A dip in the sea will put a smile on your face!
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The past year has seen a surge in the popularity of outdoor swimming in Caithness. Those who have taken it to their hearts say they feel the benefits in terms of health and wellbeing while also enjoying the social interaction of meeting up with friends for an invigorating dip.
Many are continuing to take the plunge throughout the winter, and the phenomenon looks set to continue into 2022 and beyond. Friends of the North Baths and the Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group have given Wick's two open-air pools a new lease of life, while swimmers have also been taking the plunge at beaches and harbours across the far north. Some have even been inspired to raise funds for charity by going on daily dips.
We asked three keen outdoor swimming enthusiasts – Claire McGovern (Castletown), Patty Coghill (Wick) and Pat Ramsay (Staxigoe) – to give an insight into what they love about it and to reveal some of their favourite locations.
Why do you think outdoor swimming has become so popular in Caithness over the past year?
Claire McGovern: "It's not just Caithness, it's all over Scotland and beyond. It has been a hobby for many people for quite a few years and an activity I myself have enjoyed taking part in regularly since May 2018.
"I think Covid and lockdown have played a part in the soaring number of folk giving it a go, particularly due to having restrictions placed on many other areas of our day-to-day lives.
"Dipping in the sea is an outdoor activity that anyone can enjoy – and it's free. It's so good for your mental health and a great way to relieve stress. I don't know many who have tried it and come away afterwards saying they didn't enjoy it."
Patty Coghill: "I think cold-water swimming has become so popular in the last year due to Covid. Caithness has the most wonderful places to swim within a short distance from your house."
Pat Ramsay: "It has been a great new hobby that uses the amazing outdoors on our doorstep. It costs nothing and it’s such a fun activity to do. I’ve met so many like-minded people and we all bond so well. The social aspect is all part of the experience and we have such laughs.
"The camaraderie is great, encouraging one another to take the plunge."
What do you enjoy most about it?
Claire: "A hundred per cent for me it's the mental benefits. It's a great stress-buster. After any stressful situation, or from a gradual build-up of stress that comes as part of all our daily lives, going for a dip in the sea just melts it all away. It helps me to reset and refocus. Best of all it gives me a great natural high and lifts my mood – and makes me really hungry!
"I always come away from a dip with a spring in my step and a massive smile on my face, ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
"I do really enjoy having a wider group to socialise with in the water since the popularity of dipping has increased earlier in the year. It's also a really good motivator, knowing others are going too on days when I'm feeling less enthusiastic. They can be my motivation.
"I am continuing to dip through the seasons. This is my third winter in the sea with the cozzie on. I just love it!"
Patty: "There are many factors. I am an outdoorsy person and I love swimming, though unless it was a hot day and on a picnic I used to do all my swimming in the local indoor pool. When the pools shut, and needing to do something, along with two cousins I decided to give it a go."
Pat: "Definitely the social side of the experience, plus the amazing feeling of being in the water. Even though it’s cold, it’s beautiful, and every day is different.
"I swim at Staxigoe harbour as it’s on my doorstep, plus it’s so lovely and clean. Crystal-clear water, seals popping up for a nosy, cormorants diving close by... what more do you need? So far I have swum right through from early June to now and moved from my swimming costume to wetsuit."
What are your favourite locations for swimming?
Claire: "We are really lucky in Caithness – we have a great choice when it comes to dip locations. Some top spots for me include Dunnet beach, Staxigoe harbour, Scrabster beach, Peedie Sands, Latheron harbour and Sarclet. I also enjoy the freshwater dips – locally at Long Loch and Loch More. Up west there are some stunning beaches too.
"I dip where I feel comfortable and know others have been. If I'm not sure, I shout out to others for advice and information on good spots to go.
"This year I have been to more than 30 locations both in and outwith Caithness. That barely scratches the surface of what's out there to explore and enjoy, though."
Patty: "My favourite locations are Ackergill, the North Baths and Staxigoe harbour. Ackergill for the amazing view – being able to see from Noss Head to Keiss Castle is nothing short of spectacular, and there is easy access. Being in the North Baths I feel in two worlds: the tranquil space with the infinity window looking across the bay, where we regularly see seals and a variety of birds bobbing about, then the other side of how busy it is at the harbour with boats coming and going, and the amount of people that pass by walking. Staxigoe harbour is a lovely big area to swim in and again it has easy access."
Pat: "Staxigoe harbour, definitely… absolutely perfect!"
Do you think there will be the same enthusiasm for outdoor swimming in the year ahead, and beyond?
Claire: "I hope so! I've met lots of new people this year and I enjoy the company and camaraderie that a dip in the sea brings. It's a great motivator having company."
Patty: "I hope there will be the same enthusiasm. More people are doing it all the time. A few have dropped off because it's the wintertime but intend to return in the summer. A few different groups swim most days in various locations in Caithness so I think that will keep it going."
Pat: "I hope so! I’ve got the gear now, along with a great group of ladies who show a sense of humour, courage and friendship. Come and join us!"
