Take a Dip on the Wild Side
In this edition of Westender Louise Sylvester learns more about wild swimming and its many benefits…
It’s wild, it’s wet, it can sometimes be a bit dirty and it seems like everyone is at it these days, or at least knows someone who is… wild swimming is of course what I am talking about so why not get your filthy minds out of the gutter and take a plunge into some fresh Scottish water instead? There’s nothing better for mind, body and soul as we find out here.
Wild swimming, dipping, dooking or whatever you want to call it has been quietly building in popularity over recent years, notably since lockdown when people were ‘forced’ to take joy from less obvious sources and really did find solace in nature.
And we are fortunate here in Scotland as there are myriad options for those looking to take the plunge. From lochs to rivers to lidos to the sea, there is no shortage of outdoor swimming spots waiting to be discovered.
Benefits A-Plenty
Enjoyed by people of all ages and sexes, wild swimming’s health benefits are tenfold. But as a 40-something female I have been particularly interested in the benefits wild swimming can have on a peri-menopausal body and so I have been dipping my toe into some cold water over the last few months to see how it makes me feel. The answer is a very simply ‘bloody brilliant’ but why is that? Why does plunging your body in freezing cold water make you feel so good?
There are, of course, mental health benefits – it is proven that taking a cold dip can help to manage anxiety, stress and depression. Reconnecting with nature is a big part of this, and the overwhelming feeling of achievement when you submerge your whole body is incredibly satisfying. The flight or fight response is real – you are forced to focus on nothing but your breathing and that eventually brings with it a sense of calm and a mind that is free of negativity. All of this, added to the social side of wild swimming, helps to release endorphins and in turn make us feel somewhat ‘elated’.
This is certainly true for Laura Angove who is a cold-water aficionado, having taken up the mood-boosting hobby around 18 months ago, she tells me that after a dip she feels ‘refreshed, invigorated and full of energy’. But there’s more to it than that, she explains: “I also love the social aspect of going for a dip with friends, there’s a real feeling of ‘we’re all doing this together.’ Scotland has some stunning locations to explore and as a group we love working our way around different spots up and down the country.”
Body Re-Set
Another advocate is Sarah Brophy, who is relatively new to the ‘scene’ but has found that a Monday dip is the perfect way to start her week, she tells me: “My favourite time to plunge is a Monday morning, it helps me re-set after what is often a busy weekend with my kids and gives me so much energy to start my week in a positive way.
“For those 15/20 minutes it makes me focus on nothing but breathing through the initial shock of the cold water until my body adjusts. I prefer outdoor natural cold water over ice baths as the surroundings are a huge part of the endorphins that flood my body once I’ve been for a swim.
“I’ll admit to being initially rather sceptical of open water swimming, but I can honestly say it will be something I continue to enjoy in the months and years ahead.”
Boost Your Immune System
So it is clear that this is a fantastic way to boost our moods and look after our mental health but the physical health benefits are plentiful too, it has been shown that cold water can help to reduce body pain and inflammation and can boost our immune systems as well. It is also thought to improve circulation, boost brain power and is great for your skin and hair. I have certainly noticed how nice my skin feels once I have been for a dip.
It is a great fitness activity too and can help improve body conditioning and endurance as well. Swimming against currents and in colder conditions pushes your body harder and so the more you swim (whatever the distance), the fitter you will become.
So far, my experience has been more on the dooking side of things with a little bit of swimming to keep the blood pumping! But what I have noticed is that there are different extremes of ‘wild swimming’ from those of us who are happy to simply dip for 10/20 minutes before exiting the water and enjoying a warm flask of coffee to those who really do swim… picture swimming caps, Speedo swimsuits and goggles! But whatever camp you fall into (and those in between), the fundamental feeling that you are doing something for yourself and looking after your mind and body is second to none. It really is wet, wild and simply wonderful. So why not give it a go, take the plunge and reap those rewards.
BE SAFE
- Plan ahead, check the forecast and make sure you’re not going to get swept away!
- Know your exit points – it is one thing getting into the water, but make sure you can safely leave the water too.
- Tell someone where you are going, better still go with friends.
- Use a tow float if you plan to swim far from the edge.
- Check the water quality – you don’t want to pick up a nasty bug.
- Take warm clothes.
DOOKING SPOTS NEAR THE WEST END
Abie’s Loch at Mugdock Country Park
Also known at Dumbrock Loch, this is a fantastic location to have a dip as it’s only around 25 minutes drive from the West End. Park in the main car park, cross the road and follow the path through a field that is sometimes occupied by Highland Cows (so tread carefully). There are various rocky areas around the loch from which you can enter the water but if you walk round to the top of the loch you can wade in from a beach-like spot. The views of the Campsie Hills are a beautiful backdrop and so it is a popular location, you will be joined by plenty of other swimmers and paddle-boarders.
Duck Bay, Loch Lomond
Duck Bay is the perfect spot for a dip if you want the Loch Lomond factor without committing to too long a drive. You can park literally at the water’s edge, change on the beach and wade straight in. The views here really are second to none, it is a pinch yourself moment as you marvel at the scenery and remind yourself that you’re less than 30 minutes outside one of the UK’s busiest cities. You can also enjoy a post dip coffee or brunch at the Duck Bay Hotel which is an added bonus I am sure you’ll agree.
GET THE KIT
Swimsuit
If you start out in the summer months then it’s going to be ok to take a dip in your regular bathers – swimsuit, trunks, budgie smugglers – whatever you have to hand! That is the beauty of wild swimming, you really don’t require much kit other than your body and some water (maybe a towel too)!
Wetsuit
That said, we do live in Scotland and so there will come a time for many of us when a wetsuit is required if you want to spend a decent period of time in the water, check out Decathlon for various options.
Gloves and Boots
These make taking a dip just that bit more bearable, a neoprene pair of gloves will keep your fingers nice and cosy and help you stay submerged a little longer. Shoes/boots offer the same and are also useful for those of us who don’t want to feel what we’re standing on!
Dryrobe
One of these is ideal for putting on as soon as you leave the water as it help to bring your body temperature back to normal and is also perfect for protecting your modesty as you remove your swimsuit and pop your clothes back on.
Tow float
These hi-vis bubbles of air are ideal to improve safety and allow for rest stops!
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