We’re excited to share all the details with you about this unique opportunity to experience cold water swimming in a beautiful rural setting.
Date 4th October 2024 – 6th October 2024
The Location
Wigwam Holidays Builth Wells is a peaceful farm retreat located between Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye, right on the Herefordshire/Powys border. Our site features six fully insulated, heated pod-style cabins. Each pod is equipped with an en-suite shower room, WC, and a kitchenette, offering all the comforts you’ll need. These cabins overlook our on-site lake, which is fenced for safety but just a short two-minute walk away.
The lake is exclusively for guests or pre-arranged groups, like our swim weekend. The idea for this weekend came from conversations with Emily, a local cold water swimming enthusiast who has travelled the world with her passion for the sport. Emily has kindly offered to share her knowledge and lead us through this cold water experience, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned swimmers.
The Weekend Overview
The aim of this weekend is to introduce cold water swimming in a relaxed and supportive environment. Emily will guide the group, sharing essential information about safety, the benefits of cold water swimming, and some tips for building confidence in the water. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just dip your toes, there’s no pressure—everyone can move at their own pace.
After each swim, we’ll gather around a warm fire with hot drinks to unwind, making it a cosy and enjoyable weekend for all.
What to Expect:
- Arrival: Check-in starts on Friday, 4th October 2024, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. I’ll be around to greet you as you arrive.
- Saturday: We’ll have breakfast finished by 10:30 AM, and Emily will join us at 11:00 AM for a chat about cold water swimming before heading to the lake for our first swim. Afterward, we’ll warm up around the fire and enjoy the rest of the day as you like.
- Sunday: Emily will be back at the same time for another swim session. Once we’re finished and warmed up, you’re free to leave whenever suits you.
Costs and Accommodation
The cost for the weekend is £125 per person. This includes two nights’ accommodation in one of our cosy pods, Emily’s talk, and two guided swims. Hot drinks will also be available.
The price is based on two people sharing a pod, with the option of either a double bed or twin beds. If you’re traveling alone, be prepared to share a pod with another participant in a twin bed setup. Single occupancy may be available at a higher rate.
For those looking for something extra, three of our pods have hot tubs available for an additional cost. These can be booked on-site if available, and payment can be made by card.
What You’ll Need to Bring
We aim to keep things simple, but here are some essentials:
- Swimwear
- Towels for after the lake swim (towels for the shower are provided)
- Warm clothes and a hat for after the swim
- Outdoor shoes for the short walk to the lake
You may also want to bring swim shoes or a wetsuit if you feel more comfortable with them, though they’re not necessary. Our drying room will be available for wet gear, so no need to worry about that.
Self-Catering Details
Our site is self-catering, so please bring all your food and drinks for the weekend. We provide a few basics like oil, salt, and pepper, as well as a selection of hot drinks.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel, a full refund is available with more than five days’ notice. For cancellations within five days of the weekend, we’ll move your booking to another date within the next 12 months, subject to availability.
We hope this swim weekend will be a memorable and relaxing experience. If you have any further questions or need more details, feel free to reach out.
Please contact us direct for further details or to hear about future events we will be running.
builthwells@wigwamholidays.com
Looking forward to seeing you at the lake!
