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Bluetits Dorset: Jurassic Coast – FULL

28th Jul 2023 - 31st Jul 2023

28th Jul 2023 - 31st Jul 2023
13th Oct 2023 - 16th Oct 2023
26th Jul 2024 - 29th Jul 2024

4 days/United Kingdom /Moderate

Overview

Spend the weekend enjoying Bluetitting on the stunning Jurassic Coast on this fun and inclusive swimming adventure! This trip has been designed with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers to allow you to explore the impressive Dorset coastline both on dry land and at sea!

You will walk the world-famous coastal path and England’s first natural World Heritage Site with your local guide before enjoying a gentle dip in the sea each morning. There is also the chance to challenge your limits and have a go at coasteering – an exhilarating and action-packed way to make your way across the coastline.

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 walks will be along the undulating coastal path 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 warm (average 16°C but could go up to 29°C) and nights are a little cooler (down to around 10-15°C). The sea temperature in July tends to be around 16°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.

Coasteering comes from the combination of the words ‘coast’ and ‘mountaineering’ and involves rock climbing, scrambling, swimming and cliff jumping to traverse and explore the points where land meets the sea.

This unique and exhilarating activity will provide you with spots to jump, stretches to swim and plenty of caves to explore and waves to navigate.

Please note: This activity is optional and must be pre-booked at an additional cost. Coasteering equipment will be provided but please consult the full suggested kit list below.

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.

If you choose to take part in the coasteering activity you will be provided with the equipment needed but we advise you to bring a pair of old, sturdy trainers and some shorts to wear over your wet suit. Wet suit boots or neoprene beach shoes are not appropriate.

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 at a local bunk house in Worth Matravers with shared rooms and a comfortable lounge area.  

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday 28 July 2023):

Worth Matravers
Arrive at the bunkhouse in time to meet the group for dinner and introductions.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Saturday 29 July 2023):

This morning you will set off on a walk to the coast with a local Bluetits guide for an early morning swim. We will continue for at least one more dip, possibly two!  After a fun-filled day you will return to the centre for dinner with your new friends.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3 (Sunday 30 July 2023):

Today we will head back to the shore for another morning of wild swimming. 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 where you can join a local Bluetits swim if you wish take part in the optional coasteering* session or explore Swanage.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

*The coasteering element of the weekend is optional and at an additional cost. You will be taught techniques of how to scramble over the rocks, jump cliffs and explore caves under the guidance of local experts.

Day 4 (Monday 31 July 2023):

You are free to check out of the bunkhouse at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Costs & How to pay

Registration fee: £95
and then…

Self-funded: £250

SELF-FUNDED

  • A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • Trip cost balance is payable to Different Travel 8 weeks prior to departure.

Optional Coasteering: £45

  • You can spend the afternoon trying the exhilarating activity of coasteering
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

Optional Sea Kayaking: £45

  • Spend the afternoon on the water in sea kayaks, paddling around the hidden coves and arches that surround Old Harry Rocks.
  • No experience is required, full training and equipment are provided.
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

What's included

  • 3 nights at a bunk house in Worth Matravers
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Bluetits host and Bluetits swim guides

What's not included

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

Got a Question?

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.