Windermere Challenge 2025

Elaine, Dawn, Helen, Mary and Maggie

MRC Ladies Make a Splash at Windermere.

What do you get when you mix a group of determined Monmouth rowers, a few brave volunteers, and the longest lake in England? A weekend of soggy lycra, cake-fuelled endurance, and plenty of banter, of course!

The Monmouth RC WF4x+ ladies headed north for the Windermere 35km Rowing Club challenge 💪 .Saturday was “gentle” practice (with the odd sharpener), followed by a hearty chilli supper and a quiz night put on by our brilliant hosts at Windermere RC.

Sunday saw an early start to dodge the worst of the weather. Eight stable quads formed a merry flotilla, heading up the lake in cloudy but warm conditions, weaving between ferries, and taking in the stunning scenery. The return journey came with a little more “atmosphere”—persistent drizzle, driving rain, and the kind of dampness only British rowers can laugh through. Spirits stayed high though, thanks to non-stop chatter between boats and the knowledge that cake and hot drinks awaited. And we weren’t disappointed—Windermere RC laid out enough sweet treats to feed an entire regatta.

Special mention goes to Helen and Phil’s daughter, Nina, who swam the entire 10.5-mile length of the lake the day before in an eye-watering 6 hours 49 minutes. Truly epic!

So, a massive thank you to Windermere RC for their hospitality, and our brilliant MRC ladies for flying the club flag in style. A little rain, a lot of fun, and one more adventure in the bag. 🚣‍♀️☔🍰

See you on the water.