Wellbeing & Nature in Scotland

Who would have thought that those first hesitant steps into the water could be so rewarding? Wild swimming is a great way to meet new people, explore different areas and is said to have incredible physical and mental benefits.

If you look at it from a purely physical perspective it makes total sense, cold water immersion stimulates the release of serotonin and dopamine. Where dopamine stimulates a feeling of euphoria, serotonin balances our mood and a general feeling of well being. As you get out of the water and start that wonderfully awkward under the towel shimmy to get back into your clothing you'll find yourself giddy and completely energised. Regular exposure to cold water is also said to reduce stress, inflammation and depression. By teaching your body to adapt to cold water, pushing it way out of its normal comfort zone, you're also teaching it to handle other pains and stresses better. Additionally, Wild swimming can be very meditative. Submerging yourself underwater, blocking out the noise of the outside world and focussing on your breathing allows you to truly disconnect from your normal day to day.

For safety, it's important to remember that because you're heading into natural bodies of water you should always swim with others. Join an established wild swimming group or booking a one-off wild swimming experience. This will set you up with the network and skills to enjoy the water both year-round and anywhere. Wild Wimmin are based near Stirling and their activities are led by STA Level 2 qualified open water swimming coaches to safely introduce individuals and groups to swimming outdoors. Facilitating both coaching sessions and multi-day retreats, Wild Wimmin are all about women getting outdoors together in a supportive environment and not taking themselves too seriously.

What did you do last weekend? Well, wouldn't you just love to say that you escaped to a farm in the south of Argyll and embraced country living?

Call a charming 150-year-old farmhouse situated at the far end of the Kintyre peninsula your home for a couple of days. Book a weekend farm escape with Wilder Ways and tailor your time there to fit your needs. Looking for some adventure and to get stuck in and stretch your legs? You could choose to fill your day actively with horse riding, farm walks or trying your hand at farm life with animal care and gardening. Do you want to learn a new skill? Spend your time trying out different arts and crafts, fishing and foraging for food. Just in need of some rest and relaxation? Imagine days soaking up the gorgeous countryside and evenings spent gazing up at a countless number of stars at night from the warmth of an outdoor hot tub. The farm's remote location ensures very limited reception and also zero light and noise pollution. Enjoy a complete disconnect and the ability to just listen to the wind, crickets and the nearby stream at Glen Kerran Farmhouse.

Retreats, as the name implies, is the process of stepping back from your normal life for a time to focus on different things.

They come in all shapes and sizes, the most popular types are spiritual, detoxing, couples, yoga and fitness retreats. Wilderness Scotland launched a slightly different women-only retreat in 2019, a nature focussed getaway in the Highlands. No full-body massages, fruit smoothies and thermal springs here! Unlike your typical retreat, the Wilderness Retreat is about spending active time in nature with like-minded adventurers.

Based in a beautiful yet rustic Highland lodge, this week-long experience offers its guests the opportunity to improve their outdoor confidence with navigation skills and hill hikes. Time not spent in the forest or on the hill is spent enjoying morning yoga sessions, trying out wild swimming, learning about rewilding from a local expert or simply chilling out at the stunningly located lodge. Whilst some might associate going on a retreat with a week of healthy eating and detox smoothies, guests travelling with Wilderness Scotland will dine on delicious home-cooked meals and tasty bakes.

Often described as luxury camping, glamping makes camping accessible to everyone. Do you love spending time outdoors, watching the sun go down and enjoying the quiet of the countryside, but you don’t love tents, camp cooking and outdoor toileting? With glamping, there’s no need to forgo daily comforts. Wellbeing is all about doing what’s right for you, and sometimes that’s admitting you like a comfy chair and running water whilst you immerse yourself in beautiful surroundings.

Staying at the wigwams on the Montrave Estate promises an almost luxurious experience, with fully equipped pods containing a kitchen, bathroom, electricity, plush beds, outdoor decking and some of the pods even come with their own private hot tub or Swedish bath.

The estate is a great place to get away with friends or family and to just relax into a different routine. Off-site, you could spend your days exploring the nearby fishing villages, golden sand beaches and fascinating historical sites. On-site there are plenty of family-friendly activities as well as ways to kick back and unwind. Toast marshmallows over a firepit or steep tired muscles in a wood-fired outdoor Swedish bathtub.