After three months of training, in swimming pools and lakes, the Great North Swim in Lake Windermere was a relatively easy experience, except for the coldness of the water. It is so much easier swimming in a straight line, without having to turn all the time, and doing the swim in clear water with hundreds of other people added a certain buzz. It was a pity the weather was bad, because it must be one of the most attractive places in England to swim – unfortunately the views of Scafell and the Langdale Pikes were spoilt by low cloud and rain.

Then south to London for the Great London Swim in the Royal Albert Dock – not so many people, but even more of a buzz, partly because of the lovely weather and partly because the spectators were more packed together – the water was warm and surprisingly clean, and it was actually quite pleasant to swim among the cranes and warehouses of the old dock.