Wellness in mind, body and spirit has become a priority for many people over the last few years, with a focus on finding activities that make you feel good inside, while achieving a sense of fulfilment. It could be about pushing yourself, trying new things, finding new people, or pinning down a way to support your body and mind.

With pools, lakes, rivers and sea right on our doorstep in Cornwall, it’s no wonder that cold water dips and wild swimming are all the rage amongst many communities. 

We explored some of the benefits of this hobby and how you can get started, and spoke to those who experience the waters of Cornwall daily - and could never be without it. 

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Cornwall’s wild swimmers

Some people have worked regular dips and swims into their daily routines, and felt the full benefits of it. From diving into thrashing waves at the beach with friends for a rush of adrenalin, or quietly moving into open water to feel a sense of calm, to carefully planning lengthy challenges to push their bodies to the limit, here are some of their stories.

Sober Sea Swimmers

Against Falmouth’s delightful coastal backdrop, local group Sober Sea Swimmers is making waves when it comes to pairing sea swimming and wellness. Started by resident Tiffany Gale, the group is for anyone who wishes to explore sobriety, spend more time outside, and find a community.

Tiffany, who had started to question her relationship with alcohol, wanted to find an alternative way to unwind. Her passion for wellness and outdoor activity was a good starting point for her to work with. Soon she found she didn’t need to turn to the numbing power of alcohol after a long week of work; she simply needed to do more of what she loved. 

She started Sober Sea Swimmers with a page on Facebook, inviting others struggling with the ‘grey area’ of drinking to come along to the beach, have a swim and a chat, and replace old habits with new ones. 

The group defies drinking culture, while opening up opportunities for people to seek solace in nature and their community, make connections and find a new hobby to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Sober Sea Swimmers is open to anyone curious about sobriety or cutting back on alcohol. They meet twice a week at local beaches. Join the Sober Sea Swimmers group on Facebook for updates and information on meetings.

Lowenna North 

Over to North Cornwall, and Launceston teenager Lowenna North has already enjoyed a very successful and promising career in sea swimming. 

Aged just 17, Lowenna has already swam the English Channel (14 hours, 56 minutes), as well as other challenges including Eddystone Lighthouse to Plymouth Hoe (11 hours, 37 minutes). She remains the youngest person to date to complete this swim. 

Her usual haunts are Bude and Plymouth, though she’s always looking for new places to swim and train for her next challenge.

She said: “I love outdoor swimming because of the enjoyment I get out of it. I enjoy the sense of freedom I get when I am swimming - the sea is my go-to for my headspace.  When I am in the water, I forget everything and enjoy the ‘me time’. I enjoy pushing my body to see how far I can swim. 

“After a swim I am always feeling ready for the next one and excited to see if I can go further or swim for longer next time. I enjoy the open water community as well, the different people you meet who all swim for different reasons. I swim a lot at Bude and Plymouth and everyone is so welcoming and supportive. It is really nice to have people to relate to when training for big swims. I consider them home, as I have spent so many hours there. I enjoy swimming at Fowey and Cawsands as well!”

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Cornwall’s wild swimming spots

From sea pools and lakes in the wilderness, to rivers shaded by trees, Cornwall has got a swimming option for everyone. Here are just a few of our favourites…

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‍Bude Sea Pool

This semi-natural tidal pool has been a haven for beach-goers, swimmers and holidaymakers since the 1930s. The pool can be enjoyed, free of charge, and is maintained by the Friends of Bude Sea Pool. https://www.budeseapool.org/ 

Delphy Pool 

Swimmers can book one-hour or 90-minute sessions to make the most of this beautiful natural quarry set in Bodmin Moor. Book here: https://www.delphypool.co.uk/open-water-swimming-uk-cornwall/ 

Respryn Bridge

This picturesque river spot on the Lanhydrock estate is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon in the water on a warm day, while enjoying the diverse wildlife of the River Fowey. 

Treyarnon Rock Pool

Close to Padstow, Treyarnon Rock Pool is one of those gems that you just have to return to time and time again. The pool is easily accessible for all kicking legs, and makes for a refreshing dip.

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Please look after the beautiful corners of Cornwall and leave no trace, ensuring everyone can enjoy these wonderful wild spaces.

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Benefits for women’s health and menopause 

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In recent years, cold water swimming has been hailed as a natural tonic to help ease stress, anxiety, joint and muscle pain, and many more ailments. Women’s health GP and BMS Accredited Menopause Specialist Dr Charlotte Patton told us just how beneficial cold water swimming - and any movement, for that matter - can be to our physical and mental health. 

From a women’s health perspective, it is known that women and girls do not always exercise as much as our male counterparts, due to multiple factors. Wild swimming and other forms of exercise can help ease the symptoms of osteoporosis, which impacts many women. 

Dr Patton said: “My particular interest is preventing osteoporosis in women. Over 20% of women over 50 have osteoporosis and 50% of women over 80. It increases the risk of fractures and increases mortality associated with that. Along with other lifestyle factors, we know that exercise is crucial to helping improve bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. However, it must be weight-bearing exercises to encourage bone and muscle strength. 

“Exercise can also help with general wellbeing and the management of mood symptoms related to various women’s health conditions, such as PMS/PMDD, postnatal depression and menopause.”

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Something a little different…

Kernow Springs

If stepping into unknown wild waters isn’t for you, why not opt for a more luxurious way to enjoy a dip? Kernow Springs Nordic Spa in Wadebridge is the perfect alternative, offering hot and cold immersion therapy to help you unwind. 

This Scandinavian hydrotherapy method, which involves first dipping into a hot tub or sauna before immersing yourself in cold water, is proven to relax muscles, reduce stress, ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost the immune system. 

Book your session here: https://www.kernowsprings.co.uk/nordic-spa 

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Water safety 

Always follow the advice of the RNLI before swimming. Here are some things to remember before stepping into cold water…

• Go with a friend;
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back, before setting off;
• If swimming in the sea, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags;
• Wear a wetsuit, plus a brightly coloured swimming hat. You could also bring a tow float for extra support;
• Check the weather, tides and conditions of the water before entering. 

For more detailed advice, go to https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming# 

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