SwimWild Highland Gathering
A mini wild swimming festival in the Highlands
Location: Inshriach Estate, near Aviemore
2026 event SOLD OUT
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR 2027 EVENT
15th – 17th May 2026
Friday afternoon to Sunday evening
Weekend Ticket: £395 per person
• Camping (bring your own tent or campervan) included • On-site glamping and house room upgrades available to book separately
• Group wild swims across the weekend
• Bookable sauna sessions each day (included)
• Limited to approximately 40 weekend guests
Pricing at a glance:
£395 weekend ticket – £150 secures your place, balance due 1 April. Booking is via WeTravel.
What is the SwimWild Highland Gathering?
The SwimWild Highland Gathering is a small, friendly wild swimming festival set in the Cairngorms National Park. It brings together swimmers and dippers from across Scotland and beyond for a long weekend of shared swims, good food, sauna, and time outdoors.
It is a gathering rather than a retreat. Relaxed, informal, and community-led, the weekend is designed to bring people together without over-scheduling or pressure. You can take part in as much or as little as you like, and shape the experience in a way that suits you.
Suitable for all levels of swimmers and dippers. No pressure to swim a particular distance. Safety cover is always in place.
What to Expect
Over the weekend you can expect:
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A gathering of like-minded swimmers and dippers
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Group social swims in beautiful Highland locations
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River and loch-side sauna sessions
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Shared meals and long evenings around the fire
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A relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the Cairngorms
The Important Questions
Will it rain? Possibly.
Will it snow? Hopefully not in May, but this is Scotland, so you never know!
Will the water be cold? Yes, pretty chilly! Expect spring temperatures, usually somewhere between 7 and 13 degrees.
Will there be dryrobe dancing? Of course! (Optional but encouraged!)
Will there be cake? Hell yes, and plenty of it!
Bring layers. Bring waterproofs. Bring a sense of humour.
Swims and Saunas
Across the weekend there are multiple opportunities to swim each day.
Our base on the Inshriach Estate offers a beautiful riverside swim spot on the River Spey, and we also visit a selection of spectacular local lochs and rivers within a short drive.
There is no pressure to swim a certain distance. Some people dip, some stay in longer, and others swim further. Safety cover is always in place, and conditions guide all decisions.
Your weekend ticket includes access to multiple sauna sessions. As well as being able to use the riverside sauna at Inshriach on Friday evening, each person can also book two additional sauna slots (one riverside, one lochside) over the weekend.
Optional Yoga
There will be optional yoga sessions across the weekend for those who would like to stretch out between swims.
Morning sessions take place before breakfast, with a second afternoon session available on both Saturday and Sunday. Yoga is bookable as an add-on when purchasing your weekend ticket, and spaces are limited.
Suitable for all levels.
A Glimpse of the Weekend
Friday 15th May
Arrive at Inshriach from mid-afternoon and settle into your tent, glamping space, or room in the house.
We gather by the River Spey for relaxed dips and riverside sauna, before sharing dinner together and easing into the weekend. No rush. Just arriving, warming up, and meeting one another.
Saturday 16th May
Breakfast together in the yard. Optional early morning yoga for early birds.
We then head out as a full group for our main social swim at nearby Loch Morlich. This is our big shared moment of the day – arriving together, stepping in together, and taking in the landscape.
The afternoon opens up. You might choose a second swim, book a sauna session, stretch out with yoga, explore locally, or simply return to base and rest.
In the early evening we gather again for a swim at Loch an Eilein before returning to Inshriach for a farmyard feast, followed by live music and dancing in the yard.
Sunday 17th May
Another slow breakfast together. Optional early morning yoga for early birds.
A final full group swim together, at Loch Insh, followed by another relaxed afternoon with optional sauna sessions, gentle dips, and time to sit by the river.
In the evening we gather informally for a DIY barbecue by the water. Equipment is provided. Bring whatever you’d like to cook and share.
Monday 18th May
For those staying the final night, Monday morning is unhurried. Pack up, have one last cup of tea, say your goodbyes, and head off into the week.
NOTE – This is a rough outline of what will happen over the weekend and will be subject to change.
NOTE – You will also need to have your own transport or car-share between swim locations.
How the Weekend Works
Our Base: Inshriach Estate
The beautiful Inshriach Estate is our home for the weekend.
This is where you’ll camp, stay in the house, or book one of the on-site glamping spaces. It’s also where we gather on Friday evening, where you’ll find our riverside swim spot on the River Spey, and where the on-site sauna is located.
Friday is entirely based at Inshriach, giving everyone time to arrive, settle in, and ease into the weekend.
Saturday & Sunday Mornings
Each morning we gather for breakfast in the yard before heading out together as a full group to a nearby loch or river for our main social swim.
These swim locations are all within approximately 5 to 15 minutes’ drive of Inshriach.
Afternoons: Choose Your Pace
After the morning swim, the day opens up.
Some people choose a second swim at another nearby location, while others return to base. Afternoon options include smaller group swims, bookable sauna sessions, and optional yoga.
There are two sauna experiences across the weekend. One is riverside at Inshriach, and the other is located at a nearby loch, giving you the chance to warm up in two very different settings.
While breakfast each morning and dinner on Friday and Saturday are included in your ticket, lunches are intentionally informal and flexible. Bring your own food, stop at a local café, or enjoy a longer lunch in Aviemore before rejoining the group later in the day.
Evenings Together
On Saturday evening we come back together for another social swim before returning to Inshriach for the farmyard feast, music and some dryrobe dancing.
Sunday winds down more gently. The afternoon is relaxed and unhurried. In the evening we gather informally by the river for a DIY barbecue. Equipment is provided. Simply bring along whatever you’d like to cook and share.
You can head home on Sunday evening or stay for a final night and depart on Monday morning.
Food & Meals
Your ticket includes:
• Friday evening BBQ
• Saturday breakfast
• Saturday Farmyard Feast
• Sunday breakfast
Lunches are informal and flexible across the weekend.
On Sunday evening we gather for a relaxed DIY barbecue by the river. Grills are provided – just bring your own food.
What Is the Food Like?
All catering is provided by Pauline Chung of Paulipocketeats (who also caters for our SwimWild retreats). It’s always a highlight of the weekend!
Friday evening is a relaxed BBQ with meat, plenty of delicious veggie options, and a selection of salads
Saturday evening is a generous farmyard feast with slow-braised local lamb, a hearty veggie tagine, seasonal salads, home-made focaccia, dips and dessert.
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday are likely to includes granola and yoghurt pots, fruit and hot options such as breakfast rolls, veggie haggis, tattie scones, muffins, mushrooms, beans and sausages/veggie sausages.
There are always plenty of vegetarian options, and vegan and other dietary requirements can easily be catered for – just let us know in advance.
Joining for the Weekend
The SwimWild Highland Gathering is primarily a full weekend event, with most tickets covering Friday to Sunday.
If you need to arrive on Saturday morning or leave on Sunday afternoon, that is absolutely fine. Your weekend ticket still covers the full event.
A limited number of Saturday afternoon/evening local passes are likely to be available. Further details will be shared once the main weekend bookings are underway.
What our swimmers say…
Your Weekend Ticket
What’s Included
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Friday evening BBQ
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Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
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Saturday farmyard feast and party
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Access to sauna sessions across the weekend
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Group social swims
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On-site camping
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SwimWild Gathering goody bag
Optional Extras
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Yoga sessions (morning and afternoon sessions available as an add-on)
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Glamping or house accommodation upgrades
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Transport between off-site swim locations (car-sharing is encouraged and we’ll help connect people)
- Travel to the Gathering
Payment & Cancellation
A £150 deposit secures your weekend ticket.
Accommodation upgrades require a 50% deposit.
The remaining balance is due by 1 April 2026.
Processing Fees – Participants can pay via UK bank transfer (BACS) at no additional cost.
If you choose to pay by card, a small processing fee will be added at checkout by the payment provider:
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UK Visa / Mastercard: 1.5% | American Express: 2.9% | International cards: from 3.25%
These fees are set by the payment processor and are displayed clearly before you complete your booking.
If you’d like to avoid card fees, simply select the UK bank transfer option at checkout.
Not sure how to pay by bank transfer? WeTravel provides a simple step-by-step guide here. [WeTravel BACS link]
Deposits are non-refundable unless your place is resold. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Accommodation
Staying On-Site
Staying on-site at beautiful Inshriach Estate is part of what makes the Highland Gathering special. Waking up together, sharing breakfast in the yard, and stepping straight down to the river creates a real sense of community across the weekend.
Most guests choose to stay on-site. If you prefer to stay off-site (B&B, hotel or with a friend), that’s absolutely fine too.
Camping is included in your weekend ticket. Glamping spaces and rooms in Inshriach House are available to book as upgrades.
Camping (Included)
We have a couple of designated camping areas within fields on the estate.
The camping areas are simple and informal. Portaloos are located nearby, and there are heated bathroom facilities with toilets, sinks and showers available in the yard.
Access tracks on the estate are solid but can be fairly bumpy.
Tents and smaller campervans can access all camping areas without prior notice. No pre-booking is required for these.
Larger campervans and motorhomes are more restricted due to tighter access through the yard and limited suitable parking. They are still included in the ticket price but if you plan to bring a larger vehicle, please let us know in advance so we can arrange appropriate parking, which will be in a separate nearby location.
Please note – there are no electric hook-ups.
In all cases, expect to walk between camping areas, the yard, and the river.
Camping & Practical Questions
Are tents provided?
No – participants bring their own tents. Pre-erected tents are not provided.
We’re very lucky to have special permission to camp on Inshriach Estate for the weekend. It’s informal and beautiful, but it’s not a traditional campsite setup.
Is there electric hook-up?
No. Because this isn’t a permanent campsite, there is no electric hook-up available.
What are the camping facilities like?
Camping is within designated fields on the estate.
There are:
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Portaloos close to the camping areas
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Heated bathrooms with hot showers, sinks and toilets in the yard
The yard is also where breakfasts and Saturday evening dinner are served.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes – well-behaved dogs are very welcome.
Inshriach is a working estate with rare breed sheep, goats and chickens, so dogs must be kept on leads if livestock are nearby. The camping fields themselves aren’t typically used for livestock during the event, but there are animals elsewhere on the estate.
How far is everything from the camping area?
There is some walking involved between the camping fields, the yard (for meals) and the river swim spot. Nothing extreme, but it isn’t all right next to each other – so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Inshriach House Rooms (Upgrade)
Inshriach House is a beautiful Edwardian shooting lodge with many original features.
A limited number of shared-bathroom rooms are available for the weekend, including doubles, twins and singles. Bathrooms are shared, and guests are welcome to use the kitchen and communal rooms throughout the house.
Large double – £390
Small double – £320
Twin – £390
Single – £220
House rooms are priced per room for the whole weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights). For example, a £390 twin room works out at £195 per person if two people are sharing.
Rooms can be selected when booking your weekend ticket via WeTravel.
Rooms are available from 2pm on Friday and must be vacated by 9:45am on Monday.
More info – www.inshriachhouse.com
– Glamping (Upgrade)
A small number of on-site glamping spaces are available for the weekend and can be booked as upgrades when you purchase your ticket.
These cabins and huts are off-grid and beautifully set within the Inshriach Estate, offering a peaceful, nature-immersive stay.
Each space includes:
• A wood-burning stove for heat and simple cooking
• Comfortable sleeping areas with bedding provided
• Basic cooking crockery and a kettle
• Lantern lighting
• A compost loo nearby, with access to heated bathroom facilities in the yard
While these spaces offer a comfortable glamping experience, they do not have mains water or electricity – and you may want to bring a torch and any personal items you prefer.
Options include The Bothy, The Log House, and The Shepherd’s Hut, each with its own character and charm.
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The Log House (sleeps 2–3) Mezzanine double bed + sofa bed – £420
- The Bothy (sleeps 2) Mezzanine double bed – £270
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The Shepherd’s Hut (sleeps 2) Double bed – £210
Glamping is booked for the full three-night weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
Available from 4pm on Friday and must be vacated by 11am on Monday.
These can be reserved at the time of booking your ticket.
What to Bring
Wild swimming in the Cairngorms in May in the Highlands means layers and preparation.
We recommend bringing:
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Swim kit, including footwear for stony or rocky entries
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Warm layers for between swims, including a woolly hat
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Waterproof jacket/robe
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Sturdy footwear for walking between and to/from swim locations
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A flask for hot drinks
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A torch or head torch for moving around after dark
Optional but useful:
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Snacks for between meals
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Something to cook on the Sunday evening barbecue
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A camera
Getting to Inshriach
Inshriach Estate is located just south of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park.
Address:
Inshriach House, Aviemore, PH22 1QP
Most guests arrive by car. The estate is approximately 4 miles south of Aviemore on the B970 between Inverdruie and Feshiebridge.
From Inverness: around 45 minutes by car via the A9.
From Edinburgh or Glasgow: approximately 2.5-3 hours via the M90/M80 and A9.
By Train
Aviemore sits directly on the Highland Main Line and has regular connections from:
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London (including the Caledonian Sleeper)
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Edinburgh
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Glasgow
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Inverness
The train is one of the most scenic and relaxed ways to arrive.
If you’re arriving by train or not bringing a vehicle, let us know and we can help connect you with car-sharing options
By Air
Inverness Airport is the closest airport, with regular UK connections. From Inverness, Aviemore is approximately 35 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car.
What our swimmers say…
Ready to Join Us?
The SwimWild Highland Gathering is intentionally small, with places limited to keep the weekend relaxed and community-focused.
Your weekend ticket includes camping on the estate, shared meals on Friday and Saturday evenings, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, social swims across the Cairngorms, and access to sauna sessions throughout the weekend.
If it sounds like your kind of weekend – cold water, good food, open skies and warm company – we would love to welcome you.
Spaces are limited and accommodation upgrades are allocated on a first-come basis.
We can’t wait to gather again in the Highlands.
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