Wild swimming family holidays

We have been asked on many occasions if we would run a child friendly trip. The answer is YES. Welcome to “Wild Families”. Dan (water safety expert) and Gabs (child care professional, and open water expert) are going to provide you with the opportunity to take your family wild swimming. We are going to give you the skills and knowledge to take your kids out and about and show them a good time out in the wild.

We are basing this trip in the amazing Cwm Pennant Hostel in the Cwm Pennant Vally close to the base of Snowdon. There we have a zillion amazing spots to swim, just a stone throw away. The Hostel has so much to offer us, other than its great location. It has a large games room where we can have a get together if the weather is too bleak to swim (we have yet to experience that kind of weather!!) or for activities in the evening, as well as a comfy lounge with a TV and DVD player. But we are there for the great outdoors, so you can explore the 13th century ruins, and have a go at orienteering in the grounds. Yes boys, they even have a football net!

This trip is for you all to have a brill time swimming, but as we are both educators, we want you (as parents) to go away with more than just pictures and memories of an amazing trip. We are going to provide you with the knowledge you will need to make sure that you and your family carry on wild swimming long after the holiday. You will be reading the maps, deciding on locations as well as learning about how cold water affects us adults and the kids. Dan and Gabs will be with you in the water and every step of the way, but we are not coaching or training you this weekend, we are making sure that you are having a blast with your family!

We will not be one to one with your kids, as we feel this is not part of the family experience. We won’t be looking after your nippers while you swim across the lake to happily jump of elephant rock; we are going to show you how to manage the kids in the water, to get them to enjoy this with you.

We will be providing you with 3 hot meals a day, with the option of the kids having dinner earlier. We be offering a kids menu and an adult menu so we can sure that no one is hungry!

The price is £350 per person – that is for an all inclusive three night stay. Although we prefer to think of it as £700 per child – and they get to bring an adult for free!

Intinerary

Travel up on Saturday morning, tea and cake on arrival... and a cheeky afternoon dip. Two course dinner after your swim, and set the kids to bed – whilst the adults relax in the lounge with a movie or a board game.

Sunday and Monday follow the same format – with the exact itinerary being weather dependant – but a big breakfast, followed by getting ourselves out and about in North Wales, after a group briefing and a good look at the maps. Exploring some of the wildnerness, learning about the local history, checking out some of the cool stuff - oh, and we can't forget SWIMMING!

If the weather isn’t great, nobody is forced to head out – there are lots of books, DVDs, and board games to occupy everybody. A hot lunch, which could be a picnic in the hills, or back to the hostel. After a busy day, a tasty two course dinner will fill everybody’s bellies – and we’re pretty confident that you will all be sound asleep not long after the kids!

Tuesday will be the last day – a lovely big breakfast again, a morning packed full of activities, and then after a hot lunch we will say our goodbyes as you head home.

Fine details

Adults and children of all ages are welcome.

We strongly recommend that children under 16 wear wetsuits (that fit) – as they cool down a lot faster than adults.

Under the age of 8, we require 1:1 parent:child supervision in the water. Above that age, we are happy for one parent to supervise two children. However, all kids must be supervised by their parents/guardians at all times.

We expect all of our guests to be competent swimmers, that goes for the kids and adults. Under 5’s must be happy in shallow water and have attended swimming lessons before the trip. Everybody needs to able to look after themselves in the water, and the kids need to full understand that the word of Dan and Gabs is law. We are happy to offer support, encouragement & guidance on swimming stroke technique etc., but we will not be offering any formal coaching sessions during the holiday.

Accommodation

The accommodation is in bunkrooms - each family group will get their own room. The hostel has a large drying room, a games room, loads of great outdoor space, and a large comfortable lounge.

The price quoted is for an all inclusive break - there are no hidden extras. That is every meal, every drink, everything you need for the duration of your stay.

Dates & prices

We've tried to be as flexible as we can - to accommodate wild swimming families of all shapes & sizes. So we keep our pricing simple. There is an early-bird booking rate of £350 per person - whether they are a small person or a big person.

If our planned dates don't suit - then get in touch - we can often arrange a bespoke trip at an equally competitive price.

Places are limited... so book fast.

Each family group will have their own bunkroom in the hostel, your own space to chill out, and wind down.

If you fancy it - don't hesitate to book here.