The Dales Dipper - Wild Swimming Guide

31/07/2024

Please share. It really helps.

If you'd like to keep up to date about Dip-Fest- search Dip-Fest on FB to join that page.

Dip-Fest 2025 - Lake District.

I've extended the early bird price (£399pp fully inclusive) for the Lake District Dip-Fest's 2025 until the end of August. This is amazing value for an amazing break away with like minded folks.

Bookings are coming in steadily and I do hope you can make one of these fab events.

Here's what you get for £399

• 3 nights accomodation
• All meals and packed lunches.
• 1 full days swimming with The Dales Dipper, including coach travel
• ½ day guided outdoor activity
• Local swim spots to use as you wish
• No need to use your car once you're here
• Ice plunges
• Parking on site
• Bar for evening drinks
• Fire pit
• Beautiful location
• Friendly community and great atmosphere suitable for single folk, couples and groups.
• Plenty of free time for chilling.

Find further information and FAQs here

https://www.thedalesdipper.co.uk/dipfest-2025

25/06/2024

Keep your eyes peeled! booking will soon be open for Dip-Fest 2025 x

09/06/2024

Please share.

After the great success of my first 2 wild swimming festivals in May and June, I'm really excited to let you all know that I have 2 more wild swimming & outdoor activity festivals coming up in August!

When
Dip-Fest August (a) 11th to 14th
Dip-Fest August (b) 14th to 17th

Cost
£399 pp (early bird price till 30th June)
£425 pp (full price after)

Where
Newlands Adventure Centre (nr Keswick, Lake District) - a fabulous venue, super friendly, super location and super clean! In the heart of the gorgeous Lake District National Park www.activity-centre.com

What's included?
• Bunk style accomodation (everyone has a bottom bunk)
• Breakfast, packed lunch, evening meal, hot drink making facility.
• ½ dozen gorgeous dipping spots within walking distance
• Full day wild swimming day with transport.
• ½ day guided activity (kayaking / ghyll scrambling)
• Plenty of free time to relax and chill
• onsite bar
• Friendly community
• Fire pit
• Cold water dunking pods

Payment.
After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with bank details for a bank transfer.

Further details here: https://www.thedalesdipper.co.uk

You'll also find Dip-Fest FAQs page on my website too!

Hope you can join me, Les x

Wild Swimming in the Yorkshire Dales. All abilities welcome. Learn how to get into cold water, safely while having fun. Great for physical and mental health. Visit this wild swimming page now. Fastest growing sport in the world.

20/05/2024

Dr Rachel Dobbing and I have been facilitating these Wild Swimming and Self Compassion weekends for a few years now and they are really ace. Accessible, gentle and fun teaching, community building and cold water.

Places are already booking up fast. Just a few left.

Reserve your place on the booking page which can be found on my website

Link in profile

02/05/2024

Help required, well, a lift.

I am running a wild swim session in Swaledale this coming Saturday and my bus has sprung a big oil leak, so cant be driven and so I can't drive there. Booooo.

Some friends will kindly put me up in Skipton on Friday night and I now need a lift (to get to Swaledale for 10am) and then a lift back to Skipton afterwards. The session will last about 1.5hrs.

I'll happily pay fuel or take you and some friends for a bespoke dipping day out in the Dales at a convenient time for us all.

Can anyone help me? I'll need to know by 10am tomorrow morning, so I can get a train down from Scotland tomorrow if necessary.

I really don't want to let them down, because they will be super excited to have their first dip.

You can find out more about these awesome retreats here

26/04/2024

Out of office is now active. See you next week and have a fabulous weekend.
Mine is off to a wet and wild start.

23/04/2024

As many of you will know, life can throw us curve balls, and this last year, life has 'generously' given me two big ones.

After 26 years of marriage Jen and I have, very sadly, separated. We have both done our best, with the best we've had. We've tried hard and now we must focus on our individual journeys. I share, not for sympathy, but for clarity and transparency.

Alongside this, my Dad, 88, has declined significantly with his health, with dementia, which, as many of you will know, is a difficult and unpredictable disease to be with.

As a result, I have been with my folks in Scotland for the past few months, supporting my mum and Dad as they deal with these changes.

Scotland will be my base for the foreseeable future and I'll be returning for Dales and Lakes guiding as and when.

As you might imagine, both of these sad happenings have necessarily taken up much of my mental and emotional resources during the last 12 months and this has meant my communication with you lovely people, my friends, customers and valued followers, has been less than you could have normally expected in a more stable time.

As well as being painful and sad, there has also been glimmers of growth and learning about who I am and what my goals and aims are for the future. Both curve balls have been a poignant kick up the backside that I must continue to take care of myself and my own self-care, as well as taking my best care of those people I love and care about.

It has, without doubt, been the most challenging year of my life, with plenty of tears and incredibly dark days. Thankfully, I have been supported by strong friends who have held up my arms during the roughest of times. I'm eternally thankful to these very special people.

As I have began to emerge from this time, I notice I am still really excited about what's coming up; Dip-Fest 2024, new swim guiding experiences, retreats and much more besides. I feel clearer, more focused and increasingly buoyant about what lies ahead.

As some of you already know, the essence and heart of what I do, is building community and the cold water unites us all in this so well. Our unique differences, personal journeys and being held in the magical cold water is what keeps me, and many of us, going.

As I reflect further, it continues to be a privilege to hear so many joyful, precious and moving stories as I continue to guide and organise swimming experiences.

Cold water swimming, and the community that surrounds it, in my opinion, encourages joyful friendships and promotes health and wellbeing in the most wonderful of ways. I am humbled and delighted to be a part of this wonderful community and I'm looking forward to more cold water and more dipping with many of you.

Thanks for baring with me during this challenging time and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you in the water soon.

As a final comment for now, please don't be alone in your challenges if you're struggling, but rather call that friend, get out in nature, take that calculated risk and above all, be gentle with yourself. Its ok to not be ok. Be sure to take care of your significant others as best as you can. Do the best with the best you've got.

Out for now and with love,

Les x

Ps. I'm working hard on all my commitments to Dip-Fest and my other up coming swimming experiences and there will be further updates soon. Thanks for your understanding x

30/01/2024

I've got lots of events coming up in my swim diary, in the Lakes and Dales.

The next two events are

• Feb 14th Valentines light em up dip (flood lit waterfall)

• March 23rd Spring equinox sound bath and swim

More info and booking can be found at my website at

www.thedalesdipper.co.uk

22/01/2024

Please share, this helps my business a lot x

I've uploaded lots of dates for my swim guiding business - it's going to be a busy year! Lots for new stuff going on in the Lakes and the Dales, retreats & days out (and swim camps coming soon) check out the booking page at www.thedalesdipper.co.uk for more info.

I'm also really excited about being able to offer 100 places across my season on a donation only basis for my very popular Intro to wild swimming sessions, normally costing £35pp

These are specifically for those folk who want to give wild swimming a go but have limited or low income.

Simply book using the link above and pay me what you can on the day.

Why do this? Because sharing and giving when we can, is great fun too x

19/01/2024

If you were to flick through my social media you'll find very few, full length and face on, photos of me in my swimmers. You'd probably not find any at all that I myself have taken.

Why?

Because, for as long as I can remember, I've been shy of what my body looks like.

It's a body image issue and before swimming I'd only ever been seen with my top off within my 4 walls and on holiday in another country, such has been my body shame and shyness.

I even started wild swimming alone, because I was too shy to get changed in front of others. Not, like many have assumed, because I was brave and courageous.

I can't be the only guy that feels like this about his body?

And yet, I look at these photos, taken as part of a photoshoot from yesterday that I was invited to do (as a speculative piece for the newspapers) and I've been moved and reminded at the amazing journey I've been on with wild swimming, the swimming community, the new friends Ive made and, of course, what my body has achieved in almost 50 years on the planet.

Its struck me, again, about how I see myself must not stop me from following my dreams and doing the things that make me happy and fulfilled, the things that make me tick.

I hope that's an encouraging thought for anyone, male or female, who has the same struggle.

Don't forget that other folk are often more attracted to your engagement, joy, the words you speak and how we rub along with one another.

In acknowledgement of the wonderful community we are a part of, I've never recieved one negative comment from anyone in the swimming community about what I look like.

It's a wonderful feeling having found my tribe, where I can be as comfortable as I can be in those moments.

Now, shoulders back, and go and get the day.

Be delighted with who you are, proud even.

Ps. I'm thrilled with these 'staged' photos, because they're meaningful to me and are a good reminder to me to keep doing what I love, regardless of how I think of myself sometimes.

And if you're shy about your body, or anything else, and its stopping you from trying wild swimming, here's an open invitation to come and have a dip with Jen and me. Drop us a message x

17/01/2024

I've just been on radio 4, talking about todays dip and shortly after too much detail about the kings prostate.

Apparently I'm now known as the Dalesford Dipper 😆

This is the bottom end of radio entertainment. 😆

17/01/2024

Friends of mine own this little stretch of river and as I'd been contacted by Radio 4 this morning (to do some voice clips for their article on the cold between 5pm and 6pm tonight) this was the spot I could get to, walking. I can't get the car off the drive because of the ice. And yes, the steps are a real luxury!

Fab dip, amazing conditions. Water temp, just over 1⁰c

16/01/2024

SPECIAL EVENT - for the Spring Equinox. 10 places. Saturday March 23rd 10.30am

Soundbath followed by a Guided Wild Swim.

The booking page can be found on my website

www.thedalesdipper.co.uk

Master percussionist and long-term friend of mine Duncan Forrester will guide us in a sound bath using his amazing gongs and skills. This is a fully immersive experience that'll leave you feeling sooooo relaxed!

And then, when we are all ready and back in the room, we will take a short drive to an amazing and local dipping spot.

This will surely be an event you'll be talking about for a long while after! We did one last year, and it was a great success with fantastic feedback.

The soundbath will take place in a lovely venue in Settle. All details on booking.

23/12/2023

A serious post, to make you aware.

After a night over in a beautiful holiday cottage with our friend Jon and his son, we went to Gastack Beck for a dip. And, as you can see from this lovely post-dip photo, we'd had our usual fun time.

Jen and I headed home after this dip and minutes into our journey, Jen started to say she couldn't remember why we were where we were or what we'd being doing for the previous 24hrs. She was genuinely shocked that we'd been in a holiday cottage and even more shocked when I told her what meals we'd eaten. She genuinely couldnt remember any of it.

My immediate thought was that she may have suffered a TIA (mini stroke) or stroke - so I checked for stroke symptoms and was confident this was not the case. She looked well, had no signs of paralysis and her speech was clear and as articulate as normal.

A key symptom of this experience was that Jen kept asking me the same questions, minutes apart, and with exactly the same intonation and delivery and, I could see and hear, she had absolutely no recollection of asking me the same things a few minutes beforehand. Amnesia.

On arriving home, I got Jen tucked up in bed and our eldest looked up the symptoms and as a result, we found some articles (which I had read with less interest some months ago). These article speaks of Transient Global Amnesia, or TGA, which can be brought on by extreme hot and cold temperatures.

We are 99.9% sure that this is what Jen has experienced and probably brought on by extreme temperatures. A hot and cosy holiday cottage (we only have a couple of log burners at home, so are used to more regularly living in much cooler conditions) and then a very cold dip in very wild and windy conditions. We were only in a couple of minutes.

Jen has come round, somewhat, from this experience but still has gaps in her short term memory which may or may not return in due course according to what we've read.

Jen has given me permission to post about this, in order that you lovely people are aware of this unsettling experience - which is rare but can, and does, happen to those who partake in cold water dipping and swimming.

We will of course keep an eye for any further / physical symptoms during the coming days and should she experience any, we will be straight off to A&E for a check up.

Heres a couple of articles about swimmers and TGA, including this one from Dr Michael Moseley.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7367573/amp/DR-MICHAEL-MOSLEY-reveals-dip-sea-left-wife-fearing-suffered-stroke.html?fbclid=IwAR3q0g0_XO3fVrlwy1dxht4BEu8cdXg0k0_lB7bbkOfPImuvCnW58PgZoWk&mibextid=xfxF2i

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/30/cold-water-swimming-gave-me-amnesia-experience

Stay safe folk, be aware and take it upon yourself to know what to do in an emergency x

Note: we are also sorting a medical check up for Jen too, to be absolutely sure.

14/10/2023

As the colder water temps approach....

How long do I stay in for?

In short, we all have different tolerances and....

This exercise helps me know when I need to be getting out. I do it in the water.

Its pretty easy when I am warm and dry.

It becomes increasingly difficult as the cold effect sets in and my motor skills start to slow up as the cold front gets in to my core.

Don't forget, you'll be at your coldest 10-15 minutes after you get out. Warm layers and a hot drink also essential for me.

Try the excerise next time youre in.

99% of the benefits of cold immersion come within 50 seconds of full immersion. Prof. Mike Tipton.

08/08/2023

Please share

These are fab retreats. Great learning and fun dipping.

Two places have become available for this retreat 18-20th August with me & Dr Rachel Dobbing. Contact me about a late availability discount !! 🏊🏻

29/07/2023

I've not been much of a skinny dipper, I've been too shy, too embarrassed about my own body, and mildly terrified about being seen.

As a slight aside, I've often have folk say to me "you were so brave to start wild swimming alone" but...in reality, I was too shy to get changed in front of others.

Lately, I've been challenging that limiting notion and lack of self-confidence. Now, I'm really enjoying the skinny dipping - as I relax and accept who I am in these beautiful places. In this case, a beautiful place that was formed 290 million years ago.

21/07/2023

We were all really excited to be heading behind this waterfall...but one of us was really, really excited 😆

Have a great day folks. Thank you for all your support x

17/07/2023

On Monday July 31st I am doing a day of intro to wild swimming sessions for a private retreat near Keswick.

Jen is coming too - but she may be twiddling her thumbs while I work.

So I'm wondering if any ladies would like to meet up with Jen for a dip (or a few!) On this day too.

It goes without saying that, as Queen of Brownie making, there could well be special treats for those who can meet her for dip in the beautiful Lake District.

Comment or message me x

12/07/2023

I have one space just become available for a watery delights day (4 dips in a day) on Saturday 15th July.

£85pp - £15 discount if booked today.

Comment below if you'd like to take this place.

10/07/2023

Dip-Fest (A&B) 2024 - Lake District Dipping Festivals.

FEST A = 27th May 2024 to 30th May 2024 ( multiple places left)

FEST B = 1st June 2024 to 4th June 2024 (2 places left at time of writing)

You'll also find further info here https://www.thedalesdipper.co.uk/dipfest-2024

To book, visit www.thedalesdipper.co.uk and choose Dip-Fest A or B. Then fill in the booking form.

£399pp

£10 off for members of Dales Dippers. Simply write DALESDIP10 in the notes section of the booking form.

Pay in full or by £99 deposit + 6 monthly installments.

Once your booking form is received we will send you an email with payment details.

Any questions please use the contact form on the website. Sorry, no children this time. Its an 18+ event.

Woooooohooooo

Les & the chief brownie maker ;-) x

06/07/2023

Needed this today. Some days just feel heavier than others eh? The water holds us though. Temporary weightlessness.

04/07/2023

PLEASE SHARE.

Dip-Fest 2024

Amazing all inclusive cold water dipping festival(s) in the heart of the Lake District.

FEST A - 27th May 2024 until 30th May 2024
FEST B - 1st June 2024 until 4th June 2024

*Accomodation
*All meals included.
*Licenced Bar
*Bar-B-Q
*Fire pit
*Incredible Location and facilities
*Full day of Dipping in awesome places
*2 activities (Ghyll scrambling or Kayaking)
*On-site private stretch of river with pools
*On-site drying room
*Festival vibe
*15 minutes walk from Derwentwater
*Free time and open space to chill
*Join in or hang out in the lush surroundings

More info, cost & booking can be found here

https://www.thedalesdipper.co.uk/dipfest-2024

03/07/2023

OK, here's a fab giveaway for a pair of tickets at each Dip-Fest event.

Here's what you need to do. It's open to all.

🎈Join the Dip-Fest page here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2578838672396716/?ref=share_group_link

🎈 Like this post.

🎈Pop your name in the comments of this post or the same post on the Dip-Fest page (you may get yours and a friends place for free!)

🎈Share this post.

🎈Tag as many friends as you want, so they can do the same.

No limit on how many people you can invite or tag.

36% of places have sold in the last 24hrs.

Further information about Dip-Fest including dates, cost and booking here

https://www.thedalesdipper.co.uk/dipfest-2024

Giveaway only applies when bookings reach 80% - so please invite your friends and see if we can sell-out these events.

02/07/2023

Jen and I are delighted to announce that booking for Dip-Fest 24 is NOW OPEN for booking.

Visit www.thedalesdipper.co.uk and go to the booking page and choose Fest A or B. Then fill in the booking form.

You'll also find a dedicated information page on my website too - called, imaginatively, Dip-Fest 24 😁

To avoid online processing fees (which would cost us £600!) there is no payment required at the booking form stage.

Instead, we will send you an invoice by email with bank details in the next few days. You can then pay in full or Pay a £99 deposit followed by 6 monthly payments of £50.

Invoices will be sent out within 48 hours of receiving your booking form and places will be offered strictly on a first come, first served basis. You'll have 48hrs to pay, which will secure your place.

The last time we did Dip-Fest, it sold out within 2 hours, so get booking soon.

If you're coming with friends / as a group - there is space on the booking form to write their names - then we will do our best to keep you all together.

Any questions please use the contact form on the website.

Woooooohooooo

Les & the chief brownie maker ;-) x