AN INTREPID swimmer embarked on a life affirming journey, swimming the length of the 17 longest lakes in the Lake District.

John Mathers, from Hawkshaw, set himself the challenge by way of celebrating his 60th birthday.

Mr Mathers began the mean feat in 2014, and by September 2016 he had completed 13 of the 17 lakes, including Coniston Water and Wast Water.

Upon completion of his mission, Mr Mathers had swum a distance greater than the length of the English Channel.

John always travelled with one or more boats, and says he was particularly impressed with the help he received when swimming Ullswater.

Mr Mathers said: “It has been wonderful to explore to so many hidden gems of the region and I have been delighted to be rewarded with fleeting glimpses of rarely seen animals and birds that can thrill you to the very core.

“I am proud that swimming runs in the family and I am inspired by my late grandfather who used to tell me of his exploits in the old Bury Baths in the years prior to the First World War.”

John has now written a book documenting his accomplishments.

‘Challenging Waters: The diary of a Lake District swimmer’ is set to be published in February next year says John.

“I hope that the book will make all water users, not just the ever growing number of swimmers taking up open water swimming, be more aware of their responsibilities and their need to safeguard this precious commodity for future generations.”