Winter Wild Swimming Guidance in Lochs and Rivers
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
Today’s blog is a little different. Instead of sharing some of the adventure Lynda experiences around the borders or that she organises for other swimmers, she’d booked herself a day trip. Now this is a real treat, as we always say having someone to take you to all the best spots, and not have to engage your brain for where you need to be or the safety elements attached, makes it more enjoyable. It’s also a chance to share a different area with people who know it best.
Last weekend Lynda joined Sarah from Swim the Lochs for one of her day trips to swim off Ailsa Craig. Now if you don’t know it, it’s between Scotland and Ireland, nicknamed “Paddy’s milestone” as it’s halfway between Glasgow and Belfast. It’s also said to be derived from Gaelic meaning “Fairy Rock”. It’s obviously full of intrigue and wonder with a name like that! It’s most well-known however for being a long-time source to create curling stones for the sport of Curling.
Rendezvousing at the meet point at Girven Harbour, which Lynda knew nothing of before arriving, which always adds a sprinkling of adventure. The journey down to it was fabulous as the road meanders down the coast from Glasgow. Passing places like Dunure; a little village whose ruined castle appeared in the the tv series Outlander, Culzean Castle; which appeared in Wicker Man, before going through Trump Turnberry with its overbuilt white houses before reaching Girven. That drive in itself deserves a road trip to just make stops and enjoy.
The group assembled for role call although you can spot a swimmer a mile away. Usually with bags in hands and wearing or carrying a change robe depending on weather, but always with a glint in the eye of what the next few hours will hold.
On to the marina to board the “Glorious”. Now that’s definitely an optimist that named their boat that based in Scotland, but hopefully it would bring just the weather the group was after for the day. Setting sail into the Irish Sea towards the iconic, green island famous for its Granite.
The Glorious tied up briefly at the wee jetty before swimmers debarked onto the island. All feeling a little like castaway as they stood on the shore watching the boat sail off to do a spot of fishing. Sarah told the group it was a short walk away before swimming, along some long-forgotten rail tracks. Flanked by crumbling buildings and a newly painted lighthouse. In fact, on closer inspection Lynda had spotted a few chaps in one of the buildings painting away.
Arriving at the swim spot access to the water was a little difficult over rock, taking away that elegant slip in expectation, but taking their time, looking more like baby deer tasked with their first steps than Halle Berry. Not long after sliding into the water the group was joined by a number of very curious and playful seals, Lynda could’ve watched them for ages, but it was time to get out and warm up. After getting changed, tucking in to lunch and warming themselves with hot drinks, a few of the group took a wander along a track which took them to the southside fog horn. It’s also the south side quarry with its beautifully marbled granite. They were amused to see their new found, amusing friends from their swim had followed them around the island, popping their heads up to see what all the fuss was about.
The time had flown by as it always does when on a new fun adventure, and it was time to head back to the jetty, before popping their heads into the lighthouse to say hello. With a wave goodbye to the workmen spotted in the lighthouse.
Swimmers lazed in the warmth of the sun back on board the Glorious. Feeling more accustomed to being on a yacht in the south of France than bonnie Scotland as they circumnavigated the island before heading back to the mainland. Turns out whilst the group were swimming the boat had gone to check on their lobster pots and were talking of their catch for the day, so a great day all round!
Sarah really put on a wonderful trip, Lynda had a fabulous time and is always grateful when the organiser does a very successful weather dance! Here’s to the next chance for some exploration!
Watch this spot as Lynda is plotting and planning on teaming up with Sarah and organising a group swim off Ailsa Craig next year
For many of us, inland wild swimming doesn’t stop when the temperature drops—it simply changes. Winter swimming can be deeply
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