Our guided swim retreats are aimed at swimmers who enjoy a dip but would like to challenge themselves to do a couple of longer swims as well. On our swims we explore slightly further away from the shallows and shoreline and enjoy adventures like a dip in Fingal's Cave if weather conditions allow. The water is still quite chilly so if you are swimming frontcrawl we recommend a neoprene hat.
Key information
Ability to swim 8 lengths of a 25m pool (breaststroke or frontcrawl)
Some open water experience
Wetsuit (or another neoprene item like shortie, long sleeved jacket) neoprene booties & gloves, swim hat (neoprene if putting head in the water)
🧤 Warm Clothing - Layers to put on after a swim (vest, long sleeved top/thermal, joggers/sweatpants, hoodie/jumper, gloves, woolly socks, woolly hat)
☂️ Waterproofs - Warm waterproof jacket, walking trousers (optional but recommended!), walking boots/sturdy waterproof trainers
📋 Other - A more detailed kit guide, travel information and itinerary are provided after booking.
Other activities you can enjoy while you're here include a visit to local craftspeople, boat trips, sauna and wildlife walking tours.
includes fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and sitting rooms with log burners; utility room with an electric drying rack
in garden overlooking Loch Pottie
Pick up and drop off at Craignure ferry terminal, Isle of Mull
All meals at Achaban House
With evening meals
Two qualified swim guides
changing robe, gloves, booties and tow float can all be borrowed on request
Ferry transport and walking tour
Mats provided
Cold water safety coaching
We start each day with a leisurely breakfast before heading off for our first swim. The first swim of the retreat is an acclimatisation swim so that everyone can find their feet and get used to the temperature and the surroundings. We find everyone feels much more settled and reassured when they have that first swim under their belts!
We head back to the house after each morning and afternoon swim to give folk the opportunity to have a warm shower and a snack.
Swims are always optional and chill out time always available.
We are very happy to take our guests to meet local craftspeople, experience a sauna on the beach, take a boat trip out to Fingal's Cave and enjoy yoga by a crackling fire.
Our itinerary is subject to ever changing, unpredictable Hebridean weather so we always need to move things around in response to that. But we guarantee amazing swims, spectacular beaches and an insight into our marvellous community and island life.
