If you’d asked Valérie to describe her ideal relaxing weekend break a few years ago, donning a wetsuit and jumping into cold, open water probably wouldn’t have entered into the equation.

But after hearing about the wild swimming adventures of friends made on a Large Outdoors getaway, and getting an offer she couldn’t refuse, she decided it was time to change her landlubber ways and take the plunge.

Valérie, 49 and based in Cambridge, shared her story with us in the hope of convincing others to give the joys of wild swimming a go!

Large Outdoors: Hi Valérie! How did you first discover wild swimming?

Valérie: While attending a Large Outdoors New Years Walking Holiday in the Lake District, two of my fellow walkers were discussing their favourite wild swimming trips. I wasn’t even sure what they meant by ‘wild swimming’, but it sounded cold.

They told me about a wild swimming weekend in Snowdonia where they swam in cold, open water with a group of other swimmers and a guide. I was dumbfounded - why would people enjoy getting wet and cold in the water, and even more frozen when they get out? Where was the joy in that?!

"But it was wonderful", they enthused. They kept talking about how cold the water was and, even worse, how their toes were freezing cold when they got out. It was at this point I reached a conclusion: wild swimming was definitely NOT an activity for me!

But I had a problem! By becoming a very good friend of Jo and Joanne from my trip, their love for wild swimming often came up in our conversations and, when Jo decided she wanted to celebrate her birthday with a Large Outdoors Scottish wild swimming trip, I was suddenly in trouble. Could I overcome my fear of the cold for my friend? There must be something to it that I wasn’t seeing!

Well, I couldn’t let my friend down on her birthday, so there was only one way to find out - I said yes!

Large Outdoors: How did it feel you eventually took the plunge - literally?

Valérie: It all happened in a flash! Our guide initially took us down to a shallow river to acclimatise our bodies to the chilly Scottish waters and get used to our wetsuits, gloves, and shoes. Stepping into the water for the first time was an unexpected relief! It felt nothing like I’d imagined, and dreaded, beforehand.

And did I feel super cold on that first time in the water? I honestly don’t remember. My memories of that first dip are of the feelings of freedom, openness, relaxation, and of the purity of the lake water. It suddenly made sense - this was what my friends were talking about!

Large Outdoors: What did you get up to on the wild swimming getaway?

Valérie: Every day was a different experience, from swimming in beautiful lochs, rivers, and canyons, the finding stunning hidden waterfalls, each swim felt magical in its own way.

The social element of the getaway was a rich factor for me. To be able to share my apprehension, doubts, observations, and joy with others, and to be part of a supportive group, was so powerful and helped me come out of my wild swimming shell.

Large Outdoors: What did you take away from your wild swimming experience?

Valérie: The experience of swimming with Large Outdoors has impacted my life massively.

I met new friends with a passion for an outdoor activity I would never have considered in the past, which allowed me to connect with them on all sorts of other passions too.

Since returning from Scotland, I’ve enjoyed more wild swimming with my friend Joanne. It’s now a regular part of my social life that I look forward to.

One big lesson from my wild swimming experience is to always try to see things from different perspectives - don’t judge something you’ve never tried! Have a go, be adventurous, and enjoy the moment. By removing those mental obstacles, you can change the direction of your life for the better.

So come on in, the water’s lovely!

If you’re feeling inspired to take the plunge, you can join us at the following getaways in 2022:

Wild Swimming in the Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

Wild Swimming in Snowdonia

Wild Swimming in the Lake District