From the end of October the water starts to cool down again and the landscape around starts to pop with all colours of browns and oranges. With the bulk of the holiday season over, the islands become much quieter so there is more chance of seeing wildlife.  Days are shorter, sunsets earlier, sunrises later. Dark skies provide a magical backdrop for outdoor swimmers so we enjoy moonlit dips, wood-fired hot tubs and cosy log-burning fires. 

• Dips and short swims up to 45 minutes
  

• Ability to tread water
  

• Thermal swim suit, shorty wetsuit, neoprene booties and gloves recommended

 🧤 Warm Clothing - Layers to put on after a swim (vest, long sleeved top/thermal, joggers/sweatpants, hoodie/jumper, gloves, woolly socks, woolly hat) 

 ☂️ Waterproofs - Warm waterproof jacket, walking trousers (optional but recommended!), walking boots/sturdy waterproof trainers 

 📋 Other - A more detailed kit guide, travel information and itinerary are provided after booking.

Other activities you can enjoy while you're here include a visit to local craftspeople, boat trips, sauna and wildlife walking tours. 

We start each day with a leisurely breakfast before heading off for our first swim. The first swim of the retreat is an acclimatisation swim so that everyone can find their feet and get used to the temperature and the surroundings. We find everyone feels much more settled and reassured when they have that first swim under their belts!

We head back to the house after each morning and afternoon swim to give folk the opportunity to have a warm shower and a snack.

Swims are always optional and chill out time always available.

We are very happy to take our guests to meet local craftspeople, experience a sauna on the beach, take a boat trip out to Fingal's Cave and enjoy yoga by a crackling fire.

Our itinerary is subject to ever changing, unpredictable Hebridean weather so we always need to move things around in response to that. But we guarantee amazing swims, spectacular beaches and an insight into our marvellous community and island life.