WILD SWIMMING
More of us are waking up to the benefits of wild swimming, which include boosting immunity, improving circulation and libido, reducing stress, burning calories, and even helping to prevent dementia by releasing a cold-water shock protein in the body. A guided wild swimming holiday is a great introduction. These are some of our favourites.
TAKE A DIP IN CORNWALL St Michaels Resort in Falmouth is launching Wild Sea Swimming Retreats this year. In partnership with Swim Lab (swimlab.org.uk), each retreat spans Friday to Sunday, and is led by swim guru and coach Salim Ahmed. The three-day experience includes beach/studio yoga, coastal walks, guided sea swims, expert teaching on open-water swimming, and time in the resort’s award-winning spa. It’s suitable for novice and accomplished swimmers and covers technique, breathing methods and how wild swimming can boost health and happiness.
The lounge of the BOOK IT: Cold water swimming erevetre-saot-srosotmarytmfraosmro£u4m4i5epp, based on bed and breakfast, dinner on the first night, plus all activities and instruction. Retreats run from 14-16 May, 16-18 July and 1-3 October 2021 (stmichaelsresort.com).
DIVE INTO SCOTLAND Scotland boasts some of the most awesome and wildest places to swim in the UK, from deep lochs to roaring waterfalls. For beginners, guided wild swimming adventures are the best and safest option to get started. Look at Soak Up Skye (soakupskyetours@gmail.com) on the Isle of Skye, Swimwild (swimwilduk.com) in the Highlands, and Immerse Hebrides (immersehebrides.com) in the Outer Hebrides. You can do as little or as much as you like. Book a half-day swim around a castle in a loch in the Cairngorms, or take the plunge with a week’s luxury swimming holiday on the Isle of Lewis.➺