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Bluetits Wales: Hike & Dip 2025

16th Aug 2025 - 20th Aug 2025

5 days/United Kingdom /Moderate

Overview

This trip is a little different from our usual Bluetits weekends as we combine our love for dipping with hiking!

We will be exploring the stunning landscapes as well as taking in waterfalls, cascades and swimming holes of the Brecon Beacons.We’ll be trekking 8 – 10 miles a day into the heart of the Brecons taking in some enchanting views along the way.

This weekend has been designed especially with The Bluetits Chill Swimmers to explore the very best swimming spots the area has to offer.

The Bluetits Chill Swimmers is a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers. They now have more than 100,000 Bluetits across the globe.

This trip has been graded as moderate, for someone of good fitness ability.

Please note this trip does involve more hiking than our usual Bluetits trips and you must be able to hike on differing terrain for up to 6 hours over consecutive days.

You do not need to be a great swimmer to take part in this adventure weekend. The Bluetit ethos is about encouraging people to enjoy the water, even if it is just dipping your toes in!

This trip has been graded as moderate for someone of good fitness. A Bluetit motto is ‘No Bluetit Left Behind!’ so what is most important is that you feel able to enjoy the weekend.

The walks will be along the undulating paths and will be a distance of 8 – 10 miles at a time. This will be at a gentle pace with plenty of time to rest and take in the views.

You will never be pressured to go out of your depth or beyond your comfort zone when it comes to swimming but you must be able to tread water in order to get the most out of the wild swimming adventure.

You do not need any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure weekend. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.

As you will also be hiking longer distances than our usual swim weekends, it is important that you are able to hike while carrying your own day pack.

The weather in the UK is unpredictable and changeable so you must check the local weather forecast prior to arrival and pack accordingly.
Typically, days are warm (average 17°C but could go up to 20°C) and nights are a little cooler (down to around 13°C). The water temperature in August tends to be around xx°C but can feel much colder.

Please note it is possible to experience extreme deviations from the normal climate pattern and very cold conditions are not impossible. Climate and weather conditions during the trip are out of our control. It is extremely important that you take responsibility to prepare yourself for all weather conditions during this challenge.

Our qualified Bluetit swimming guides are very used to dipping with people new to cold water swimming, and will explain what to expect at every step. We encourage you to take part in ‘The Bluetit Chorus’, which involves plenty of singing, shouting and the odd swear word to help your breath to acclimatise to the cold. Only you know your body, and we advise that you take things easy and allow your body and mind to acclimatise to the cold gradually.

Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure weekend. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the weekend to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!

Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.

This challenge is accompanied by professional Bluetits swim tour guides and qualified walking guides who will offer expert instruction in techniques and supervise throughout the trip.

You will need to wear comfortable walking boots or sturdy trainers for the walking element of the weekend and we advise you to bring waterproofs given the inclement weather we can experience here in the UK.

Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. A tow float, swim shoes and brightly coloured hat are essential for safety reasons. Other swimming accessories, such as wet suits, rash vests, swim shoes, gloves, goggles etc., are not essential but may make you feel more comfortable.

If you choose to take part in the gorge walk activity you will be provided with the equipment needed but we advise you to bring a pair of old, sturdy trainers and some shorts to wear over your wet suit. Wet suit boots or neoprene beach shoes are not appropriate.

You will also need to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers. A wooly hat and big gloves or mittens are also helpful.

Please see the full suggested kit list below.

You will stay in multi-share rooms at the Gyntawe Outdoor Centre.

The perfect spot to explore the southern Brecon Beacons, you will find the bunk house nestld amongst the rolling hills of the Swansea Valley.

There is a large communal dining room, lounge and drying room.

 

All meals will be provided as specified in the itinerary below.

You will be provided with packed lunches to take with you during the day.

If you have any dietary requirements you must inform us in advance.

Canyons are natural gorges that have been carved out of the mountainside by a water current. The gorge walk activity will see you navigate these dramatic channels through rock climbing, scrambling, swimming and cliff jumping.

This unique and exhilarating activity will provide you with spots to jump, stretches to swim, plenty of caves to explore and waterfalls to slide down.

Please note: This activity is optional and must be pre-booked at an additional cost. Equipment will be provided but please consult the full suggested kit list below.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 16 August 2025):

Arrive at the Glyntawe outdoor Centre to meet the group for dinner and introductions.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sunday 17 August 2025):

After a hearty breakfast we will head out to explore Wales’ Black Mountains with a full day of hiking, around 10 – 12 miles. This trip involves much more walking than our usual Bluetit adventures but we will ensure that there are plenty of stops to take dips in waterfalls along the way!
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3 (Monday 18 August 2025):

Today is a shorter day of hiking (around 5-8 miles) with 1 or 2 dips in the morning. After lunch you have some free time to rest, explore or even try the optional gorge walk activity (at an additional cost).
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4 (Tuesday 19 August  2025):

Another full day of hiking today as we take on another 10 – 12 miles. Bring your cossies though as there will be at least two dips throughout the day!
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5 (Wednesday 20 August 2025):

After breakfast you are free to depart at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest health and safety.  

Costs & How to pay

Total trip cost: £525

  • A non-refundable £95 deposit is payable at the time of booking.
  • Your remaining balance of £430 is payable to Different Travel 6 weeks prior to departure.

Optional Canyoning: £TBC

  • You can spend the afternoon trying the exhilarating gorge walk activity.
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

What's included

  • 4 nights at a bunk house in shared rooms
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Walking guides
  • Bluetits host and Bluetits swim guides

What's not included

  • Transport to/from bunk house
  • Personal expenses (e.g. tips, snacks or drinks bought locally etc.)
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal clothing and equipment (see kit list)
  • Optional activities

Have a question?

If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.