Saltburn Mermates

The Saltburn Mermates

A few weeks ago I went up to photograph and swim with the fabulous Saltburn Mermates in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Come rain or shine, this hardy group of swimmers dips in the North Sea every morning from 6.30am onwards. Saltburn is such a beautiful stretch of coastline for a sea swim ~ a good old-fashioned Victorian seaside resort with beach huts, a pier, and a cliff tramway, all set against the dramatic backdrop of some of the highest cliffs on the east coast.

These wild swimming communities are a huge part of the appeal for outdoor swimmers. Not only do they provide camaraderie and deep friendships, they also offer the best local advice of where and when it’s safe to swim.

Whilst researching my forthcoming book, Wild Swimming Walks Yorkshire, I’ve been indebted to these communities, who have enthusiastically shared their local knowledge. Whether it is swim spots to check out, sea swim conditions or updates on the flow of a particular river, it was a huge help in planning the swim walks.

There are so many Facebook groups out there whether you’re local or visiting an area and looking for company, tips or advice. Here in Yorkshire, we have the adventurous Dales Dippers the gregarious Yorkshire Dippers, the campaigning Soup Sheffield Outdoor Plungers, the early-rising Saltburn Sea Swimmers and the coastal dipping Whitby Wild Swimmers to name just a few…there are so many more!

As I began researching my book, at the recommendation of my publisher, I set up the Wild Swimming Walks Yorkshire Facebook group so people could join me on some of the test walks - and it’s one of the best things I did. The group has grown bigger than I ever imagined, testament to our desire to commune with others, particularly around wild swimming. I delight in a serene solo swim but I also love the joy and laughter shared when swimming with others as we dip our toes into the water. Starting out as strangers, we ended as friends as we enjoyed wonderful days out exploring the hills, dales and waterways of Yorkshire…so, if you haven’t done so already, my advice to you is seek out your tribe…🏊‍♀️🌊

In the meantime, here are some of the photos from my early morning dip with the Saltburn Mermates back in summer…
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