The following list is a suggestion only. Please ask me if you’re not sure what to wear, or what equipment you might need.
Clothing
- A swimsuit or shorts for in the water. You are welcome to wear a burkini, or a t-shirt and shorts or leggings, if you don’t feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit. Just bear in mind that these will all feel a tad heavier when wet
- If you are not used to swimming in cold water, you might appreciate a wetsuit – either a shorty swimsuit one, or a full sized one. I will insist on you using a wetsuit if you are not acclimatised to cold water, and book a Pootle or Retreat from autumn through to spring.
- Waterproof walking boots or shoes – it can get very muddy here. Plus, it rains, sometimes a lot. Walking sandals will be suitable for some of the shorter beach sessions, but I don’t recommend they be worn in the hills here. Too many pokey things. In Winter, walking boots are essential.
- Walking trousers or shorts
- A comfortable t-shirt for walking in
- A fleece, as it can get a bit breezy oop north
- An extra warm layer for after the swim – I use a gilet in the summer, and a light padded jacket the rest of the year
- A waterproof jacket. It also rains a lot up here
- Waterproof over-trousers. Unless there’s a storm, we’ll be venturing out come rain or shine!
- Warm hat – for the wind, and to warm up after the swim
- Gloves, as above – hands can get surprisingly cold after swimming, even in the summer
- A sun hat, preferably with a wide brim
- Walking socks
Equipment
- Rucksack – at least 25 litres, and big enough to carry all your kit and water
- Walking poles if you need them. I use mine a lot
- Swimming or diving shoes or sandals. You can also use a pair of old trainers. You want something to protect your feet from rocks and weever fish, and the cold. I’ve never encountered a weever fish, but they do exist, and the waterfall pools we’ll visit tend to have rocky surrounds.
- Swimming or diving gloves, to stop your hands getting too cold. Definitely worth investing in if you’re not acclimatised to cold water
- If you are not acclimatised to cold water, a wetsuit – either a shorty swimsuit one, or a full sized one. Also useful for Autumn, Winter and Spring swims, even if you are acclimatised.
- A towel or changing robe. The thicker winter changing robes are good, but not ideal for some of the pootles that involve a longer walk, as they’re that much heavier and bulkier. In the summer I use a very lightweight microfibre changing robe.
- A dry bag or plastic bag for wet items
- A flask for a hot drink post swim
- A water bottle for drinking from, at least 1 litre in size.
- A hot water bottle, if you feel you need it!
- A sit mat, just to stop your bum getting soggy
- Sunscreen – at least SPF 30
- Sunglasses
- Plenty of food and snacks. Many of the places we’ll be meeting at and walking to don’t have anywhere to buy food or drinks from
- A swim hat if you want to protect your hair, or just look cool. I like the retro versions
- I carry a first aid kit, but please ensure that you bring any medications that you might need on the day
Winter
As above, plus the following:
- Warm hat – you might appreciate a spare woolly hat to wear in the water too. Mine is bright orange!
- Warm gloves
- Padded jacket
- Buff or scarf
- Thermal long sleeved top
- Thermal bottoms
- Warm socks
- Waterproof gloves
- Gaiters – it can get very wet and muddy. I use ankle ones.
- Waterproof rucksack cover
- Head torch (just in case!)