Winter Swimming

2 April 2026

Wetsuit vs Skins: Why There’s No Right Way to Cold Water Swimming

Cold Water Swimming, Swim Stories, Winter Swimming 6

Cold water swimming, wetsuits, and why your body gets the final say

It started with an honest post about wetsuit vs skins cold water swimming.

I shared a photo of myself, layered up more than I usually would be, and wrote about something I hadn’t really said out loud before.

This winter had been harder than I expected. My ability to cope with the cold had dropped. Between broken sleep, toddler life, and a constant stream of bugs, my body just wasn’t handling it the same way.

I was still getting in the water. Still dipping. Still guiding others. But actually swimming properly? That had become a different story.

So instead of forcing it, I adapted.

I added layers. My 1.5mm Zone3 neoprene shorty wetsuit. A long-sleeved swimming costume. Neoprene gloves and socks. Even a neoprene hat under my swim hat.

Not because I had to, but because it’s what my body needed right now.

What I didn’t fully expect was the response.

The Response

There were over 60 comments on Facebook alone, and the overwhelming feeling was not judgement but relief.

People recognised themselves in it. People admitted things they hadn’t really said out loud before: they were struggling, their bodies had changed, and they felt like they were somehow getting it wrong.

“I’m often told I’m cheating wearing a wetsuit in winter… but it’s what my body needs right now.”

“Initially I felt like a fraud… but then I thought, so what? I’m still swimming.”

Some spoke about pressure from others.

“Some groups here near me still won’t let you join them unless you do it ‘properly’ without a wetsuit.”

Others spoke about how their capacity had shifted over time.

“I’ve had a tough time this winter and my body has just not felt like getting in the cold much at all.”

And again and again, the same theme kept coming through. Not judgement. Just a quiet sense of permission. To adapt. To change. To listen.

Because the truth is, I understand. I’ve been on both sides of it.

My first wetsuit and cold water swimming beginnings

My first wetsuit came not long after my first ever open water swim.

That swim was a five kilometre crossing between Malta and Gozo. Somewhere along the way I met someone who had swum the English Channel, and by the end of the trip I had somehow been talked into booking my own solo attempt two years down the line.

I came back to the UK at the end of the summer and realised I had a problem. If I was going to train for the Channel, I needed to keep swimming through the winter.

So I bought my first wetsuit. A fabulous BlueSeventy wetsuit. I still have it now, patched up in places and passed between swimmers over the years.

At the time, I loved it.

It felt like the answer to everything. Warm, buoyant, reassuring. I remember putting it on and feeling like I had superpowers, like it made me faster, stronger, more capable. It meant I could keep swimming when the temperature dropped, and I didn’t question it beyond that.

It was just a brilliant bit of kit that let me stay in the water.

That was, until I realised that if I really wanted to swim the Channel, I wasn’t supposed to be wearing one at all.

The shift to skins swimming

I started looking for people to swim with through the winter.

That’s when things began to shift.

I found a group down at Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth. Brilliant swimmers, welcoming, experienced. None of them wore wetsuits.

Around the same time, I started spending weekends training at Dover Harbour, where many Channel swimmers train.

It was the same there. No wetsuits. Just gradual acclimatisation. Getting in regularly, building time in the water, letting your body adjust.

It wasn’t something that was questioned or debated. It was just how it was done.

And without really thinking about it, I adapted. The wetsuit got hung up, and I began swimming through the winter without it.

I also entered my first winter swimming competition, the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships at Tooting Bec Lido. It followed International Winter Swimming Association rules, which meant no wetsuits.

So it wasn’t just something I was doing in training anymore. It became how I swam.

Over time, that stopped feeling like a choice and started to feel like part of my identity. I wasn’t just someone who swam outdoors. I was a swimmer who didn’t wear a wetsuit.

Cold water swimming culture: wetsuit vs skins

It wasn’t something anyone ever formally explained to me at the time, but looking back, I had stepped into a very particular culture.

In open water swimming, there’s a distinction between swimming in a wetsuit and swimming “skins”, which means wearing a standard swimsuit, goggles, and a cap, with no neoprene or added buoyancy.

On the surface, that’s just a difference in kit. But in reality, it often carries a bit more weight than that.

Because once you remove the wetsuit, you’re not just removing insulation. You’re removing buoyancy too. You’re fully exposed to the cold, and your body has to adapt to it over time. And for many swimmers, that is the point.

The cold isn’t something to get around. It’s something to meet, to train for, to endure.

Historically, that idea runs deep. Channel swimming has always followed strict rules around not wearing wetsuits, going all the way back to the earliest crossings. That standard has shaped what is often seen as the traditional form of the sport.

And when you spend time in those environments, you start to pick up on it. What is normal. What people do. How people talk about it.

For me, though, it was never about one being better or tougher than anyone else.

I’ve always thought wetsuits are a brilliant piece of kit. They make swimming more accessible, more comfortable, and for many people, make it possible at all.

At that point in my own swimming, I simply wasn’t using one. Partly because of the Channel rules. Partly because of the people I was swimming with. And partly because I’d learned how to adapt to the cold without one.

So I became a swimmer who didn’t wear a wetsuit. Not because I believed it was the only way. Just because it was the way I was swimming.

When your body changes in cold water swimming

Fast forward fifteen years.

In that time, I’d completed swims I once thought were impossible. A solo English Channel crossing. The lengths of two of the longest freshwater lochs in Scotland, Loch Awe and Loch Lomond. Long swims in lakes across Europe. Winter swimming competitions in the UK and around the world. An Ice Mile, becoming the 264th person in the world to complete one under International Ice Swimming Association rules.

I swam all these without a wetsuit.

I still thought wetsuits were a fantastic piece of kit, though.

When I teach introduction to open water courses, I actively encourage people to wear a wetsuit if that’s what helps them feel more comfortable and confident in cold water.

And during my time as Event Director of the Scottish Winter Swimming Championships, an International Winter Swimming Association event where wetsuits are not permitted, I created an additional “anything goes” category.

The idea was simple. To give people a way to take part while wearing whatever they needed. Wetsuits, gloves, socks, extra layers, etc. What I hadn’t anticipated was quite how creative people would get, with everything from full neoprene to full fancy dress. But at its core, it was about making space for more people to be part of it.

Occasionally I’d put one on for safety training or coaching, but for my own swimming, I didn’t need it. My body knew how to deal with the cold. I trusted it.

Pregnancy changed the equation

Then, when I was pregnant, for the first time in a long time, something shifted.

It wasn’t so much how I felt in the water. I could still get in. I could still cope. But afterwards, I was wiped out. Completely drained in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

So I adapted.

I put on a very stretchy wetsuit. Not as a big decision, not with any internal debate. It was just obvious. My body needed a bit more support, and that was that.

After my son was born, I went straight back to swimming. Back into just a swimsuit. Back into the cold.

That first winter, it made sense to take it gently. I dipped. I kept it short. I had a newborn. There was no pressure to do more. And for a while, that felt fine.

This winter felt different

But now my little boy is two, and this winter has been different.

He’s older now. Life is fuller, busier, louder. A return of broken sleep, more movement, constant low-level exhaustion. Endless bugs.

And I’ve felt it, not just in life, but in the water.

I’ve wanted to stay in longer, to swim properly again, to build back towards something. But every time, my body has said no. Not dramatically. Just quietly, firmly.

That sense that if I stayed in a bit too long, I’d pay for it later. Not just in how I felt, but in what came next. I couldn’t afford to be exhausted. I couldn’t just go home and rest. I had a toddler who needed me.

I’ve watched others swimming through the winter, building distance, doing incredible things. And I’ve mostly been dipping. In and out. Because that’s all I’ve had in me.

And eventually, I had to admit something I didn’t really want to. My capacity for the cold had changed.

When spring changes your mindset

At the same time, something else shifted. The seasons.

It’s that point in the year where it starts to feel like spring, even if the water is still cold. Where your mindset moves forward before the temperature does.

And I realised I didn’t just want to dip anymore. I wanted to swim. Properly. With some rhythm. Some distance. With something to build towards again.

But the water is still cold. And my body is still tired.

So I made a decision. Not a dramatic one. Not a difficult one.

I put the wetsuit back on.

What cold water swimming really costs your body

For a long time, I didn’t really question any of this.

I knew the cold was hard. I knew it took getting used to. But once you’d adapted, it just felt like part of the process. Something you could train through. Something your body would learn to handle.

Cold water swimming is also an energy demand

But the more I’ve reflected on this winter, the more I’ve realised that cold water swimming isn’t just about tolerance.

It’s about energy.

When you get into cold water, your body is working immediately to try and keep your core temperature stable. You lose heat far more quickly in water than you do in air, and your body has to respond fast.

Blood is pulled away from your extremities. Your breathing changes. Your heart rate spikes. Then, once you settle, your body starts generating heat just to keep you going.

All of that takes energy. And that’s before you’ve even started swimming.

Swimming without a wetsuit adds another layer to that.

You’re not just swimming. You’re also constantly managing your temperature. Your body is working to produce heat at the same time as it’s trying to move you through the water.

Which means the same swim, in the same conditions, can cost significantly more, not just physically in the moment, but afterwards too.

And that’s the part I think we don’t talk about enough. The recovery.

Because it’s not just about how long you can stay in. It’s about what it takes out of you afterwards.

That heavy, drained feeling. The need to warm up, refuel, rest. The way your body can feel completely wiped out for hours after a swim. Sometimes longer.

What a wetsuit changes

A wetsuit doesn’t remove the cold. But it does change that equation.

It slows heat loss, reduces the demand on your body, and gives you more time before you reach that point where your system is under strain.

It doesn’t make cold water swimming easy. But it makes it less costly.

Why life outside the water matters

And when you start layering that on top of real life, it matters even more.

Because cold tolerance isn’t fixed. It shifts depending on what else your body is dealing with.

Lack of sleep.
Illness.
Stress.
General fatigue.

All of these affect how well your body can regulate temperature and generate heat.

If you’re run down, your ability to respond to the cold is reduced. Your body has less energy available. Even your natural shivering response, which is one of your key defences against the cold, can be delayed.

So the same swim, in the same temperature, can feel completely different depending on what’s going on in the rest of your life.

And I think that’s what I’ve been feeling this winter.

Not that I’ve suddenly become worse at coping with the cold. But that my body is already using so much energy elsewhere. Looking after a toddler. Running on broken sleep. Fighting off constant low-level illness. Just getting through the day.

So when I get into cold water now, it’s not the only demand on my system. It’s just another one.

And at some point, something has to give.

Wetsuit swimming achievements still matter

And this is the part that I think gets lost sometimes.

Because once you start looking at it through that lens of doing it properly, it becomes very easy to dismiss anything that doesn’t fit that model.

But the reality is, there are people doing extraordinary swims in wetsuits. Not easier swims. Not lesser swims. Just different.

Take Caroline Connor, for example.

She’s completed some phenomenal long-distance swims, including the full length of Lake Geneva, over 70 kilometres, in just over 25 hours. She’s also swum the full lengths of Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, and Loch Awe, as well as completing the English Channel.

All in a wetsuit.

Or Scott McCade, who swam Loch Lomond end-to-end and back again.

Around 72 kilometres. Over 31 hours in the water.

Again, not a small swim. Not something made “easy” by a layer of neoprene. Just a different set of challenges.

Of course, there are also more widely known swimmers who have completed groundbreaking wetsuit swims. But these are two people I’ve swum alongside. And I think that matters.

I’ve also known swimmers who have quietly gone out through the winter, week after week, building distance in whatever way works for them. Sometimes skins, sometimes wetsuit. Sometimes changing year to year.

And that matters too, because it shows something important.

That wearing a wetsuit doesn’t remove the challenge. It just changes it.

There is no right way to cold water swim

Coming back to that social media post I shared, and all those comments, what stayed with me wasn’t debate.

It was how many people needed to hear it.

The pressure to do it properly

It’s okay for things to change. It’s okay for your body to feel different. And it’s okay to adapt.

Because somewhere along the way, a lot of us have picked up the idea that we should be able to do this in a certain way.

Stay in longer. Push through. Handle the cold.

And if we can’t, then maybe we’re not doing it properly.

But the more I think about it, the less that makes sense.

Because cold water swimming doesn’t happen in isolation.

It sits alongside everything else in your life.

Your sleep.
Your health.
Your energy.
Your responsibilities.

And all of that changes.

So it makes sense that how you swim might change too.

What actually matters

If wearing a wetsuit means you can stay in the water a little longer, move a little more, enjoy it a bit more, then that matters.

If it means you get to keep showing up through a difficult season, then that matters too.

Because the point isn’t how tough it looks from the outside. It’s whether it works for you.

And maybe that’s what came through most clearly in those comments.

“It’s not cheating, it’s what my body needs right now.”

“Do what gets you into the water and makes you happy in the water.”

There isn’t a right way to do this.

There’s just your way.

If you want to explore this further

If this has resonated with you, and you’re figuring out what works for your body in cold water, I’ve put together a free cold water mini guide to help.

It covers practical tips on preparing for a cold water swim, managing cold water shock, breathing control, acclimatisation, safety, and choosing the right kit for you.

You can download it here: FREE Cold Water Mini Guide

11 March 2026

Cold Water Shock: The Moment I Couldn’t Breathe

Cold Water Swimming, Swim Safety, Winter Swimming 0

A cold water swimming story and what every swimmer should know

If you spend enough time around cold water, sooner or later someone will ask you about cold water shock.

Most people imagine it as something dramatic that happens to inexperienced swimmers or people who fall unexpectedly into cold water.

The truth is, it can happen to anyone.

My first real experience of cold water shock happened years before I ever imagined I would become a cold water swimmer.

And it nearly caught me out.

My first real experience of cold water swimming

I had just left school and joined a charity expedition to Arctic Norway as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The first half of the trip involved winter skills and a glacier expedition. The second half had us kayaking through the Norwegian fjords. It was one of the most incredible landscapes I had ever seen. Huge dark fjords stretching for miles, tiny wooden cabins on the shoreline, glaciers melting into turquoise water.

One day we were camping beside a fjord and I spotted a glacial lake a short walk away. At the far end of the lake you could see the edge of the glacier melting into it.

The water was that incredible sapphire blue you only get with glacial meltwater.

For some reason I decided it would be a good idea to swim across to a rocky island a short distance away.

It wasn’t far. Maybe twenty or thirty metres.

I was eighteen, adventurous, and not particularly worried about cold water.

I walked into the water wearing a T-shirt, bra and pants. No swim kit. No hat. No goggles.

The moment I started swimming I realised just how cold the water was.

It took my breath away.

I remember thinking I should probably turn back, but I had already decided I was swimming to that rock. So I put my face in and sprinted across with front crawl.

Then something strange happened.

The moment I couldn’t breathe

When I lifted my head to breathe, no air came in.

It felt like someone had locked a clamp around my chest. I tried to breathe again and again but nothing happened. I could see the rock in front of me and my brain went into survival mode.

Just get to the rock.

Just keep swimming.

I somehow made it there.

My expedition buddies on the shore were cheering and waving, completely unaware that I had just had one of the most frightening experiences I had ever had in the water.

The problem was, I still had to swim back.

What actually happened to my breathing

At the time I had no idea what had just happened.

Now I know it was to do with breath control and cold water shock.

When I first put my face in the water I took a huge breath and held it while I sprinted. I never properly exhaled.

So when I lifted my head and tried to breathe again, my lungs were already full.

There was nowhere for the air to go.

Add in the shock of freezing water hitting the body and suddenly it felt like I had a clamp wrapped around my chest.

That sensation is incredibly frightening if you don’t understand it.

And it is one of the reasons cold water shock can be dangerous.

What cold water shock actually is

Cold water shock is the body’s immediate reaction when cold water hits warm skin.

It happens right at the start of immersion. Often within seconds.

It is not hypothermia.

The most intense part usually happens in the first one to three minutes in the water, which is why those first moments matter so much.

When cold water hits the skin, nerve receptors send a sudden signal to the brain. The body reacts automatically.

This can cause:

An involuntary gasp
Rapid, shallow breathing
A feeling that you cannot control your breathing
A sudden sense of panic

Your breathing can become much faster than normal and it can feel almost impossible to settle it.

Even strong swimmers experience this. Fitness and swimming ability do not prevent it.

This is why many cold water incidents happen very close to shore, before someone has had time to regain control of their breathing.

Why cold water shock is often underestimated

One of the biggest misunderstandings about cold water swimming is that people think the main danger is hypothermia.

But hypothermia takes time.

Cold water shock happens immediately.

Those first minutes are when breathing is most affected, when panic can set in, and when people are most vulnerable in the water.

Once breathing settles, swimming usually becomes much easier.

That is why how you enter the water matters so much.

How to manage cold water shock when swimming

One of the most important skills in cold water swimming is learning to manage those first moments in the water.

The key things I always teach are very simple.

Enter the water slowly

Jumping or diving in can trigger a much stronger shock response.

Give your body time

Stay where you can stand and let your breathing settle before you start swimming.

Focus on breathing out

Long steady exhalations help calm the breathing reflex and stop that gasping feeling.

Wait until you feel in control

Once your breathing feels steady again, swimming becomes much easier.

Those first one to three minutes are the hardest part.

After that, most swimmers feel much calmer.

Cold water swimming safety starts with understanding your body

Cold water swimming can be an incredible experience.

It can feel powerful, joyful and deeply calming.

But cold water always deserves respect.

Understanding how your body reacts in the first moments of immersion is one of the most important safety skills any cold water swimmer can learn.

That lesson started for me in a glacial lake in Arctic Norway when I was eighteen.

It is something I still teach every swimmer today.

Learn how to swim safely in cold water

If you are interested in cold water swimming, I have put together a free Cold Water Mini Guide with practical tips on:

preparing for a cold water swim
managing cold water shock
breathing control in cold water
acclimatisation and safety

You can download it here:

Download my Cold Water Mini Guide here.

Winter swimmers holding up ice at Loch Garten

28 January 2026

Cairngorms Winter Retreat January 2026: Winter Swimming in the Cairngorms & a Wild Swimming Holiday in Scotland

Trip Reports, Winter Swimming 0

Ice swimming, winter lochs, a waterside sauna – a guided Scotland swim retreat

Arriving in the Cairngorms for a Winter Swimming Holiday

After weeks of snow and ice, January arrived with a shift in mood. Rain, wind and that wonderfully wild, wet winter weather that the Cairngorms does so well. As guests began making their way north for our January Cairngorms Winter Retreat, it already felt like the beginning of a true winter swimming holiday in Scotland.

People arrived from all corners of the UK. Ferries from the Isle of Lewis, sleeper trains up from London, and many places in between. Everyone arrived safely at Inshriach House, our base for the retreat, where our dream team of guides, myself (Alice), Becca Harvey and Lynda Stoddart, were reunited once again, alongside our fabulous cook, Pauline. We even had a little red squirrel at the kitchen window to keep us company!

This is one of the things I love most about hosting a wild swimming retreat in Scotland. Bringing together people from different places, all drawn by a shared love of cold water, wild landscapes and winter swimming in the Cairngorms.

We began, as we so often do, with a cosy lunch and introductions. Sharing where we’d come from and what had drawn each person to this Scotland winter swim retreat.

? Click here for more information on our Cairngorms Winter Retreats

Thursday: Arrival, Introductions and Our First Winter Swim

First Dip at Loch Morlich. A Classic Cairngorms Winter Swim

With lunch finished, it was time for our first swim. We headed to Loch Morlich, one of the most iconic spots for winter swimming in the Cairngorms. Moody skies sat over snowy hills and the loch lay calm and flat. Perfect conditions for easing into a winter swimming holiday.

Everyone got in, taking their time to soak up the atmosphere before we wandered back along the beach and through the beautiful pine forest. Back at Inshriach, there was time to warm up by the fire before dinner. A gentle, grounding start to our wild swimming holiday in Scotland.

Thursday Dinner: Slow-braised ox cheeks, squash & chickpea tagine, tabbouleh, roasted beetroot & goat’s cheese salad
Pudding: Apple & pear crumble

Friday: Loch Insh, Winter Sunshine and Sauna by the Loch

Winter Swimming at Loch Insh. Calm Water and Highland Light

Friday greeted us with brighter skies as we headed to a quiet, sheltered bay on Loch Insh. Sunlight filtered through the trees and lit up the hills on the far side of the loch. One of those swims that reminds you exactly why winter swimming Scotland can feel so special.

Afterwards, we walked along to Loch Insh Outdoor Centre for coffees, teas and hot chocolates overlooking the water. A very civilised way to warm up during a guided winter swimming retreat.

Sauna and Cold Water at Loch Alvie

In the afternoon, we headed to Loch Alvie for something really special. A visit to the brand-new location of Sauna Cairngorms.

This is a regular swim spot for us, but it was the first time the saunas had been moved here. Hot saunas, cold loch dips, and that deep sense of relaxation that comes from alternating heat and cold. One of the highlights of this winter swimming retreat in Scotland.

Warming Up After the Water

After our afternoon swim and sauna session, we returned to Inshriach as the light faded and the house filled once more with warmth. Wet kit was hung up, delicious homemade Chocolate Swiss roll was eaten, fires were lit, and there was time to relax and chat before gathering around the table.

Dinner, as always, was cooked by Pauline and was just what everyone needed after a day in cold winter water.

Friday Dinner: Sweet chilli baked trout, mushroom shawarma, roasted sweet potato with chimichurri, whipped feta with sumac onions, and warm flatbreads
Pudding: Lemon posset

It was one of those evenings where conversation ebbed and flowed easily. Afterwards, Alastair brought out a selection of whiskies for an informal tasting and a bit of gentle whisky education for anyone who fancied it. A relaxed and cosy end to another full day on our winter swimming retreat in the Cairngorms.

Saturday: Ice Swimming, Fairy Lochs and Winter Sunsets

Ice Swimming at An Lochan Uaine (The Fairy Lochan)

Saturday was our chance to stretch our legs and head a little higher into the Cairngorms. We made our way to Glenmore and walked up through the forest to An Lochan Uaine, also known as the Fairy Lochan.

The loch gets its name from local folklore. It’s said that the fairies used to wash their clothes in its green-tinged waters, giving the loch its unusual colour and lending it a slightly magical feel. Standing there in winter, with ice spreading across the surface, it’s not hard to see why the stories stuck.

At our chosen entry point, there was a clear, swimmable section of water. We slipped in and swam right up to the edge of the ice, giving some swimmers their first experience of ice swimming in Scotland. It was quiet, focused and deeply memorable.

Winter Swimming and Ice Chimes at Loch Garten

In the afternoon, we headed on to Loch Garten for another winter swim. Here, the ice was thinner and closer to the entry point. Easily breakable, though still impressively thick. The patterns in the ice were extraordinary, and the sound, quickly named the ice chimes, was utterly mesmerising.

These moments are what make a winter swimming holiday in the Cairngorms so special. Cold water, stillness, and the feeling of being fully present in a wild winter landscape.

After our swims, we wandered down to Loch Mallachie to catch the low winter sun shining through the trees, before heading back to Inshriach to warm up.

Returning to Inshriach

First came afternoon tea, including the now-famous carrot cake, which disappeared very quickly indeed. This was followed by a visit to Walter’s wonderfully quirky gin distillery, where we heard stories of Inshriach, the gin, and future plans. Many people left with bottles of gin, and some with lamb from the farm freezer.

That evening, with Burns Night falling the following day and holding special meaning for Fay and her husband Andy, we shared a celebratory curry supper together.

Saturday Dinner: Chicken pasanda, mattar paneer, lentil dahl, Bombay potatoes, kachumber salad, raita, rice and naan
Pudding: Chai-spiced chocolate mousse

A warming, generous meal, and a perfect way to round off a day full of winter swimming, walking and connection.

Sunday: A Final Winter Swim at Loch an Eilein

A Cold and Beautiful Final Dip

On our final morning, we headed to Loch an Eilein, just a short distance from Inshriach. The loch was calm and quiet, and we took a moment to enjoy the stillness before getting in.

The water temperature hovered around 2.5°C, making it a true winter swim and a fitting finale to this Scotland winter swimming retreat. A cold, beautiful dip to end a very special few days.

We returned to Inshriach to pack up, load the minibus and gather one last time around the table. Pauline had saved something very special for the finale.

Sunday Lunch: Roast Inshriach lamb, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and all the trimmings

A proper Sunday roast, shared slowly, with plenty of stories, laughter and reluctant goodbyes. A wonderful way to close a few days of winter swimming, wild water and shared experience.

Looking Ahead to Next Winter Swimming Retreats ❄️

Plans are already forming for the 2026–27 Cairngorms Winter Retreats. Dates aren’t live just yet, but if you’d like to be the first to hear when they’re released, and have the best chance of securing a place, you can register your interest below.

? Click here to register your interest for future Winter Retreats

Cairngorms Winter Retreat Loch Morlich Snow

28 November 2025

Cairngorms Winter Retreat: Ice-Breaking Dips & a Snowy Highland Adventure – Winter Swimming Scotland

Trip Reports, Winter Swimming 0

Returning to Inshriach House for a Winter Swimming Escape

In November, we hosted our first Cairngorms Winter Retreat of the season — a special one for me, as it marked our first time back at Inshriach House (the beloved base for our retreats) since I had my little one, now a toddler. Although I live here in the Cairngorms, returning to Inshriach House felt like returning home – the perfect place to host this winter swimming Scotland adventure.

A spell of heavy snow had transformed the area into a true winter swimming paradise. Inshriach looked like a snow globe, and thankfully the snowploughs and gritters had done their work, clearing all the roads before our guests arrived.

Swimmers joined us from across Scotland, England and two all the way from Germany. We gathered around the dining table for Pauline’s exquisite roasted tomato and pepper soup and her famous haggis sausage rolls. Pauline, our incredible private chef, would go on to spoil us for the full retreat.

The SwimWild guides for this retreat: me (Alice), Becca and Lynda — all cold-water swimming experts, with many winters and multiple ice miles under their belts.

First Swim: Glenmore’s Snow-Laden Magic

We bundled into our community-hire minibus with the brilliant Lynda driving us just 8 miles up to Glenmore Forest – which had transformed into a winter fairytale of snow-laden pines and soft evening light.

Arriving at Loch Morlich, the beach was pristine, the loch still, and the sky washed with pastel colours. A perfect introduction to wild swimming Scotland in its winter glory.

For some, it was their first true winter dip. Gabi, one of our German guests, had one of her first ever cold-water swims, holding Lynda’s hand as she stepped in — and absolutely loved it. Others stayed in longer, soaking in the spectacular views.

Afterwards, we warmed up with hot drinks, flapjacks and brownies on the snow-covered beach before returning to Inshriach for sticky lemon drizzle cake, roaring fires and cosy chats. Dinner – which included a gorgeous beef ragù — finished off a brilliant first day.

Day Two: -18°C, Singing Ice & Riverbank Sauna Warmth

We woke to a rosy, glowing sky and snow sparkling across the hills. Overnight temperatures had plummeted: Pauline recorded –12°C early in the morning, and a nearby station reported –18°C. True winter swimming conditions!

Loch Vaa: Crisp Ice, Crystal Water & Cairngorms Beauty

After a delicious breakfast, we headed to the beautiful spring-fed Loch Vaa, well known among wild swimmers for its clarity.

As we approached, we saw the loch was partially covered in ice – no sledgehammer required as there was an ice-free section for swimming, but breathtakingly beautiful. The ice made magical tweeting sounds as it cracked and people skimmed shards of broken ice across the surface. A truly magical icy swim experience.

We dipped, laughed, explored, and wandered round to the old boathouse to take in the mountain views.

River Spey Dip & Cosy Log-Cabin Sauna

Back at Inshriach, soup awaited before we walked across the fields to the River Spey and the gorgeous timber sauna hidden among juniper and pine.

After a refreshing dip in the river, we warmed up inside, steam rising as we looked out at snow-heavy branches. It felt like a Scandinavian retreat — atmospheric, peaceful and perfect for anyone who enjoys the wellbeing benefits often associated with cold water therapy (though, of course, we were mostly in it for the fun, the adventure and the connection).

After a few dips in the river, people decided to cool down by rolling in the snow!

As dusk fell, the warm glow of Inshriach House welcomed us home.

Inside, it was time for Allison’s birthday cake — one of Pauline’s masterpieces, a glorious stem ginger cake. The surprise was only half-successful (she caught sight of it while fetching milk!) but the celebration was still joyful.

Dinner was another feast – Cheesy Leek & Potato Pies, Butternut Squash Gratin,
Root Veg Mash, Green Beans & Crispy Kale – and guests headed to bed wondering how things could possibly get better…

Day Three: Misty Forests, Ice-Breaking Delight & Sunshine Sauna Magic

Rain overnight had melted some snow but left icy patches underfoot. We set off towards Loch Insh for our morning swim.

Walking through the RSPB woodland, mist drifted low among the trees, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. I’d briefly considered taking the sledgehammer but decided we wouldn’t need it.

I was wrong.

The sheltered bay was beautifully iced over.

Luckily, it was thin, easily hand-breakable ice — perfect for a safe but exhilarating ice-breaking swim. We updated our safety plan and briefed the guests on how to safely get into the ice. Lynda and I cleared an initial channel and then guided everyone through this memorable experience. For many, it was a first — and an absolute highlight!

After hot drinks and traybakes, we walked along the shoreline before heading into the Boathouse Cafe at Loch Insh. Then we headed back out to a surprise extra sauna session at Sauna Cairngorms (located at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre).

As the mist lifted, blue sky appeared and sunshine lit the snowy hills. When we dipped between sauna rounds, the sun shone on the water — that blissful combination of cold-water swimming and winter sunshine.

Lunch back at Inshriach featured roasted carrot and feta soup with chunky walnut pesto and freshly made wraps. Divine.

Feshiebridge Wild Swim

Next stop: Feshiebridge – a rare and exciting winter swim location. After carfully negotiating the steeper slope access down to the our entry point, we dipped in the gorgeous, chilly river. Pip and Ilka swam impressively far upstream before drifting back.

Gin Distillery Evening

That evening, we headed to the Inshriach Gin Distillery where Walter, the owner of Inshriach, shared stories of how it all began, how their shed won “Shed of the Year,” and what’s coming next.

Some guests stocked up on gin before returning for the evening feast – a spectacular Mexican meal that had Allison declaring it “this might be the best food I’ve ever eaten!”

Final Day: Silent Snow, Castle Reflections & A Perfect Last Dip

Our last morning began with a hearty cooked breakfast – bacon, egg, tattie scones and porridge – before heading to Loch an Eilein.

The calm was extraordinary. We stood quietly just to take in the silence, the birds, and the ducks who sounded suspiciously like they were laughing at us.

We walked to the viewpoint opposite the castle and entered via the safest route. A few adventurous swimmers crossed right over; most enjoyed a refreshing final dip.

After a stomp to the end of the loch and a peek at the tiny Loch an Eilein sauna, we visited the shop before heading back to Inshriach for our farewell feast.

A Wild Swimming Holiday in Scotland to Remember

Our final lunch – a Sunday Roast of Inshriach Lamb with all the trimmings – was so good that several guests headed to the farm shop and freezer to take home Inshriach goodies. We shared highlights — Snowy Loch Morlich, the ice-breaking swim, the saunas, and the wonderful group and beautiful sense of connection. The food was also a huge highlight for everyone!

It was a spectacular return to hosting our Cairngorms Winter Retreat at Inshriach House after two years away.

We have another retreat in January, and although many assume that’s the best month for snow, this was actually our second snow-covered November in recent years. Winter swimming in Scotland is always a surprise – sometimes the water temperature is 7°C and it’s sunny, sometimes there is wild wind and rain, sometimes deep snow and occasionally ice (water closer to 0°C) . That’s the magic.

A snow-dusted, soul-warming, wild-swimming, ice-breaking Cairngorms adventure.

I can’t wait for the next one.

Winter Swimming Scotland -Don’t Miss the Next Cairngorms Retreat

If reading this has you dreaming of snowy dips, ice-tinkling lochs and cosy evenings by the fire, you’re not alone. Here is the information on these retreats. Our January retreat is already fully booked, but next season’s dates will be announced very soon.

If you’d like to be the first to hear, and have the best chance of securing a spot, register your interest now!

We’d absolutely love to welcome you on a future adventure.

13 November 2025

Dips in the Dark: Night Swimming Tips for Wild Swimmers

Swim Safety, Winter Swimming 0

As autumn and winter draw in, open water swimmers often find themselves swimming under the cover of darkness. The first time can feel daunting — the water black and still, the air sharp, the sky infinite above — but with the right preparation, swimming in the dark can be truly magical.

In this guide, I share my night swimming tips for wild swimmers, drawn from years of experience in open water, cold water, and even swimming though entire nights. Whether you’re planning a moonlit dip, an early morning adventure before dawn, or simply curious about how to swim safely at night, these practical insights will help you make the most of the magic.

There’s something transformative about it: the hush of night, the moon reflected on the water, and that quiet thrill unique to cold water swimming. For many wild swimmers, it’s the most peaceful and powerful way to connect with nature.

If you’re curious to try night swimming or pre-dawn dipping, here’s how to do it safely and make it an unforgettable experience.

Know Your Wild Swimming Spot — Inside Out

Whether you swim in the sea, a loch, or a river, night swimming should always take place somewhere familiar. Choose a spot you know well from daylight swims — ideally one you use regularly for your open water training or cold water dips.

Make sure you know:

Safe entry and exit points
What the bottom is like (rocks, weeds, silt)
How tides, currents, or water levels behave

Familiarity is your best safety net. In darkness, landmarks can look unfamiliar, and even experienced swimmers can become disoriented. A softly glowing lantern or torch at your get-out point is a simple way to stay oriented.

Lighting for Night Swims — Be Seen, Stay Safe

Light is both useful and beautiful in the water — but too much of it can ruin your night vision. If conditions are safe, try swimming with minimal light and let your eyes adjust naturally. It takes around 30 minutes for your night vision to fully develop, and once it does, you’ll start to see the shapes and reflections around you.

That said, good lighting is essential for visibility and safety. Here are some practical lighting options for wild swimming at night:

Glow floats – Place a small torch or bike light inside your tow float (seal it in a waterproof bag if needed).
LED adventure lights or glow sticks – Waterproof and lightweight, these can be clipped to your goggles, swim hat, or costume straps.
Head torches – Useful for setting up or for swimmers who don’t submerge their heads. Use a red light mode to maintain night vision and avoid dazzling others.
Exit light – Leave a torch or small lantern on shore at your entry point so you can easily locate your exit.
Changing light – Bring a small lamp or torch to help you change afterwards, especially if it’s cold and dark.

Swimming with the Moon — Full Moon and Lunar Dips

Full moon swims are some of the most memorable wild swimming experiences. The moonlight transforms the water, creating a silver glow and a deep sense of calm.

For the best moonlit swims:

Remember the moon rises in the east, so choose a location with a clear horizon such as an open beach or wide loch.
The moon looks largest and most dramatic when it’s close to the horizon — those first minutes after moonrise are stunning.
Check moonrise times and direction with a simple app before you swim.
Be aware that full moons bring spring tides, which mean stronger currents and higher water levels in the sea.
Seek out areas away from light pollution for brighter stars and a more vivid moonlit swim.

Swim With a Buddy — Never Alone

Safety should always come first in open water swimming, especially in low light. Never swim alone. Bring a trusted swim buddy or a spotter who stays on shore.

Before getting in, agree on:

Your swim route and duration
How you’ll signal to each other
What to do if something goes wrong

If one person remains on land, they can use a small torch or lantern to mark the exit and keep visual contact with swimmers.

Choose Calm Conditions and Check the Forecast

For dark or night swims, only go out in calm, settled conditions. Avoid swimming if it’s windy, foggy, or raining heavily — poor weather reduces visibility and can quickly turn a relaxing dip into a risky one.

Before any open water swim:

Check the weather forecast and tide times (if swimming in the sea).
Avoid rivers in flood or high flow.
Postpone if visibility is poor or water levels are uncertain.

Time Your Swim — Dawn and Dusk Magic

If you’d like to experience the magic of swimming from darkness into light, look up astronomical dawn rather than sunrise. By “civil dawn,” the sky is already bright.

Early morning dips, when the first light creeps over the hills or glimmers across the water, can be some of the most powerful wild swimming experiences — especially in winter.

Dress for Cold Water and Warm Up Properly

After dark, air and water temperatures drop quickly. As a cold water swimming expert, I recommend:

Wearing a wetsuit for longer night swims, or limiting your time in skins.
Bringing plenty of warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a hot drink for after your swim.
Warming up slowly — don’t jump straight into a hot shower.

Your body needs time to reheat safely after cold water exposure, so dress quickly and keep moving once you’re out.

Tune In to the Night — A Sensory Swim Experience

Night swimming isn’t just about adventure — it’s about stillness, awareness, and connection. Once you’re in and steady, pause for a moment.

Listen to the gentle lap of water, the calls of birds or owls nearby, and the quiet presence of your swimming companions. Notice the reflections of moonlight, the silhouettes of trees, and the cool, silky feel of the water against your skin.

Swimming in darkness invites you to use all your senses — to feel the water, hear the world, and truly see differently.

Leave No Trace — Protect Our Waters

Natural waters are precious. Respect the environment by taking everything home, avoiding loud noises or bright lights, and leaving no trace of your visit. Wild swimming works best when we blend quietly into the landscape.

Final Thoughts on Night Swimming and Cold Water Safety

Swimming in the dark can be one of the most memorable ways to experience open water. It’s about trust, preparation, and that quiet thrill that comes with doing something slightly wild.

With the right equipment, careful planning, and good company, dips in the dark can be both safe and deeply rewarding — a chance to rediscover the beauty of wild waters in an entirely new light.

You don’t see less in the dark — you simply see differently.

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About Alice
Alice Goodridge is a cold water swimming expert, open water coach, and author based in the Scottish Highlands. As the founder of SwimWild, she helps swimmers of all levels discover the joy and wellbeing benefits of wild swimming in natural waters. Alice has extensive experience swimming through the night — from her solo English Channel crossing and swimming through the whole night when she swam the length of Loch Lomond, to fun night dips with friends in the Cairngorms National Park. She has even enjoyed magical night swims with bioluminescence on Scotland’s west coast. Read more in Magical Night Swimming in Oban: Wild Swimming with Bioluminescence on Scotland’s West Coast.