Photographer and outdoor swimmer Anna Deacon talks about the joy of wild swimming in Edinburgh plus her recommendations…
“There is nothing quite like the feeling of swimming into the sunrise on a deserted beach, then warming up with a coffee and heading off to work. Fortunately, here in Edinburgh we are blessed with an amazing, accessible coastline and more and more of us are discovering the joys and healing properties of a regular dip in the cold water, so it seems very apt that 2020 is the year of Scotland’s Coasts & Waters.”
Best places for wild swimming in Edinburgh
1 Portobello beach
A bit of an obvious one perhaps but it is a great starting point. It is pretty safe if you swim alongside the shore as it doesn’t really get affected by rip tides, and there is usually always someone swimming.
2 Wardie Bay
2020 has seen an explosion of swimmers at Wardie, with resident seals and visits from dolphins this oft overlooked little beach is actually perfect for nature loving swimmers and it is pretty protected by the breakwater.
3 Gullane
This wide sweeping beach in East Lothian is pretty perfect for a quiet autumn swim. The water is so clear and there is always plenty of space to find your own spot. Perfect place for a sunset swim followed by a little beach fire. Be careful of the currents though.
4 Gladhouse
A reservoir with a little island in the middle which is a good challenge to swim to for more experienced swimmers.
5 Tyninghame
So hard to choose from all the amazing East Lothian beaches, but this is a close second for me, surrounded by forest this enormous, golden sandy beach is a stunning place for a swim.
Post lockdown we have seen a sharp spike in members joining local swim groups across the whole of the UK, leading the Outdoor Swimming Society to shut down its online map of swim spots for fear of them becoming overwhelmed with new swimmers. Now, if you visit Portobello or Wardie beach you will almost certainly see someone swimming, pretty much at any time of day, and in all weathers.
Certainly, on a beautiful, calm sunny day, one can see the appeal, but what about now the autumn is creeping closer, we are popping the heating on, perhaps an extra layer, digging out the winter coats and boots? Well for me at least, this is the absolute BEST time to swim. Gone are the pesky jellyfish which make summer swimming a bit daunting and,with less people on the beach,you are less likely to accidentally flash someone as you change. In come the later sunrises, earlier sunsets and stunning autumn light, and the water is not yet too cold, really only a little colder than the summer temperatures so it is a great time to start.
Cold water swimming has been the subject of several medical studies over the last few years, including its effect on depression and pain relief. People have reported feeling a reduction in chronic pain, a boost in mood, relief from migraines, less anxiety, and a sense of belonging. When writing our book Taking The Plunge, myself and fellow swimmer Vicky Allen met and swam with many swimmers who have felt this healing for themselves.
Fancy a go?
Top tips for wild swimming
Come as you are
So many people ask what kit they need to get started and I would suggest you don’t need anything more than a swimsuit/trunks and a towel. You can always add more kit later if you want, perhaps neoprene gloves or boots, maybe a bobble hat!
Buddy up
Find someone to swim with, ideally someone who is used to outdoor swimming and can help you get started, there are lots of online groups for this.
Be safe
Make sure you know where you are swimming. Outdoor swimming carries many risks including riptides, hypothermia, currents, hidden objects underwater etc. Ensure you have a safe entry and exit point and have someone with you.
Keep it short
Allow your body to adjust to the water then always get out before you think you should.Listen carefully to your own body as you may not be able to tolerate as much as the next person.
Get warm fast
Your body can continue to lose heat for around 30 minutes after a cold swim, this is known as after drop, and can be dangerous. Bring a hot drink to warm up from the inside out and get your wet things off quickly and put on as many layers as you can. Loose baggy clothes are always easiest when fingers are cold and numb.
Buy Taking The Plunge by Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan now
