Cornish Wild Swimming Walk Retreat in partnership with Haye Cornwall
This weekend retreat combines two breathtaking Wild Swimming Walks, one coastal and one inland with 2 nights at stunning Haye Cornwall, which includes meeting the animals, learning about land regeneration projects and eating delicious homemade vegan food. This holistic wellbeing retreat is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle, spend time in the great outdoors and leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. The retreat is suitable for those who have tried Wild Swimming in the past, either a regular swimmer or dipper, or someone who is wanting to do more in a safe and supportive environment. Non-swimming partners are welcome to attend, there’s no pressure to swim. These retreats are intimate, with the opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals. There will be a maximum of 6 people so there is plenty of time to get to know each other and relax in this stunning environment.
What you'll do
You'll visit three wild swimming spots during two fully guided Wild Swimming Walks, getting to experience both the beauty of the coast and stunning Bodmin Moor with it's extensive views over inland Cornwall. When not walking you'll be staying in the tranquil setting of Haye Cornwall, where you will get the chance to meet Kate and Phil's rescue animals, discover how they are cared for and learn about land regeneration projects.
Saturday's Wild Swimming Walk
The first Wild Swimming Walk on Saturday will take us to explore the Cornish Coast. From the picturesque Cornish village of Cawsand we will take the coast path out to Penlee Point, from which views over Plymouth Sound and the Devon Coast are extensive. We will swim at the sheltered cove at Penlee Point before heading off to Rame Head, with views out to the Eddystone Lighthouse on a good day, this stretch of the Southwest Coast Path is truly breathtaking. The small chapel at Rame head will be explored and lunch had at the suitable spot. From Rame Head we continue on coast path, this time with extensive views down the Cornish Coast before taking the short walk inland back to Cawsand Village where there will be the opportunity for another dip or time to enjoy the beach and maybe collect some coveted seaglass. This walk is approximately 9km and with swims, breaks and plenty of time to soak in the views, it will take between 5 and 6 hours
Sunday's Wild Swimming Walk
On the Sunday we will venture inland to Minions on Bodmin Moor, one of Cornwall’s most dramatic landscapes for inland walking. This walk will explore the rich mining history that Cornwall is so well known for, the amazing geological rock formation known as the Chessewring and several Bronze age features including impressive stone circles known as the Hurlers. The 360 degree views from the Cheesewring give you an excellent opportunity to take in all that inland Cornwall has to offer. We will also visit Gold Diggings Quarry, which is a popular and beautiful spot for wild swimming. Its deep waters and high walls means it’s often more sheltered than surrounding areas. This swim is truly glorious, with the cool waters of the quarry refreshing at any time of year! Once we have swum, the walk back takes us to several stone circles including the Hurlers and the Pipers, two standing stones that legend has it were Pipers who were turned to stone. This walk is approximately 4.5km, mainly on good paths with some uneven and rocky sections of moorland, it will take between 2.5 and 3 hours. You will be welcome to leave for home after the walk or consider having lunch out in Minions before returning home or heading back to Haye before your journey home.
Haye Cornwall
Haye Cornwall is set in a beautiful sheltered Cornish valley, 20 minutes from Liskeard. By coming on this retreat you are directly supporting the rescued animals who live in this little slice of paradise, as all Haye Cornwall’s profits go towards their care. As well as 3 cats and a very friendly dog, you’ll meet Buddy the Kune Kune pig, 3 Dartmoor ponies, 3 donkeys, and a variety of chickens, and Kate will show you how she looks after the animals using positive reinforcement training. Kate and Phil are passionate about the land they live on, and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about regeneration projects that are designed to encourage more diversity and sustainable land practices.
Dates & times: 3pm on Friday 26th of September to 2pm on Sunday the 28th of September
Cost: £475 per person based on single occupancy or £435 sharing, all bookings through Haye Cornwall’s website.
Suitable for: Those with some experience of cold water swimming - you need to have done it before but you don’t need to be really experienced. You can swim in whatever you like, skins (swimming suit) or wetsuit or anything in between. Please note you will need to carry whatever you swim in and other kit, full kit list will be supplied on booking.
The walks will be at the pace of the group with plenty of opportunity to rest, take pictures and soak up the environment. There will be uneven surfaces and some uphill and downhill sections.
This retreat is also available to be booked for a small private group of up to 6 people, please enquire for details.
Bookings are made through Haye Cornwall's website.
What's included?
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2 Wild Swimming Walks, visiting 3 swim spots
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2 nights stay at Haye Cornwall
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Delicious homemade vegan food for the duration of your stay
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Packed lunches for the walks, please bring your own snacks
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An opportunity to meet the rescue animals including donkeys, Dartmoor ponies, chickens, and a pig called Buddy
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An opportunity to learn about and see positive reinforcement training with the animals
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A walk around Haye’s 25 acres viewing land regeneration projects
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Parking or transfers from Liskeard train station