Alderford Wild Swim Relay: Superhero Capes, Harvest Moons, and the Roar of the Wild

What a lake! Photo by Farzad Jahanafard

Parkruns and Caped Crusaders

Making its debut on the Level Water roster, Alderford Lake delivered a weekend filled with incredible energy, brilliant spectacles, and a community atmosphere like no other.

From early Saturday morning, the tone was set under the canopy of a massive white registration dome erected on the site. Before a single swimmer hit the water, Alderford’s weekly Parkrun kicked off right around the camping field. Level Water's Andy took to the microphone during the runners' briefing to explain the sea of pink and yellow flags across the grounds, sparking a wave of generosity and donations from the running community.

In true Level Water fashion, several volunteers decided a 5k run was the ultimate warm-up. Dusting off a box of superhero capes they hit the course before diving straight into relay prep!

Harvest Moons, Firepits, and Forest Roars

Saturday afternoon blessed the lake with glorious, hot sunshine and glassy, flat water. The site layout brought everyone right to the water’s edge: the in-and-out changeover tent, medics, and warming firepit directly on the shoreline. Supporters lined the bank in camping chairs, cheering, chatting, and calling out to swimmers on every single lap.

When night fell, the sky put on a show of its own. A brilliant Harvest Full Moon illuminated the water, casting a silver glow so bright that the lake never felt truly dark. Out in the woods, a fairy-like figure captivated everyone, one swimmer walked the lakeside paths draped in a magnificent, iridescent cape covered in lights, glowing brightly against the trees!

Adding to the nocturnal magic was a very unusual soundtrack. Echoing across the campsite throughout the night was a deep, guttural roaring sound - resembling a cow on steroids if you can imagine that! The mystery was later solved: the local fallow deer were in the height of their autumn rutting season, providing an unforgettable wild backdrop to the midnight laps.

Glowing buoys lead the way. Photo by Farzad Jahanafard

Rain, Water Polo, and Butterfly Finishes

While Sunday morning brought a shift to cool, autumnal rain, spirits on the bank remained high. Swimmers warmed up in the "Swimmer’s Hut", which quickly transformed into a wonderfully steamy, sauna-like haven. Meanwhile Daisy kept the energy high on the mic, announcing every team as they entered and exited the water!

The final laps saw pure celebration out on the lake. The Wrexham Water Polo team took to the water together, passing a water polo ball between teammates as they completed their loop, while another team navigated the course alongside a giant inflatable Nemo. To cap off the weekend in style, several swimmers took up the challenge to power through the final meters to the exit in a full butterfly stroke, greeted by massive cheers from the crowd.

The Impact

Alderford Lake proved to be an extraordinary addition to the season, bringing people together for an unforgettable 24 hours. We have so far raised a whopping £32K+ which funds more than 2100 swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

A huge thank you to the venue team, our superhero volunteers, the medics and swim safety crew, and every swimmer who made our first trip to Alderford Lake so iconic! We can’t wait to see you next year!

Is that a fairy?! Photo by Farzad Jahanafard