Winter swimming Retreat in the Cairngorms with SwimWild

I made it on to the mainland in January although I had come a day early just in case.  Good thing as the ferry was cancelled the next day.  I spent the night at the Boat Country Inn in Boat of Garten.  Very comfortable and the food was delicious.  Little did I know that the food on the retreat would surpass it.  I took a walk in the morning as I didn't have to be at Inshriach House, near Aviemore until 11.30am.

love derelict buildings

Arrived first but the rest of the group followed soon after.  We were welcomed by Alice, owner of SwimWild (swimwilduk.com) and her guides Becca and Linda.  There were 11 of us, Jenny, Karen, Jo, Clare, Hermione, Andy, Fay, Kirsty, Sarah and Mia.  After a lovely lunch (soup and veggie haggis rolls) we were off to our first dip in Loch Morlich.  

Alice

my legs

Becca our guide and photographer

The next morning after a filling breakfast we went to Loch Insh.  For some reason I didn't make any images there.  In the afternoon after soup and sandwiches we went to Loch Alvie and had a sauna and dip.

walking to the sauna

500th swim

On Saturday it was a walk to Lochan Uaine (little green loch but known as Fairy Loch).  Our first ice loch in beautiful scenery.  In the afternoon we were at Loch Garten for more ice.  Then a walk over to Loch Mallachie to get warm.

walking to Lochan an Uaine

tattoo art

through the ice

Our last dip on Sunday morning was at Loch an Eilean.  A few of us skinny dipped but as I came out of the water, a group of tourists from Rabbies walked by.  Well at least they will have something to talk about.  We finished off the retreat with a fabulous roast dinner cooked, as all our food was, by the wonderful Pauline.

curry night 

Roast lamb with all the trimmings

Sit in the kitchen and watch the red squirrels

I drove off to Ullapool after shopping in Inverness feeling relaxed.  Such a great weekend with good company.  I will definitely be booking again.  I did book a swim tour in May with Linda who runs Take to the Water (taketothewater.co.uk).  A few more trips before then.

Next trip to Seville with the harem.