Just above freezing, but I’ve warmed to the idea of outdoor swimming
The snowplough was clearing the roads at the foot of Glen Feshie, while the frosted trees and icy landscape were doing their best to create the appearance of a magical winter wonderland.
A perfect day to be on the snowy shore of Loch Insh. But not ideal for an outdoor swim.
Alice Goodridge would disagree. The 33-year-old runs Swimwild which organises courses and adventures in the Highlands for those who like to get into the water outdoors – and that includes in winter.
Outdoor swimming has gained popularity in recent years and that now also includes the colder months, even when the thermometer drops below zero.
A quick change saw me even colder but ready to go in. When Alice produced a sledgehammer to break the snow-covered ice, however, I began to wonder if this was too extreme for me.
I needn’t have worried – the ice was thin enough to crack and move out of the way by hand and the water was genuinely lovely. Yes, it was cold – Alice said the water temperature was just above freezing – but the action of breaking ice warmed the body.
And thank goodness for my thick neoprene gloves and socks.
Then came the moment. I gingerly dipped down so my shoulders were submerged then decided just going for it was the only option. There followed a desperate imitation of breaststroke.
We had only been in for 10 minutes but the adrenaline was surging through me.
Now, however, the most important part of the experience was to come – it’s
important to get warm as quickly as possible once you’re out of the water.
“Your hands and feet are going to get cold, but it is your core you need to get warm as soon as possible,” Alice said. “Your hands and feet will be throbbing and your body will feel fine but there is this thing called ‘after drop’ which means your core keeps cooling down when you get out of the water. You want to get clothes on as soon as possible.”
Alice’s introduction to taking a dip in winter began when training to swim the Channel. In 2017, she set up the Cairngorm Wild Swimmers group and more than 20 meet for a dip every Sunday in winter – it is important to swim with someone else for safety, especially in winter. But it is the thrill that attracts most.
“I get a buzz afterwards – it is a little bit addictive,” Alice said. And after my rejuvenating dip I realised I might be an addict, too.