‘nonsense’ in Olympic year

There's water everywhere outdoors in Cumbria, but it's icy cold. Indoors, the axe is sharpening alarmingly over pool times, school swimming and other leisure use

Keri-Anne Payne: ‘Swimming is my passion. Baking comes a close second’

World champion 10km open water swimmer Keri-Anne Payne on her diet secrets. And pastry

Too old for synchronised swimming? No way

Emma Brockes meets the women of a retirement community's swim team (oldest member: 96)

‘Wild swimming’: are its days numbered?

Our political leaders seem to share a love for swimming in lakes and rivers. But health-and-safety fears mean many councils are seeking to ban it

‘Wild swimming’ – it’s a bit like calling lawn mowing ‘wild vacuuming’

Despite his initial scepticism, Tom Cox has found himself seduced by the magic of wild swimming