WINTER SWIMMING, FABULOUS FOOD, DRINK, LAUGHTER AND FESTIVITY IN THIS STUNNING PART OF SCOTLAND.

Our SwimQuest Christmas weekend has become somewhat of a favourite with our guests, and has evolved into a weekend of winter swimming (and or ‘dipping’), fabulous food, drink, laughter and festivity. There is no pressure to swim on this trip, however we usually run two or three short winter dips a day for those who are willing, followed up by wonderful food and time to chill around the log fire. On Saturday evening, sit down with us for a homemade Christmas dinner (with all the trimmings) followed by games and carols by candlelight. We can guarantee this weekend won’t disappoint.

ABOUT ARISAIG

Despite its ‘world away’ feel, Arisaig is easily accessible via train. The village of Arisaig (the Safe Place) is centred on the sheltered shore of Loch nan Ceall (Loch of the Cells) on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, and is nestled at the base of rocky Creag Mhor, the Sgurr an t’Sasunnaich (peak of the Englishman) and the Sgurr an Albanaich (peak of the Scotsman). It spreads west along the beautiful Rhu road, strewn with sandy white beaches and north along the shore towards Morar Loch – the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles (with a maximum depth of 310m).

ABOUT TRAIGH HOUSE

Our base and accommodation for this tour is the historical Traigh House, nestled three miles north of Arisaig, in 500 acres of its own private woods and hills. Just yards away from stunning white beaches, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the Inner Hebrides and cosy up ready for a Scottish swimming adventure. Sleeping 16 people, Traigh House is fully equiped with central heating, log fires, beautiful drawing rooms complete with grand piano, a games room, drying room, a private walled garden and views over the sea and surrounding mountains. The house was also used as an SOE training base in the 1940s. By the way … if you can play the piano on request – we’ll give you a 10% discount! Dogs are also welcome, but please pre-arrange with the SwimQuest office.

IS THIS WINTER SWIMMING TRIP IN SCOTLAND FOR ME?

Expect breathtaking scenery, cosy home-cooked food, life affirming sea temperatures and comfortable accommodation with a vista. The tour will include sea and freshwater loch swims, subject to weather conditions. This trip really is suitable for all abilities. Come with a sense of adventure, plenty of warm kit and a big appetite!

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Sea temperature: approx 5-10˚C
• Loch temperature: approx. 4-8˚C
• Daily swimming distance: up to 1km maximum (although more likely short winter dips!)
• Swimming ability: This location is suitable for both beginners and more advanced swimmers, although ideally you should have some form of cold water acclimatisation for this winter tour. If you are not sure what we mean, feel free to give us a call and ask for some advice.
• Are non-swimmers welcome? Absolutely – non-swimmers are welcome to join the tour and take advantage of this beautiful area.
• Start and finish: Start – 5pm, Finish – 10am

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Accommodation in Traigh House (private walled garden, grand piano, kitchen with aga, washing facilities, drying room, log fires, central heating, linen and towels, games room and wifi included)
• Swimming, assisted by safety boats if required and always escorted by swim guide/s
• Breakfasts
• Traditional home-cooked lunches
• Dinners
• Alcohol with evening meals
• Home cooked snacks and cakes
• SwimQuest swim cap
• SwimQuest dry bag
• Transfer to / from Arisaig
• All swim transfers (although if you intend to drive and would be happy to help with short shuttles, we would be hugely grateful!)
• VAT

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

• Travel to and from Traigh House (guests are advised to travel to Arisaig station where we can arrange pick ups)
• Wetsuits and fins (if required)
• Any alcohol not served with meals
• Single room supplement (£190)