Christmas has officially arrived at The Bowgie and we couldn’t be more excited!
Winter in Cornwall can be a challenge to say the least, but with our survival guide of sea swims, clifftop walks and a whole heap of festive treats on offer here at The Bowgie, we guarantee you’ll be sailing through the winter storms with ease…
Wild Dipping Benefits & Best Spots
We admit, it takes a brave soul to take a swim off the Cornish coast in the darkest depths of winter, but cold water swimming has definitely increased in popularity over the last few years and it’s amazing to see how many people are now taking to the icy water. We think cold water therapy is one of the best kinds going. It does absolute wonders for the mind, body and soul by boosting the immune system, jumpstarting your metabolism, getting you outside in the fresh air and improving your mental clarity, which is certainly needed in these colder, darker months – not to mention it’s also free!
Whether you’re a regular dipper or are gearing up to try it for the very first time, the Cornish landscape is perfect for those wanting to challenge themselves and engage in wild swimming. There are even some great spots not far from The Bowgie, which means we’ll be on hand with those boozy hot chocolates to warm you up again afterwards! Crantock Bay, Polly Joke Beach and The Gannel on Crantock are all diverse and beautiful spots to swim, with The Gannel providing the safest option when the swell size is a little too dangerous out at sea.
Swim Safety Checklist
Whilst you are searching high and low for that swimsuit you thought you wouldn’t need again until next summer, have a quick check of the tides, size of the swell and research your intended dipping spot. Make sure you pack a warm towel, change of clothes, woolly hat and a robie or dry robe if you have one. (A plastic bag for those wet swimmers is also one of our top tips!) There are no lifeguards patrolling our beaches during winter so we strongly recommend telling a friend where you’re going, or better yet, bring your friend with you as your dipping buddy! And as a last piece of advice, on entering the water and taking that first, daring plunge, make sure you remember to breathe – you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget!
Coastal Walking
For those of you who think going for a sea swim during the colder months is just one step too close to crazy, there’s plenty of opportunities to stay dry and still enjoy our wild and rugged coastline in winter. There are a number of beautiful coastal paths and trails right on our doorstep that we highly recommend taking a ramble along! Head over to our Out & About page for some inspiration, and there are even some maps of a few of our favourite walks in the area available to download thanks to the South West Coast Path Association. There’s nothing better than good stomp out on the headland to work up an appetite before indulging in an afternoon of festivities and Christmas goodies!
Christmas Markets
However awesome it might be adventuring and exploring out in the Cornish wilderness, we appreciate it’s not for everyone! There are some beautiful Christmas markets and fairs happening up and down our coast this December, perfect for staying toasty warm inside whilst hunting down those unique and special gifts for your loved ones – and perhaps sneaking a mulled wine and mince pie while you’re at it! It’s also a great way to support the local and small businesses of our amazing county (something we aim to do all year round!) For more info, click here for more information about the Christmas markets happening throughout the rest of December in Cornwall.
However you end up spending the holiday period, we hope it’s filled with fun, laughter and lots of good food and drink!
For anyone fancying a mulled cider, gingerbread latte or other festive tipple, we’d love to see you!
Team Bowgie xxx
Please note – we’ll be closed from the 20th – 26th of December to give our team a well deserved Christmas break after all of their incredible hard work throughout another challenging year.