Laura Clarke, whose outdoor adventures include trekking to Everest Base Camp, loves nothing more than an early morning dip in the tranquil waters of the Lake District.

“There’s just you and the water surrounded by amazing scenery at the first light of day,” said Laura.

“It takes your mind off anything that you are concerned about or worried about, anything that is in your head. When you’ve done that first thing in the morning you end up going on to have a really productive day.”

The day job that Laura heads off to after her weekday wild swims is the reason she is able to live in the Lake District. After landing a dream job as a private client executive with leading legal firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, a member of the innovative UK200 Group, Laura was delighted to make the move north from Teddington in south-west London with her fiancé Dan earlier this year.

“Cartmell Shepherd is a fantastic company to work for. They are caring and supportive and like to see their people flourish and succeed. They are a highly regarded law firm, excellent at what they do and offer a level of expertise and advice akin to any large national law firm. Our clients are getting the best possible advice and the best levels of customer service,” said Laura.

Based at Cartmell Shepherd’s West Cumbria offices on the Dovenby Estate near Cockermouth, Laura specialises in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Administration of Estates.

She said: “Cartmell Shepherd is an innovative firm which likes to work collaboratively with other businesses to explore new opportunities. I have joined the Chamber of Trade as the Dovenby representative working to develop links between businesses in Cockermouth with companies on the estate. Everywhere I have been, everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to join the Cartmell Shepherd team which is looking to expand and prosper in serving the West Cumbria community. As a family-orientated business, Cartmell Shepherd encourages a good work life balance and is supportive of me pursuing my activities, including wild swimming.”

Crummock Water and Buttermere are near to Laura’s office and home, making it possible for her to make wild swimming a regular part of her exercise routine.

“For the last seven years, the Lake District has always been the place where Dan and I have wanted to live. I am so lucky to live and work here. I’ve still got to pinch myself that this is all on our doorstep. Wild swimming wakes you up. At first light is when the Lake District looks its best. No-one else is around. It is really beautiful. I find it really refreshing.”