Goggles or Shades – you choose!!! What is Wild Swimming? Really we are just talking about swimming in the Outdoors. It could be termed outdoor swimming; wild swimming or open water swimming. There is generally not much difference and it is all a matter of your own perspective! They are all about swimming in natural waters, whether this is a loch, a reservoir, a rivers or the sea. It might even be simply sitting in a pool below a small waterfall you have found on a hill walk! The term “Open water swimming” is usually used for competitive swims or swims where people have a set goal in mind. Wher ..read more

Throwback to 2021 Winter Swimming is upon us and although I have not managed a swim in the icy lochs of Scotland yet this year, I have had a few swims at Portobello where the thermometer was measuring below 5 degrees!!! The Wild Swim Scotland Members have been striving to continue their “Cold Water” swimming throughout the Winter months. We have been inspired by some amazing sunrises, frost on the beach and by mixing up our cold water dips with some heat therapy. Winter Sunrises and Festive Fun We managed Christmas Day Swims and New Year’s Day Dooks! We are delighted to be regular customers ..read more

Autumn days are definitely here, we have experienced some spectacular sunrises and sunsets, there is a chill in the air and the water temperatures are being brought down by those intermittent rain falls. If you have still to see one of these amazing sunrises, then why not join us over the next few weeks as the sunrise swims are around 0730 / 0830 from now until the Winter Solstice. We have a sunrise swim to welcome the new month on the 1st day of the month. There are also; “Dips in Dawn” on Monday mornings 0800 at Groyn 5, Portobello “Mindful Mornings” on Thursday mornings 0800 at Groyn 5, P ..read more

As drowning prevention week come to an end, I would like to share with you the information which I pulled together to structure the free sessions we offered this week. Have a wonderful Summer, swim lots, stay safe and respect the water ..read more

“Winter is Coming” The Summer is over and Autumn days are upon us, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, a chill in the air and in the water. If you have still to catch one then come and join us over the next few weeks as the sunrise swims are around 0730 0830 from now until the Winter Solstice. Read about our 202o Winter Solstice celebrations in collaboration with Lovefoodandmore here and view our Gallery here. It would be wonderful to have you along to celebrate this special time of year and our 1st anniversary. Booking link here. We have loved swimming multiple times in one day. Shari ..read more

Many thanks to Kirsty Anderson at Visit Scotland for providing this guest blog for our Wild Swim Scotland website. This is to tie in and highlight one of Visit Scotland‘s most recent pieces of content which explores why water is so good for wellness and wellbeing. Swim Experience at Portobello Beach Wild Swimming has grown substantially in it’s popularity over recent years and Wild Swim Scotland welcomes the ever growing community of Wild Swimmers. Swimming has long been known for its physical benefits. More recently the restorative benefits of swimming in the outdoor environment are coming to ..read more

As the warmer weather approaches, many of you will be drawn back to the water. Maybe you have been like our resident squirrels and been hibernating, waiting for the day that the sun breaks through and the buds of spring splash their colour. It was a joy for me to come across these gems as I took a walk in March after a morning spent in school. So what can being in and around water and nature bring to your life, to your health and wellbeing and to your social support system? There have been many articles, reports and documentaries made in recent years highlighting the physical benefits of col ..read more

What wonderful causes have we managed to contribute towards in the first year of Wild Swim Scotland? Well although each of the fundraisers have been on a small scale, they have covered a variety of charities. We have enjoyed taking the opportunity to highlight the work that each of these charities do, selecting a relevant date / timeline and introducing them to our swimmers on the day through themed swims. SAS Million Mile Beach CleanRNLI Groyn ChallengeSamaritans Brew dayCHAS Chilly ChallengeMental Health Swims The first of these was our contribution to Sufers Against Sewage  – Million M ..read more

Like this??? Portobello Beach circa 1900 Summer 2021 is looking like being a UK based affair for most of us. A flashback to the bygone days of the Golden age of the Victorian and Edwardian resorts. The number of brave souls venturing into the North Sea here at Portobello and at Wardie Bay, increases daily. It lifts my spirits and at the same time sends ripples of fear through me. Where will they gain their knowledge of safety and good procedures? The Victorians used bathing machines to enter the water, paddling in the shallows in their bloomers. They did not plunge head first into waters which ..read more

Well it has been over year now since I embarked on this new project. And what a year it has been!! Lots of new skills learnt; new knowledge gained; old knowledge revisited and refreshed and wonderful new people engaged in this fabulous outdoor activity. Thanks to everyone of you who have supported this venture, whether it has been with words of encouragement or advice, attending sessions or encouraging other to come along, signing up to the Newsletter or Social Media Channels or simply being there as a sounding board. It has certainly been a steep learning curve for me. Here is a summary of th ..read more