10th Nov 2023 - 13th Nov 2023
4 days/United Kingdom /Moderate
Spend the weekend enjoying Bluetitting in secret coves and tidal pools in Cornwall on this fun and inclusive swimming adventure! This trip has been designed with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers to allow you to explore the impressive Cornish coastline.
You will be exploring rockpools, taking a dip in tidal pools and discovering hidden coves.
The Bluetits Chill Swimmers is 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.
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 30 minute walk to the hidden cove will be along an undulating coastal path and will be at a gentle pace.
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 9°C) and nights are chilly (down to around 5-2°C). The sea temperature in November is still relatively warms and tends to be around 13°C.
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.
We will be staying in multi-bedded rooms at the YHA Perranporth.
This small and friendly hostel is in a stunnning cliff-top position and has spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and nearby sandy beaches.
All meals will be provided as specified in the itinerary below.
We will dine both at local pubs and at the hostel.
If you have any dietary requirements you must inform us in advance.
Perranporth
Arrive at the YHA in time to meet the group for introductions and a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Rockpools
This morning you will drive to Portreath for a swim in the tidal pool before heading over to Porthtowan for our second tidal pool dip. After a packed lunch you will have the afternoon free to explore – The Jubilee Pool in Penzance, a 45-minute drive away, is just one of many options This evening there is an option to join a local Bluetit swim at Perranporth before a campfire on the beach with your new friends. We’ll warm up over dinner at the local pub.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Secret Cove
Today we will take a short drive to the secret location before taking a 30 minute walk down to a hidden cove. You will spend the morning wild swimming before Sunday lunch at a clifftop inn. There are no great distances to cover and no pressure – just take a dip and have some fun in the water. There is some free time this afternoon – we’d suggest a high tide swim at Newquay Harbour or you can stay onland to explore the town.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Perranporth
You are free to check out of the hostel at your leisure. Perhaps go for a swim at the Bude Sea Pool on your way home!
Meals: Breakfast
Registration fee: £95
and then…
Self-funded: £330
If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.