Going wild’s such a great way to chill out
Melanie plunges into Wild Fox open water swim day
Wild swimming is all the rage right now with people saying it helps improve their mental and physical health.
Perth and Kinross has many popular spots for getting in the water.
PA reporter Melanie Bonn went along to one event to see what the fuss is about.
The wooded bay at Ardtalnaig, south Loch Tay with its private shingle shore was a splendid setting and the swimmers warmed up by an open fire, enjoyed hot drinks, and were given a healthy lunch.
Participants reported feeling “really alive,” “buzzing” and “aware and restored” by the experience.
Now Wildfox Events plans to run variations of that initial event on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July 25 from 10.30am to 3pm. As before, the Perthshire events company promises “a magical retreat experience designed to immerse you in nature like never before - wild swim coaching, mindful woodland walk and kayaking.”
Tine Barkmann returns to chaperone the swimmers and share her enthusiasm for open water.
David Fox-Pitt MBE and his wife Jo of Wildfox Events explained more about what to expect on the tailor-made day: “The ancient woodland by the shore has a peaceful power and walking and sitting quietly in this magical place will calm and centre you (in Japan this is called ‘shinrin yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’).
“We’ll take you on a journey where you’ll ‘bathe’ in the beauty of ancient woodland and swim in the loch giving you a healing day before you emerge reenergised and ready for life’s inevitable challenges. Wetsuits are optional - this experience is designed for those who dare to don their swim things, put on a brightly coloured swim cap and step right in.
No extra kit is required except some footwear suitable for swimming in or swim socks if you have them and we’ve got spare swim caps too.”
A light buffet lunch with an emphasis on warming, nutritious and mainly vegetarian dishes will be served from the tent and hot drinks will be available throughout the day.
‘Wild Swimming and Forest Bathing Wilderness Experience, Loch Tay’ costs £127.79 per person and can be booked on www.eventbrite.co.uk