The reservoir is situated below Kinder Scout, the site of the famous 1932 Mass Trespass, in which many Club members took part, seen as a vital part of the creation of the 'right to roam' and the UK's first national park. Now an annual event, the swimming protest was sponsored by Alpkit and the Open Swimming Society and saw swimmers highlighting their belief in an uncontested right to swim in open water.

Kinder Reservoir is owned by United Utilities, whose spokesperson told the Guardian:
"We recognise the right to protest, but we have to remind anyone thinking of taking a dip that the reason we don't allow swimming is because it is very dangerous. Kinder Reservoir is an operational site with deep, cold water and hidden hazards. The reservoir is constantly supplying water for the Stockport area so there are also strong currents below the surface."