This guided winter swimming programme is designed to support you into open water swimming throughout the colder months, building confidence, skill and resilience gradually and safely. The programme includes five guided wild swims over four months, with water temperatures becoming progressively colder as the season deepens. We’ll meet every three weeks on a Sunday, combining practical swimming sessions with guidance on cold exposure, safety, breath control and winter swimming techniques. Each session includes time to warm up together afterwards with hot drinks and sweet treats, and space to reflect on what you’ve learned and how your body responded. Between swims, you’ll be given simple optional ‘homework’ challenges to help build familiarity with the cold, and you’ll be added to a supportive WhatsApp group so the group can stay connected and encourage one another throughout the programme. This programme is suitable for people who are curious about winter swimming and want to develop a steady, informed practice — you don’t need to be an experienced wild swimmer, but you should be comfortable getting into open water with guidance. This is a supportive, educational and community-led experience, designed to help you swim all the way into winter feeling prepared, informed and held.

Location

Swims will take place at a range of carefully chosen locations across North Wales and Shropshire, allowing you to experience different bodies of water and conditions. Exact locations and timings will be confirmed closer to each date, based on weather and conditions.

Dates

20th September 12th October 1st November 22nd November 13th December

Escape Duration

The programme runs over four months, from the Autumn Equinox through to the Winter Solstice.

Included in your escape

• Swim coaching from qualified guide Harriet Ballantyne • Hot drinks and homemade cake after every swim • A supportive WhatsApp group sharing advice, articles and tips between sessions • A sauna session and festive feast to mark the final swim

What to plan for yourself

Please bring: • Swimsuit • Water shoes, old trainers, or neoprene socks​/​boots for foot protection • Two towels • Warm coat and a warm jumper • Woolly hat • Gloves and warm socks • Walking boots or other sturdy, waterproof footwear (easy to get on and off with cold fingers) • A change of clothes • Waterproof rucksack • Dry bags (if you have them — otherwise a few plastic bags for wet kit) • Snacks (although we’ll be providing plenty of cake!) • A small flask for a warm drink Optional (if you already have them): • Dry robe • Wetsuit • Rash vest • Neoprene gloves • Goggles • Swim hat • Tow float • An old yoga or bath mat to stand on while changing Please don’t feel you need to rush out and buy everything on the optional list. We have plenty of spare kit you can try before investing in anything, and we’re always happy to offer advice on different styles and options to help you find what works best for you.

Safety & Experience Level

Hattie and Sheena, your wild swim guides, are fully qualified and insured, so as well as being great fun, are highly trained and experienced in guiding people in wild swimming in colder temperatures.