GUIDED
SWIM SESSIONS
a variety of different wild swimming experiences in the mountains of eryri / snowdonia
Photo © Sarah Gerrish
GUIDED SWIM SESSIONS
Share a morning, afternoon, evening or even a full day of fresh air and great conversations, embrace the elements, and take what mother nature gives you be it rain, hail or sunshine and run, (well, walk and swim) with it!
CREATIVE WRITING SWIM/WALKS
New for 2024 I am offering creative writing swim/walks based around the equinoxes and solstice, join me for a few hours to soak up the sights, sounds, smells and feelings that these important times of year can bring. We will walk up to a lake, take a swim and take part in a writing workshop to leave with your own little piece of writing on the experience.
MOUNTAIN SWIMMER DAYS
Join me for a guided swim/walk in the beautifully rugged mountains of Snowdonia. A day to relax into mountain walking and swimming and let me guide you to some of my favourite mountain lakes. Please note that the walking on these days will be uphill and could be on uneven terrain. You will need a moderate level of fitness, although all walking will be at a comfortable pace so we can still chat while we walk.
VALLEY SWIMMER DAYS
If the thought of walking uphill in the mountains doesn't appeal but you would still love to explore some of the beautiful lakes in Eryri / Snowdonia then my valley swimmer day could be for you. This is a day of multiple swims exploring the big lakes with big views and sampling a local cafe for lunch (cost of lunch not included).
FULL MOON SWIM/WALKS
Who doesn't love the magic and mystery that a full moon brings? Join me for an evening walk in the hills to take a special moonlit dip in a mountain lake. Walk back feeling refreshed and renewed for the month ahead.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
GUIDED SWIMMING IN THE MOUNTAINS
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
TRANSPORT* | FOOD & DRINKS
IN WATER PHOTOGRAPHY | ACCOMMODATION
PRE-REQUISITES
MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM | COMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA OF SWIMMING OUTDOORS
If you plan to come by public transport please drop me a message*
WHAT PEOPLE SAY?
I think a day on the hills, swimming in lakes and having time to reflect, absorb your surroundings is incredible, but see what other people who have shared the experience with me say
It was a beautiful day Vivienne- thank you for the experience. Some words from the day....
Languid thickness of water
Mellifluous over starfish stones and black as cormorant gullet.
Such an incredible day - thank you again. It was wet, grey, cold and I LOVED IT. A mind and soul expanding experience.
Thank you Vivienne! It was such a special day! We all had an amazing time & it was really really great to meet you and be in your company! Thank you for sharing with us xxx
Photo © Sarah Gerrish
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
It is entirely up to you what you want to bring along, these sessions are about experiences, not endurance. But as a general guide, I would suggest...
Warm hat
Warm jacket
Waterproof trousers and jacket
Boots or trainers
Swimsuit/wetsuit
Swim hat/woolly hat (may get wet)
Goggles
Towfloats if you have one
Towel/Robie (Dry Robes can be a little bulky to carry on the mountains but if you can carry it you are very welcome to bring yours)
Sketchbook/Notebook
Pen, pencils
Camera
Lunch/Snacks
Hot drink
Rucksack to put everything in.
WHERE TO STAY?
There is a full range of accommodation options in Snowdonia to suit every budget and taste.
The ones suggested below operate independently from me
HOSTELS
PLAS CURIG
01690 720225
YHA SNOWDON PEN Y PASS
0345 371 9534
HOTELS/GUEST HOUSES
GWESTY PLAS GOCH
01286 872122
PEN Y GWRYD HOTEL
01286 870211
CAMPSITES
DOLGAM
01690 720228
GWERN GOF UCHAF
01690 720294
ABOUT ME
I am an artist, outdoor swimmer and health and fitness coach. I live in the mountains of Eryri / Snowdonia in North Wales where I have lived since 2002, I grew up on the beautiful South Coast in the New Forest and regularly return to visit family. My project #swimsnowdonia was listed amongst 'The 10 most inspiring adventures' in The Guardian and has been the focus of several short films including a music video for the band Elbow. 'Afterglow' a short film about my passion for both my creativity and cold water swimming won Best Woman in Adventure Gold Award at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival., Best Short Film at The Four Season Film Festival and was recently selected for The Patagonia Film Festival in Santa Monica. I was included in the first San Miguel Rich List, 'a unique list of men and women who value experiences over any possession' and listed as one of Britain's 101 Adventurers. I was featured in an ITV documentary 'The Mountain ' which followed the lives of a selection of people who live and work on the busiest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon and various features on the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and Channel 5.
I am a Qualified Teacher, Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor, Mountain Leader, Open Water Swimming Coach, RLSS Open Water Lifeguard, RYA Day Skipper and hold RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. I hold Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors, STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Award and Certificate, and STA Level 2 Baby & Pre-School Aquatic Teacher. I am an RLSS Trainer and have more than 10 previous years of experience lifesaving in swimming pools.
