Wild Swimming Walks Weekend
26-28 September

We’re excited to partner with outdoor coach Cathy Harshaw to offer an incredible weekend of breathtaking Wild Swimming Walks.

This unique retreat is suitable for regular wild swimmers and dippers, or someone who’s tried it and wants to do more in a safe and supportive environment. Non-swimming partners are welcome, there’s no pressure to swim and the walks alone are stunning!

As well as wild swimming and walking, of course you’ll also meet our fantastic animals, learn about our land regeneration projects, and enjoy delicious homemade vegan food.

Our weekend of Wild Swimming Walks is £435pp based on two people sharing, or £475pp single occupancy, with all profits going to support the rescue animals in our care.

Email hayecornwall@gmail.com for more information and to book

What you'll do

You’ll visit three wild swimming spots across Saturday and Sunday. All swims are optional so you can swim or dip as much as suits you, and the relaxed and friendly environment Cathy creates means there is plenty of support but no pressure.

As well as seeing the most beautiful coastal and inland swimming spots South East Cornwall has to offer, you’ll also have the chance to meet our rescued animals and discover how we care for them, plus you’ll learn about our land regeneration projects.

Saturday’s Wild Swimming Walk

The first Wild Swimming Walk on Saturday starts at beautiful Cawsand village and follows the coast path to Penlee Point’s views of Plymouth Sound and the Devon Coast. You’ll swim at sheltered Penlee Point, then head to Rame Head and its views out to the Eddystone Lighthouse. After lunch, you’ll continue on the coast path and enjoy the incredible scenery of the Cornish Coast before heading back to Cawsand for another dip, or to just enjoy the beach – it’s a great spot to collect sea glass!

This walk is approximately 9km. With swims, breaks, and plenty of time to soak in the fresh air and incredible coastline, it’ll take between 5 and 6 hours.

Sunday’s Wild Swimming Walk

On Sunday, you’ll set off for Bodmin Moor, one of Cornwall’s most dramatic landscapes for inland walking. This walk will explore Cornwall’s rich mining history, the amazing 360 degree views from the Cheesewring, and several Bronze age features including the Hurlers stone circles. Your Sunday wild swim is at Gold Diggings Quarry – its high walls give it a unique atmosphere and make it quite sheltered.

This walk is approximately 4.5km, mainly on good paths with some uneven and rocky sections of moorland. It’ll take between 2.5 and 3 hours.

What's available

Places are just £435pp based on two people sharing, or £475pp single occupancy.

Accommodation is in a double or twin room in Apple Store Cottage, which has two bathrooms, a cosy lounge with reading nook, and a well-appointed kitchen, or in one of the double rooms in our 1500s farmhouse.

We’ll make sure you’re well fed, with delicious vegan food included.

All about you

You need to have done wild swimming before but there’s no requirement to be really experienced. You can swim in whatever you like, bathers, skins, wetsuit, or anything in between!

Please note you will need to carry whatever you swim in, plus your food, drinks, and other kit; a full kit list will be supplied when you book.

There will be uneven surfaces and some uphill and downhill sections, but the walks will be at the pace of the group, with plenty of opportunities to rest, take pictures, and soak up the environment.

All about Cathy

You’re in safe hands with Cathy.

She has worked as a professional in the outdoors for over 20 years and holds a range of National Governing Body Qualifications in multiple adventurous activities, including being a qualified Mountain Leader, a Rock Climbing Instructor, a Canoe Leader and a RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor; plus holds and maintains an up to date Outdoor First Aid qualification, an STA Open Water Safety Award, and Safeguarding Training. She is also an Accredited Practitioner of the Institute of Outdoor Learning. You can find out more about Cathy here, and follow her on Instagram here.

For more information...

You can see what it’s like to visit us by reading our reviews here and here, and you can tour Apple Store Cottage here.