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Bluetits Scotland: Monster Dooks 2027

13th Sep 2027 - 17th Sep 2027

5 days/United Kingdom /Moderate

Overview

Trip Summary | Bluetits Scotland: Monster Dooks 2027

Head to the Scottish Highlands for some ‘dooks’, or dips, on our swimming weekend with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers!

We start our adventure in Loch Ness and the surrounding seas before heading to the Cairngorms National Park.

Here we will spend the next three days dipping in lochs and rivers. You may want to take the chance to try an optional canoeing activity or a whiskey distillery tour.

This trip has been organised in conjunction with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers, a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers. They now have more than 100,000 Bluetits across the globe.

This trip has been graded as moderate, our lowest level of difficulty. You do not need to be a great swimmer or walker to take part in this adventure weekend. The Bluetit ethos is about encouraging people to enjoy the water, even if it is just dipping your toes in!

This is not a challenge, just a chance to meet some like-minded individuals for a fun weekend.

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A ‘dook’ is Scottish for dipping! All the regular fun of a Bluetits Swimming Weekend but heading up north. And why monster? Well we will be sharing the water with Nessie at some point over the weekend!

This trip has been graded as moderate for someone of good fitness. A Bluetit motto is ‘No Bluetit Left Behind!’ so what is most important is that you feel able to enjoy the weekend.

The walks will be along the undulating paths and will be a distance of no more than 3 miles at a time. This will be at a gentle pace with plenty of time to rest and take in the views.

You will never be pressured to go out of your depth or beyond your comfort zone when it comes to swimming but you must be able to tread water in order to get the most out of the wild swimming adventure.

You do not need any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure weekend. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.

The weather in the UK is unpredictable and changeable so you must check the local weather forecast prior to arrival and pack accordingly.
Typically, days are cool (average 7°C with highs of 9°C) and nights are a little cooler (down to around 5°C). The water temperature in September tends to be around 9-15°C but can feel much colder.

Please note it is possible to experience extreme deviations from the normal climate pattern and very cold conditions are not impossible. Climate and weather conditions during the trip are out of our control. It is extremely important that you take responsibility to prepare yourself for all weather conditions during this challenge.

Our qualified Bluetit swimming guides are very used to dipping with people new to cold water swimming, and will explain what to expect at every step. We encourage you to take part in ‘The Bluetit Chorus’, which involves plenty of singing, shouting and the odd swear word to help your breath to acclimatise to the cold. Only you know your body, and we advise that you take things easy and allow your body and mind to acclimatise to the cold gradually.

Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure weekend. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the weekend to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!

Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.

This challenge is accompanied by professional Bluetits swim tour guides who will offer expert instruction in techniques and supervise throughout the trip.

You will need to wear comfortable walking boots or sturdy trainers for the walking element of the weekend and we advise you to bring waterproofs given the inclement weather we can experience here in the UK.

Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. A tow float, swim shoes and brightly coloured hat are essential for safety reasons. Other swimming accessories, such as wet suits, rash vests, swim shoes, gloves, goggles etc., are not essential but may make you feel more comfortable.

You will also need to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers. A wooly hat and big gloves or mittens are also helpful.

Please see the full suggested kit list below.

You will stay in multi-share rooms at a hostel in Inverness and Glenmore. You will be sharing bedrooms with others on this trip, but you may have to share communal facilities, including bathrooms, with other guests at the hostel.

The hostel in Inverness is in a quiet neighbourhood close to the city centre.

At Glenmore, we will stay in a cosy hostel in a secluded rural spot, within walking distance of Loch Morlich, offering plenty of opportunities for independent swims in your free time.

All meals will be provided as specified in the itinerary below.

You will be provided with packed lunches to take with you during the day.

If you have any dietary requirements you must inform us in advance.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.

Itinerary

Bluetits Scotland: Monster Dooks 2027

Day 1 (Monday 13 September 2027):

Welcome to the Scottish Highlands! Your adventure begins in the historic city of Inverness. You are requested to arrive at the Inverness Youth Hostel in time to meet your fellow ‘Monster Dookers’ and the group leaders.
This evening is all about settling in and getting to know your travel companions over a delicious dinner served at the hostel. It is the perfect time to discuss the exciting swimming itinerary ahead and prepare for your first dips in the Highland waters.
Please note that your arrival transfer to the hostel is not included, so we recommend planning your journey from the airport or train station in advance.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Friday 14 September 2027):

After a hearty cooked breakfast to fuel your day, we set off for a full day of swimming exploration around the scenic Inverness area, including a chance to dip in Loch Ness itself! Guided by expert swim guides and your Bluetits host, you will experience the invigorating waters of the Highlands.
A packed lunch is provided to keep your energy up between dips.
As the afternoon draws to a close, we travel to our new base for the next three nights: the Cairngorm Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this rustic lodge offers the perfect atmosphere for our swimming retreat.
We conclude the day with a group dinner at our new accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3 (Saturday 15 September 2027):

Start your morning with another refreshing swim in the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms.
This morning we will seek out some of the area’s stunning lochs, with plenty of time to also enjoy the local surroundings and highland towns.
The day wraps up with a communal dinner back at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4 (Sunday 16  September 2027):

Your penultimate day in the Highlands begins with a signature morning swim.
After another morning exploring the highland lochs, there is a chance to explore the water differently with an optional canoeing session on the River Spey. Alternatively you may prefer to delve into the history of Scotland’s most famous export with an optional whiskey distillery tour. Whether you choose adventure on the water or a cultural exploration of local spirits, it’s bound to be a memorable day!
Our final dinner tonight is a chance to reminisce and celebrate the week’s swims.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5 (Friday 17 September 2027):

Enjoy one last breakfast at the Cairngorm Lodge as we prepare to say goodbye to the mountains.
After breakfast, the group transport will head back towards Inverness. You have the flexibility of being dropped off either in the Inverness town centre, perfect if you wish to extend your stay or do some last-minute sightseeing, or directly at Inverness Airport for your journey home.
Reflect on a week of ‘Monster Dooks’ and new friendships as your Highland swimming adventure comes to a close.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety.  

Costs & How to pay

Total trip cost: £750

  • A non-refundable £125 deposit is payable at the time of booking..
  • Your remaining balance of £625 is payable to Different Travel 6 weeks prior to departure.

Optional Whiskey Distillery Tour: £TBCpp

  • A chance to visit the nearby Cairn Distillery, a family-owned whisky distillery with a long history of maturing and bottling Scottish whisky, and more recently distilling their own award-winning Speyside single-malt. The Explorer Experience is a one-hour tour, where you will enjoy a tour around the production centre, learning about the history and techniques, before sampling two drams.
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

Optional River Spey Canoeing: £TBCpp

  • Spend an enjoyable two hours paddling on the River Spey.  With the stunning Cairngorm peaks as a backdrop, the guides will provide instruction  before you head off on a guided tour, enjoying the serene natural landscape and keeping your eyes open for local wildlife along the way.
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

 

What's included

  • 4 nights at a hostel/bunk house in shared rooms
  • Transport by coach from Day 2 – 5.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Bluetits host and Bluetits swim guides

What's not included

  • Transport to/from Inverness
  • Personal expenses (e.g. tips, snacks or drinks bought locally etc.)
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal clothing and equipment (see kit list)
  • Optional activities

Have a question?

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