A Keswick woman is aiming to help more people experience the beauty of the Lake District viewed from the middle of a lake.

Suzanna Cruickshank is leading wild swimming ‘safaris’.

She thinks many would-be swimmers are too nervous to take to the water.

She said: “A lot of people say they would love to do it, but are too scared or lack the confidence.

“They are worried about the depth or the cold. I just want to provide people with the confidence to get in.”

Suzanna, who works for Sally’s Cottages, regularly swims in Derwentwater.

She said: “It is shallow and has no steeply-shelving edges, so it is the perfect place for novice outdoor swimmers. But it can get busy and the water is cloudy.”

Crummock Water is her favourite place to swim and relax.

She said: “It is beautiful and quiet as well. All water looks the same when you look at it, but when you get in Crummock, it is crystal clear.

“Crummock has quietness, good access and clarity of water.

“The temperature does not go up or down dramatically.”

Suzanna, 33, first took up wild swimming in 2013 when a housemate who swam every day in Derwentwater persuaded her to go along.

She started more adventurous swimming in lakes and tarns to escape the stress of caring for her terminally ill dad.

She wears a wetsuit when the temperatures are particularly cold and has swum all the lakes.

She has covered the full length of most of them, but would spend no longer than 15 or 20 minutes in the water at this time of year.

She is taking bookings now for beginner sessions offering a gentle introduction to open water for hardier swimmers, and plans to officially launch her swim safaris in May.